Chapter Four:The Boy Across the Hall
692 Words
That evening Aria stood in the middle of the living room, turning slowly as she took in every corner of the apartment. The luxury wasn't new to her growing up all her life on riches.
She felt Maple residence was elegant without feeling extravagant.
Soft grey furniture, oak flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the university gardens, and a balcony that let the warm summer breeze drift through the open doors.
"It doesn't even feel like student accommodation," she said.
Emily dropped onto the sofa with a dramatic sigh.
"That's because it isn't."
Aria laughed.
"I've seen hotels smaller than this."
"You and me both."
Emily looked around once more before shaking her head.
"I still can't believe they put a scholarship student in Maple Residence."
"Maybe you just got lucky."
"Or maybe they wanted someone responsible enough to stop you from accidentally getting mobbed every five minutes."
Aria covered her face.
"Please don't remind me."
"I'm serious."
Emily pointed toward the window.
"If people find out where you live, this hallway is going to be packed."
Aria's smile faded slightly.
"I hope not."
Emily noticed the change in her expression.
"You really want a fresh start, don't you?"
Aria nodded.
"I've spent years living a life everyone admired."
She looked out toward the gardens below.
"But none of it ever felt... normal."
Emily didn't interrupt.
"I've had fans."
"I've had interviews."
"I've walked red carpets."
She smiled faintly.
"But I've never had a roommate."
Emily grinned.
"Well..."
"You've got one now."
The two girls laughed.
A comfortable silence settled between them as they began unpacking.
After a few minutes, Emily carried a box into the kitchen before pausing.
"So..."
Aria looked up.
"What?"
Emily hesitated.
"The guy across the hall."
"Damian?"
Emily nodded.
"Stay away from him."
Aria zipped up her suitcase.
"You said that earlier."
"I'm saying it again."
"Why?"
Emily leaned against the kitchen counter.
"I don't actually know him."
Aria frowned.
"You don't?"
Emily shook her head.
"No."
"But everyone on campus knows who he is."
"I've heard stories since my first week here."
"What kind of stories?"
Emily sighed.
"Fights."
"Suspensions."
"People crossing the road just to avoid him."
"I don't know what's true anymore."
She folded her arms.
"But I've never seen anyone challenge him."
"And if they did?"
Emily met Aria's eyes.
"They usually regretted it."
Before Aria could reply...
A knock echoed through the apartment.
Both girls looked toward the front door.
Emily frowned.
"Were you expecting anyone?"
Aria shook her head.
Emily walked over and opened the door.
Standing outside was a tall young man with messy brown hair and an easy smile.
"Hi."
He lifted one hand in greeting.
"I'm Mason."
He held up a small paper bag.
"My roommate made too much pasta."
Emily looked from the paper bag back to Mason.
"...Seriously?"
Mason laughed.
"Not really."
"I just needed an excuse to say hello."
Emily couldn't help smiling.
"I'm Emily."
"I know."
He pointed toward Aria.
"And I'm guessing you're Aria."
She nodded politely.
"Nice to meet you."
"You too."
Mason glanced over his shoulder.
"Our apartment's right across the hall."
"As you've probably noticed."
Almost on cue...
The apartment door across the hall opened.
Damian stepped into the hallway, keys in one hand and his phone in the other.
He looked up.
His eyes met Aria's for the second time that day.
For a second...
Neither of them spoke.
Mason turned around.
"There you are."
Damian's gaze shifted briefly to him.
"We're heading out."
Mason nodded before looking back at the girls.
"Some friends are grabbing dinner in town tonight."
He smiled.
"If you ever need anything..."
"Our door's always open."
Damian didn't say a word to them.
He simply locked the apartment behind him and walked toward the lift.
As he passed Aria...
He gave her the slightest nod.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Aria returned the nod without thinking.
The lift doors opened.
Damian stepped inside.
A moment later...
The doors closed.
Emily stared at Aria.
"...Well."
"What?"
"I think that's the longest conversation Damian Hayes has had with a stranger all year."
Aria blinked.
"We didn't even speak."
"Exactly."
- Writer
