Chapter Text
“This seems to be the last box.”
Rui’s new roommate walked in with one of his moving boxes. Their student apartment was quite nice, as to be expected from the biggest conservatorium in the country. It was spacious, with a lot of light coming through the big living room windows. They both had their own room, on opposite sides, with the living room in the centre of the apartment. They had a beautiful wooden, four-seat dining table in the middle of the room. And a cozy corner with a soft couch and a small TV.
Rui was so excited when he first visited the dorms. All first-year students get paired with an older student, sort of like a guide. His new roommate’s name was Kim Jiwoong, and he was a third-year student. He was an acting major at first, but picked up music as well. Rui was accepted as a dance major, but he hoped to be able to become a dual major too.
“Thanks for helping me get all my stuff up here.”
Jiwoong came back to the living room from the kitchen, carrying two drinks. He sat down at the dinner table, leaving Rui’s drink on the table beside him.
“Don’t worry about it, it wasn’t much work anyway.”
Jiwoong was right; compared to other students, Rui only brought two suitcases and three average-sized boxes of stuff. He still had a week before classes started. Unpacking could start later, first a drink to cool down. Jiwoong was right, compared to other students, Rui only brought two suitcases and three average-sized boxes of stuff.
He sure didn’t look forward to unpacking all of his clothes. His aunty said he packed way too much, but to Rui, it wasn’t enough. He just hoped he wouldn’t end up regretting not packing any specific pieces.
“If you want to, I can show you around. Might be useful on the first day, so you know where you’re supposed to go.”
Jiwoong grinned. He seemed to take his role as student guide very seriously. Rui considered himself lucky. His best friend Wumuti had been messaging him here and there about his roommate, and he didn’t get so lucky.
“That would be great, thanks! Perhaps I could bring a friend?”
Jiwoong laughed and shrugged.
“Bring all your friends.”
Jiwoong got up to bring their now-empty glasses to the kitchen, while Rui got up to grab a jacket. He had messaged Wumuti before; they’d be picking him up for a campus tour. He immediately accepted, anything to get out and away from his loud roommate.
They weren’t so far apart, since Rui was in one of the apartments on the fifth floor while Wumuti was on the second floor. So they took the elevator down, met on the second floor, and left the building with the three of them.
The university was massive, so it took them a while to get to the right places. Rui was a dance major, so Jiwoong took them there first. Even though classes hadn’t started yet, students were practicing their dance. It made Rui a little restless, wanting to join them.
They did find an empty studio, and Rui had to dance a short routine to get it out of his system. He wasn’t very shy or insecure about his talent, but being in the presence of many great dancers was humbling. Rather than insecure, he felt a little self-conscious as a first-year student.
Of course, Wumuti had watched Rui dance many times before. They had been friends for about thirteen years. Still, he always enjoyed watching Rui dance. It still amazed him how flexible the human body could be.
“You’re amazing, Rui! I can see why you got accepted.”
Jiwoong clapped after Rui’s short routine ended. He unplugged his phone from the cord, ending the random song he had played to dance to. Rui smiled shyly. He was no stranger to compliments, but receiving one from such a talented upperclassman sure hit different.
They left the studio and the building to move on to the music building. Wumuti was accepted into their music course, focusing on vocals. Last year, he tried to get accepted, but unfortunately, he was denied. He was devastated but quickly got back on his feet and did everything he could to get accepted this year. Of course, he did.
Rui believed it was supposed to be this way. Both of them joining at the same time just felt right. Otherwise, they’d have to miss each other for a year. Since the city they’re from was about a four-hour drive.
“If you ever need anything, you can find me here often. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
Jiwoong told Wumuti after the music tour. He politely thanked him, and after that, they went back to their dorm building.
It was Monday, one week before classes were starting, so they’d have a week to get ready. But before that, they’d have this big party to celebrate the arrival of the first-year students.
The university organised the original party, but according to Jiwoong, the after-party was the real place to be. Rui was excited and scared at the same time. He loved parties, but university parties usually included drinking alcohol. At least in most movies. And Rui wasn’t much of a drinker. He had tried a few different drinks, but he just didn’t like the taste.
“You don’t drink for the flavour, you drink for the effect.”
Jiwoong jokingly said when Rui expressed his concern about the upcoming after-party.
“Okay, but…”
Jiwoong quickly cut him off.
“Don’t worry about it. If someone tries to force you to do anything you don’t want, come find me. I’ll chase them off!”
Jiwoong had a playful glint in his eyes. Rui knew he meant it, but he couldn’t help but laugh at his roommate’s childlike charm.
“Okay, I will.”
After they had dinner, cooked by Jiwoong to celebrate his new roommate, Rui found himself in his bedroom. He didn’t have much stuff besides clothes. One box was only his drawing supplies, another one held necessities and his makeup. And the rest were all clothes.
He quickly found out he didn’t have nearly enough wardrobe space. Between all his dance clothes and costumes, his normal clothes didn’t fit. Rui sighed. Maybe if he asked, he could get a small closet for his normal clothes in the living room.
His bedroom wasn’t big enough for an extra wardrobe. He had a double bed, one desk and chair, and one double door wardrobe. It wasn’t much, but at least the double bed was very welcome. For now, he neatly folded the rest of it and shoved it into his suitcase. Then he placed the boxes and suitcases under the bed, out of sight. It took him the whole evening, but at least he was done unpacking.
It was the least of his worries, though. Rui sat down at his desk, looking in the mirror he had left there earlier. They had a two-sink bathroom, perfect for makeup and skincare normally. But Rui was hiding something. Before, he only had to hide outside, but now he had a roommate.