1 *Chapter 1*
I was standing in front of a white door, behind it was something I've never experienced before. The moment I open this door, my new life is starting. I take a deep breath and turn the silver knob. The old wood door creeks as I enter the first room, it was an entryway with a few cabinets and two shoe racks. A few pairs of slippers were aligned in front of a cabinet to my left. I pick up my backpack from the floor and grab my suitcase before I pass the entrance, putting my shoes away.
The first room after the hallway is a big and bright open kitchen, dining place, and rest area. Pastels colors and wood are everywhere giving off a very cozy feels to the place. In front of the couch, there is a small covered patio with some plants and flowers, a small couch, and a drying rack suspended to the ceiling, clothes hanging from it.
A girl with long black wavy hair is sitting on the couch, probably on her laptop from the sounds that are surrounding her.
I approach her silently, the only sound coming from my suitcase's wheels. I leave it behind the couch and go around it before tapping her shoulder gently. She turns around, smiling when she sees me.
"Hello! You must the new housemate?
- Yes it's me! Nice to meet you! My name is Han Subin and I'm a senior in high school. I said smiling back
- Nice to meet you! I'm Kim Sohye, one of the two oldest here. I'm an university student by the way. She replied, also smiling. The others are out to do some grocery shopping and fetch the youngest's uniforms. Have you got yours by chance?
- No but no one mentioned it when I went to register...
- That's weird, it's one of the first things they mention if my memory is good. She seems to be deep in her thoughts for a few seconds before coming back to reality Can I see your school ID for a sec, I might know the reason for that situation.
- sure! I replied smiling before giving it to her."
She analyses it for a while before jumping on her feet.
" I completely forgot you were a senior, you'll have a placement test tomorrow morning and will receive it in the afternoon depending on which class you are in.
- Senior gets different uniforms than the rest?
- Like I said, it depends on which grade you get on the placement test. But you'll see tomorrow don't worry about it. Do you need help unpacking? Your room is the second door next to the entrance. She announced swiftly changing the subjects.
-No I should be fine but thanks. I say slightly shaking my head, getting away from the couch.
I take my suitcase and go to the door, she showed me briefly. It was made of a light brown wood with a rusty handle attached to it. I grab the doorknob with my free hand and turn it, revealing the creamy white walls as it opened.
The room has a very comfy atmosphere, everything is either white, of natural wood color, or mint. A small cabinet is placed on the right, just behind the door, with two desks align next to it. One is facing the first window, and the two are separated by a small bookshelf with a printer on top.
On the opposite wall, two wardrobes are visible in one corner, with our names on it, while bunk beds were placed at the other corner.
In front of the door, more bookshelves of different heights are placed, half of them already filled with my roommate stuff. Fairy lights are hung around the room, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
I sit on my bed contemplating the room, before unpacking. I start by sorting all my clothes by categories, on my bed my shirts and blouse are put in one corner, my t-shirts in another; my coats and sweatshirts are placed on my desk chair, while my jeans, sportswear, and other bottoms, as well as my pajamas, are put on my desk. Then start numerous back forth for more than thirty minutes to get everything in my wardrobe. When I'm finally finished, I sit down at my desk and begin to go through the few stationery objects I have taken with me. The rest is supposed to arrive tomorrow through the post.
Suddenly, my phone starts ringing. I quickly look at the number showing on the screen before freezing in place, my phone escaping from my grip to finish on the desk. The noise made brings me back to reality and I start to shake and hyperventilate. The noise coming from my chair must have alerted Sohye as she barges into the room, looking stressed. When she finally noticed my state, she rushed next to me and starts talking as calmly as she can.
"Subin try to look at me, please."
I did as she asks, tears sliding down my cheeks. She takes my hands but I pull them away quickly, Not liking to be touched when I'm in this state.
"Focus on my breathing and do it with me, take a big inhale hold it for three seconds and exhale." She mimics the action and continue to repeat it until I'm calm enough to talk, or whisper in this situation.
"Are you better?
- Yes, thank you Sohye.
- Don't worry, I'm glad to have help you. The others will be back in a few, go to rest I'll tell Naeun to let you alone.
- okay."
I smiled at her and get up shakily from my chair, my head turning. Sohye tries to hold my hand for help but I flinched, not felling well for any types of skin contact right now. Understanding, she leaves me alone and I lie down under my comforter trying to sleep. However, memories flash before my eyes and I start to toss and turn knocking on my bed frame with my legs.
