Karina stepped into the small, bare room that would be her new home, greeted by sunlight streaming through the dorm window.

She set her bags on the bed beside the window and took a moment to breathe, taking in her surroundings: a twin bed against the far wall, two cramped workstations with sturdy chairs, lockers at the foot of each bed, and a small bathroom tucked to one side. The smell of fresh paint and polished furniture lingered, adding to the sense of new beginnings. Still, nerves fluttered within her, a mix of excitement and homesickness.

She arranged her favorite books on her desk, adding a small framed photo of her family—a small comfort she hoped would ease her into this new chapter.

Just as she began unpacking her clothes into the locker, the door opened, and her roommate entered—a girl with a warm smile and friendly eyes that immediately put Karina at ease.

“Hi!” said the cat looking girl with a bright, welcoming grin as she stepped inside, her arms loaded with bedding and books.

“I’m Yeji. I guess we’ll be sharing this room?”

Karina moved forward a little nervously.

“Hello! I’m Karina,” she replied, trying to sound breezy but feeling the slightest hint of uncertainty. She had promised herself not to stumble on her first day here—and especially not with her new roommate.

Yeji chuckled, looking around with a nod. “Great to meet you, Karina! So, did you pick a bed already?”

Karina gestured to the one by the window. “I hope you don’t mind—I took this one.”

“Of course, it’s perfect!” Yeji replied, settling in with a smile. “You like sitting by the window, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess I do,” Karina said, relaxing as she felt a connection forming. “Where are you from?”

As they unpacked side by side, Yeji shared stories of her hometown, her favorite study spots on campus, and the best places to grab coffee. Karina found herself opening up more than she’d expected, laughing easily.

“You’re so easy to talk to!” Karina said, chuckling. “I didn’t think I’d feel this comfortable on the first day.”

“Good!” Yeji replied, full of warmth. “Trust me, everyone’s just trying to make friends. Besides, roommates have to stick together, right?”

Karina grinned, feeling her nerves start to fade. “Yeah, right.”

They spent the afternoon strolling around campus together, taking in the mix of old brick buildings and modern architecture. The trees were bursting with autumn colors, and Karina couldn’t help but feel grateful that Yeji was by her side.

Suddenly, a loud, excited voice rang out. “Yeji! Oh my gosh, YEJI!”

A lively figure rushed toward them, her light brown hair bouncing as she moved. Yeji’s face lit up instantly.

“Lia?!” Yeji laughed, opening her arms as the girl barreled into her for a hug. “I didn’t know you’d be here!”

The two friends leapt and shouted in excitement, drawing smiles and glances from passersby. Karina watched, a warm smile on her face, feeling a bit awkward but appreciating the joy radiating from them.

A new figure approached, catching Karina’s attention—a girl with short hair and a casual, cool demeanor. She moved with quiet confidence, her eyes flicking over Karina as she smirked slightly.

“And who might this be?” she asked, her voice smooth as silk, her gaze fixed on Karina.

“Oh, uh...  I’m Karina,” she replied, blinking at the girl’s directness.

The girl offered a teasing grin.

“Ryujin. Nice to meet you, Karina.” Her gaze lingered a beat too long, and Karina’s heart skipped a little.

Yeji, catching the playful tension, leaned over and whispered to Karina,

“Watch out for her. She’s trouble,” with a grin that made Karina chuckle.

Finally, Lia turned her attention to Karina. “And who’s this friend of yours, Yeji?”

Yeji beamed, patting Karina’s arm. “This is Karina, my roommate. And, Karina, these are my old high school friends, Lia and Ryujin.”

“Nice to meet you!” Lia said with a bright smile.

“And don’t worry about Ryujin—she acts tough but has a soft spot for new friends… and pretty girls, apparently.”

Karina blushed slightly and looked down, laughing. “Well, nice to meet you all.”

The sun dipped lower as they stood there, and Karina felt warmth and anticipation filling her for what was ahead. She glanced at Ryujin, who was still watching her with a mischievous glint.

“So, just so you know,” Karina said with a friendly smile, “I’m taken.” She hoped it would set the record straight while keeping things light.

Ryujin raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening.

“Taken, huh? Good to know. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate beauty when I see it.”

Lia laughed, nudging Ryujin. “Better keep looking—plenty of pretty girls around here!”

Ryujin mock-sighed, spreading her arms dramatically. “I suppose I’ll have to keep searching. But I still think you’re adorable, Karina.”

“Yeah, well, I’m really happy in my relationship," Karina laughed, feeling both flattered and a little embarrassed.

Yeji leaned closer, smiling. “See? You’re already popular.”

As they all shared a laugh, Karina felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Surrounded by her new friends, she let herself feel truly at ease, ready for the adventures this new life would bring.