The café buzzed with laughter and chatter, the rich aroma of coffee swirling around us. I sat at a small table with my friends, their excitement infectious as we caught up over steaming mugs.

"Okay, spill! How's life with your mysterious roommate?" Jess leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I mean, she's fine. We don't really talk much, though."

"Seriously? You live together!" Sam exclaimed, a teasing grin on her face. "What's the deal? You should totally get to know her!"

"Yeah, but she's really quiet. I don't want to push her," I replied, taking a sip of my coffee. But I could feel my cheeks heat up just thinking about Lena.

"Maybe you're just crushing on her!" Jess nudged me playfully.

Ever since I came out as gay to my friends, they've been supportive, really. It's just that now, they keep setting me up with almost anyone.

"I am not!" I protested, but there was a hint of uncertainty in my voice. "It's just... she's interesting. You know?"

"Interesting how?" Sam asked, leaning closer. "Like, does she have a boyfriend? Does she ever go out?"

"No idea. She mostly keeps to herself," I admitted, glancing down at my cup. "But I caught a glimpse of her the other day... in the bathroom...just wearing a tank top."

"Wait, what?" Jess interrupted, eyes widening. "A tank top? Tell us everything!"

"So you... peeped on her? " Sam added, intrigued but worried.

"I didn't mean to look!" I quickly explained, feeling my face flush. "But I caught a glimpse of her, and she was covered in tattoos—like, all over! Neck, arms, even her ribs!"

"Whoa!" Sam's voice rose, full of intrigue. "Your roommate sounds like a total badass!"

"I never thought that would be why she always wears hoodies or long sleeves," I mused, biting my lip. "It's kind of weird, right? Like, what's she hiding?"

"Maybe she's in the mafia or something," Jess said, her tone serious yet playful. "Or maybe a spy!"

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah, right! My roommate, the undercover agent. Can you imagine?"

"Well, you know what they say about the quiet ones," Sam added, waggling her eyebrows. "They're always the most dangerous!"

"Seriously, though," Jess said, leaning back with a mock thoughtful expression. "What one of those? By day, she's just your average quiet girl, but by night? Total rebel!"

I rolled my eyes, but the idea was amusing. "I don't know, it just makes her more interesting, I guess. I wouldn't mind getting to know her better."

"Or maybe you're just into the whole 'mysterious girl' vibe," Jess teased, nudging me again.

"Ugh, stop it!" I laughed, but inside, I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought. The more I thought about Lena and the mystery, the more curious I became. "It's not like that... is it?"

"Who knows?" Sam said with a wink. "Maybe you're just one awkward conversation away from your new crush!"

As we laughed and bantered, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted to learn more about my elusive roommate. Perhaps the next time I saw her, I'd find a way to break the silence.