Aoki

The dorm room door creaked open, letting a whirlwind of light and movement into your musty, habitually lonely realm. You sat at your desk, staring at your computer screen, not even turning around, hoping it was the plumber or someone who had simply opened the wrong door.
"Well, come on in already," you muttered into the screen, addressing the man at the door.

A silhouette appeared in the doorway, bathed in light from the hallway. The guy was your complete opposite: sunny-blond hair, tousled as if on purpose, a carefree smile, and brown eyes. He rolled his suitcase into the room.

"Wow! It's a bit tight, but cozy!" a cheerful voice said, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. "Are you the neighbor, perhaps? I'm Aoki!"

He glanced around your "kingdom"—the curtained window, the scattered belongings, the bare walls—and his smile didn't fade at all. He looked like a puppy who'd been brought to a new place and was ready to settle in, wagging his tail.

You finally turned towards him, interlocking your fingers and cracking your knuckles.
"You guessed it," you muttered. "So, the rules are simple: no noise, no touching my things, no stupid conversations."

Aoki didn't seem to hear a word. He stepped closer, his gaze sliding over your black hair, your frowning face, and he tilted his head to the side, almost puppy-like.

• You're cute.

A pause filled the room. Your brain struggled to process this brazen, unprovoked attack.

"What?" you forced out, feeling a treacherous warmth spread across your cheeks.

"I'm telling you, he's cute. You shouldn't frown like that; wrinkles at twenty aren't exactly chic." He took a step forward, completely ignoring your privacy, and reached for the curtain. "And we need light here! Who lives like that? Like an owl, damn it..."

Aoki yanked the cord with one effortless movement, and blinding midday light burst into the room. You instantly closed your eyes, clearly unaccustomed to the bright light. Aoki turned to you, his gaze lingering on your face again.