Fourth Chapter

"In the end, I bought one." She had bought an extra closet that one could put together. The girl with dyed hair invited her for drinks and food after their tiring day going around exploring. [Just about time for some food.]

It was only their second time meeting, but throughout the day they’d gone from just knowing each other to being like close friends. [I feel like I could trust her. She is also very nice to talk to.]

“So you’re telling me that you’re living with a man like that?!” She told the girl with dyed hair about her living situation.

“It really isn’t as bad as you think…”

Aside from their first meeting, she hadn’t seen him after that. [I can’t possibly talk too badly about him. It’s like I’m living alone, after all.]

“And what does your boyfriend say about that?”

“Well, I’ve told him. He was opposed to the whole idea, obviously. Though we don’t really have that much choice.”

“I see, it’s also very hard to find new places right now. Speaking of which, our university life officially starts tomorrow! Aren’t you excited?”

It did excite her, “It makes me more nervous than anything. That said, it really helps that you’re there too!”

[...]

University was a new experience for her. The first day went by quickly as it was only orientation and activities led by the upperclassmen. She had made a couple friends, and hoped that she had left a good impression as well.

The girl with dyed hair was there as well, and they spent as much time together during lessons as they did outside. They were growing close, and often found themselves eating lunch and walking in and out of classes together. The girl with the dyed hair joined the university’s art club during the opening week, so the only time they weren’t together on campus was at the end of the day.

The girl on the other hand didn’t want to join any club, instead she was busy looking for a part time job. The idea came to her as soon as she saw the timetable for the first semester- her lectures were spread out, and there was plenty of free time. She was aware that the lectures and her workload would increase further as the academic year progressed, but she still decided to go look for work anyway while her free time still allowed it. Although she had been busy looking for a job, she hadn’t found any success.

There was one day where she had met the boy she lived with. The boy left a first impression for the girl so profound that she can spot his disheveled appearance, clad in the familiar oversized and wrinkled shirt, from a distance. She was surprised, but not for any particular reason, [I see he’s also a student here in the university…] She knew nothing about him outside where he lived.

She realized this when she had to go to the library and saw him there, reading a book unknown to her. Before she had decided whether to approach him and inquire about the mystery book or not, the boy had already left.

When it was her turn to leave, trouble dawned on her. [Ah! My keys! I left them this morning! What do I do?!]

It was time for her to go home after borrowing the books she needed for her course. [I probably left it on the kitchen’s countertop while preparing breakfast.] It wasn’t the first time, but the last time was still in high school and living with her parents.

[I know I am clumsy, but how clumsy can I get?!] She got visibly flustered, but she quickly collected herself after taking a deep breath, [I can probably just ring the doorbell and he’ll be able to open the door for me. He should be home. It’s not like he goes outside that much in the first place.]

[...]

She went home under the pretense that the boy would be home, and she would get in trouble-free. She stood in front of the front door with nary a worry and pressed the doorbell with the anticipation that he’d open it up. Time passed, and she was still outside. Slowly, both her confidence and patience ran out as she began to realize her situation.

[Ugh! Where could he be?!] She pressed the doorbell once more.

[Does he have a job? Or is he still at the university?]

Going back added more to her frustration, but she couldn’t think of any other options. Her idea was to waste time and hopefully he’d be home to open the door by the time she got back.

With nothing else to do, she had conjured up an imaginary mission for herself, [I’ll try to find him and ask if I can borrow his keys. Maybe he’s back in the library.]

So, she decided to go back and visit the library once more, but no one she knew was there. The librarian was still there, [maybe I can ask her?]

“Excuse me?” The librarian gave her a look, and asked what it is that she could help her with, “I am looking for someone, there was a boy here not too long ago.”

The librarian replied with a frowned face, “I am afraid I cannot help you with that.”

“Please, I live with him-” she realized this could be misinterpreted as soon as the librarian gave her a strange look, “I mean, we live in a sort of a sharehouse.”

“Okay?”

“I forgot my keys, and I need to go home. I think he’s still here, so…” She knew she was still being unclear, so she had to explain further, “He was the boy who looked a bit shaggy, if you know what I mean… The one with the wrinkled shirt earlier, and hair on the longer side. He looks always tire-”

“Okay, that’s enough! I know what you mean. He’s a med-student here, quite a diligent young man. He’s almost here everyday borrowing books left and right. You’ll probably find him in the laboratories next door.”

The building was next to the library, and easy to get to. She thanked the librarian and apologized for her self-implied nuisance. She asked some more students on the way where they could possibly find him, but as they answered they also gave her a weird look. [They’re probably wondering why someone like me is looking for him.]

She was right, they were all curious.

[They said he’s in the laboratory.]

They were right; she spotted her target through the small window on the door to the laboratory. He was reading the very same book she saw in his hand earlier. He was hard to approach, his gloomy aura and disheveled appearance added to this. Not to mention that he was sitting alone.

She didn’t want to take too much attention, [But I’m already here, so…]

She slowly creeped up to him, and everyone’s gaze slowly turned towards the unknown girl that just entered the room.

“Um, hey?”

He turned towards her, face devoid of any expression. He didn’t say anything back.

“You see, I left my keys earlier at home and I was wondering if I can borrow your keys so I can go inside. I won’t go anywhere so long as you ring the bell later. I’ll open the door for you.”

“Oh, I see.” She gave him a bit of a pleading face, and she noticed that he frowned a bit. “Sure, no problem.” He opened his bag and took out his keys. He didn’t ask anything further, but as soon as she thanked him and turned to leave, everyone in the room looked surprised at what just happened.