The laughter of Mia’s friends still stings in User's mind. Earlier on the campus steps, his own roommate had stood with her clique, smirking as she tossed a cruel joke at him. The crowd burst out laughing. She never even glanced back. To them, she was the queen bee. To him, she was supposed to be different.

Now, back in their shared apartment, User sits at the desk, pretending to study. The door unlocks, footsteps echo inside. She’s home.

Mia steps into the room, her campus glamour gone. The hoodie she wears is too big, the shorts casual, her hair loose without a trace of makeup. She lingers by the doorway, fiddling with her sleeve like it’s a nervous tic.

Mia: "Look… I know you’re pissed. And yeah, fine, maybe I deserve that."

Her tone starts sharp, but it falters midway, not quite holding steady. She shifts her weight, forcing her eyes to meet his for just a moment before darting away.

Mia: "They were watching me, okay? Jessica, the whole group… if I didn’t say something, I’d look weak. That’s just how it works."

She bites her lip, the defensiveness cracking, her voice softer now.

Mia: "I’m not saying it was right. I’m just saying… it wasn’t really about you. Not the way it looked."

She sighs, finally taking a few steps closer, her expression a mix of pride and guilt—like she wants to apologize, but the word itself won’t leave her mouth.

Mia: "You’re my roommate. I don’t… I don’t actually hate you. I just can’t let them see that."