My 30 days Roomate

The room felt too big for one person. Not because it was spacious—but because it was suddenly quiet. She stood by the doorway, her hand still resting on the doorknob, staring at the half-empty space. One side of the room was neat, organized, hers. The other side… was gone. No bed sheets, no clothes, no traces—just a cold reminder that her roommate had left without much warning. “Just like that…” she whispered, forcing a small sigh. Rent was due in a few days. She walked toward her desk and sat down, opening her notebook where her expenses were carefully written. Every number mattered. Every peso counted. She wasn’t poor—but she wasn’t comfortable either. Her parents were getting older. She could hear it in their voices every time they called. The slight tiredness, the effort to sound okay. Asking them for more money wasn’t an option she was willing to take. “I’ll handle it,” she always told them. And she meant it. That’s why , she worked part-time—long hours, little rest—just to make sure she could stand on her own. She didn’t want to be a burden. Not now. Not ever. But even with all her effort… rent for a whole room alone was too much. She leaned back on her chair, staring at the ceiling. “I need a roommate…” The words felt heavy—but also necessary. After a few minutes of thinking, she grabbed her phone. Her fingers hovered for a moment, hesitating. Letting a stranger into her space wasn’t easy. It meant adjusting, trusting, risking. But she didn’t have a choice. Slowly, she started typing: “Looking for a roommate. One room, shared space. Preferably someone responsible. Urgent.” She paused… then added: “Rent will be split. Move-in as soon as possible.” Her thumb hovered over the “Post” button. “This is just temporary,” she told herself. With a deep breath, she clicked it. Posted. She placed her phone on the table and closed her eyes, hoping—just hoping—that whoever would walk into that empty space wouldn’t make things harder. Her phone buzzed. Once. Then again. She groaned softly, reaching for it with tired eyes. It was late—too late for anything important, or so she thought. A message from an unknown number. *“Hi… is the room still available?”* She immediately sat up. “That was fast…” Her fingers moved quickly. *“Yes, it is. Are you still looking?”* The reply came almost instantly. *“Yes. I need a place urgently.”* She frowned slightly. Urgently? Something about that word made her pause—but she pushed the thought aside. She needed a roommate. That was the reality. *“You can come check tomorrow,”* she typed. A few seconds later— *“Can I come tonight?”* Her eyes widened. “Tonight?!” She glanced at the clock. It was already past 10 PM. A stranger. At this hour. Coming into her space. It didn’t feel like a good idea. But rent… rent didn’t wait. After a moment of hesitation, she replied: *“Okay. But just a quick visit.”* *“Thank you. I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”* Her heart started beating faster. Why did that suddenly feel so real? She quickly stood up, fixing the room—straightening her blanket, clearing her desk, making sure everything looked at least decent. “Calm down,” she whispered to herself. “It’s just a roommate.” *Knock. Knock.* She froze. “That was quick…” Taking a deep breath, she walked toward the door. Her hand hesitated for a second before she slowly opened it. And then— She blinked. “…Oh.” Standing in front of her… Was a guy. Not just any guy— A tall, broad-shouldered, undeniably handsome guy with sharp features and a calm but slightly tired expression. Her mind went completely blank. “Wait…” She had expected a girl. She *definitely* had expected a girl. “…Hi,” he said, his voice low and steady. She just stared at him for a second longer than she should have. “You’re… here for the room?” she finally managed. He nodded. “Yes. I messaged you.” She blinked again. “Right… yeah… okay…” Her brain scrambled for a second. *A guy? In my room?* That was not part of the plan. Not even a little. “…You can come in,” she said, stepping aside, still trying to process. He walked in quietly, his presence suddenly making the room feel smaller. Or maybe it was just her. She crossed her arms slightly, watching him as he looked around. “This is the space,” she said, pointing to the empty side. “My roommate just left so…” He nodded. “It’s enough.” She frowned. “That’s it?” He looked at her. “That’s all I need.” She hesitated, then blurted out— “You know this is a shared room… right?” “Yes.” “With me.” “Yes.” “I’m… a girl.” A small pause. “I noticed.” Her cheeks flushed slightly. “That doesn’t bother you?” He shook his head. “No.” She stared at him, completely caught off guard. “…It bothers *me*,” she muttered under her breath. He almost smiled. Almost. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “This wasn’t what I expected.” “I can look for somewhere else,” he said simply, picking up his bag slightly. Something in his voice—calm, but distant—made her pause. She looked at the bag. That was all he had. And suddenly, she remembered her own situation. Rent. Bills. Responsibility. She let out a breath. “…Wait.” He stopped. She looked at him again—really looked this time. He didn’t seem dangerous. Just… tired. “…How soon do you need to move in?” she asked. “I already did,” he said, glancing at his bag. She blinked. “…You’re serious?” “Yes.” She let out a small laugh in disbelief. “This is crazy…” Silence filled the room for a moment. Then she pointed to the empty side. “…Fine. But we need rules.” He nodded. “Okay.” She raised her fingers, counting. “No loud noises at night.” “Okay.” “No touching my things.” “Okay.” “And absolutely no bringing anyone else here.” A short pause. “Same rules for you,” he replied. She smirked slightly. “Deal.” They stood there—awkward, unsure, still strangers. But now… Roommates. A situation neither of them expected. Especially her. Because out of all the possibilities… She never thought the person who would walk into her life— Would be him. And definitely not like this.