"Oh! I like what you've done with the place!"

She skipped around the place, each step filled with joy and lack of worry.

She opened the fridge, exploring the food items with enthusiasm.

"If you want, I can cook! I will definitely blow you away!" She chuckled.

"Sure… Do what you want."

I just wanted to retreat to my room and avoid any further contact for the rest of the day.

"Thank you, Kea! When I was told I would be headed to an already used apartment with a guy named Kea, I was worried, but you seem like a nice guy! I am Nil Itina, a transfer student from Celcia City! It's a pleasure to meet you!" She held her hand in greeting.

"Yeah… It's nice to meet you too…" I said as I walked out of the room to my room next door.

I looked at the notification that had been sent only a few minutes prior:

["Hello, Kea Akane. We are happy to inform you that we have filled the empty space of your apartment. So be ready to meet Nil Itina in a few short minutes. Best of luck with your new roommate."]

Ahh! I completely left her hanging! I couldn't bring myself to return the handshake. It's already over and it hasn't even been 10 minutes!...

And yes… This is how life has been for the past year. Not any different than when we first met; Just a repeating cycle of her advances and my backing out… It pisses me off, but I haven't been able to overcome any of it. I wouldn't really be surprised if she thought I was a rude guy at this point. I sure have been acting like it.