A New Roommate.

Rufina’s POV.

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My eyes almost popped out of their sockets because immediately Xander stood up he lost balance, falling lightly to the ground which is light because he did try to support himself else I can’t imagine what would’ve happened.

I rushed to his side, shaking him gently and checking his pulse by pressing on his wrist. He seemed fine, just fainting from fatigue, I decided. I did do a little medical lessons, I'm just bad at believing it.

I start to carry him again but my word, he is a lot.

Some workers and customers had witnessed the incident, causing a slight commotion before a security guard stepped forward to help, “Excuse me, do you need any help?” the burly man ask and I sighed in relief, “Yes please, help me carry him to the car” didn't I look like a needed help? Sigh.

The man bent and just easily lifted unconscious Xander like he weight not much and swung him over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes and I was so embarrassed that I feel better knowing Xander won’t remember this.

“Thank you” I muttered to the man after he helped me deposit Xander inside my car. The man doesn’t reply, he just gruffly leaves and I don’t know what to make of that, he must’ve seen us as a nuisance just now.

I sigh both my palms finding a place to settle on my hip as I watched Xander. Now, he’d talked about safety right before passing out and also refused to let me take him to the hospital earlier so it's definitely not a great idea to take him to the hospital now that he's unconscious.

What an afternoon, I got in the car and drove to my condo and after going through hell with another kind man to get him in the house, I let the drunk man rest

>

"Rufina, you have a beautiful room," Xander's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He had been resting since I brought him back, clearly exhausted and stressed. I had planned to offer him some advice and encouragement once he woke up, which had finally happened after three hours of lounging on my couch.

I glance at him and boy does he look awful, he really shouldn’t get drunk again. "You're finally up. What─” I draw in a deep breath cutting myself off before vacating the couch I’d been occupying opposite him.

“You should probably take a shower," I diverted from what I wanted to say, walking towards the kitchen he doesn’t respond, probably wrapping his head around his situation. “The third room, doors left ajar” I guided casually.

"If you're done, come downstairs to eat. It'll help you relax, and I also want us to talk," I added, leaving without waiting for a reply. But Xander remained on the couch, as I turn to look at him, I find him smiling as if he had just discovered he could breathe underwater.

If he knew what I went through to bring him up here, he’d have a better look on his face. He seemed oblivious to everything happening in his life, he’s even flirting. I shake my head and leave with a sigh.

These are the few times I’m grateful I don’t have a roommate cause how’d I have explained a grown ass man I ain’t related to in the house?

>

Xander’s POV.

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I woke with a groan, my head pounding like a relentless drum. The ceiling above me was unfamiliar, a stark white expanse that was definitely not my bedroom. Panic surged through me for a split second before memories of the previous night─ day? filtered back in—a hazy morning of too much alcohol and stumbling out of the bar, right into the path of an oncoming car.

No shit I remember now. Redhead.

As I propped myself up on one elbow, I scanned the room. It was small but cozy, with a neat, minimalist aesthetic. The bed I was in was surprisingly comfortable, draped in a navy-blue duvet. A framed print of the Chicago skyline hung on the wall opposite, and a large window let in the soft glow of early evening light.

"Rufina, you have a beautiful room," I commented, my voice hoarse and fatigued.

She glanced at me and fuck, she is beautiful and─ her stance I notice are a bit on the stern side, must be a first born daughter, my head pounds in agreement. I’m geniunely regretting this alcohol induction, but would I have met her otherwise? If I was sober?

No.

"You're finally up. What─” she seemed to think better of what she was about to tell me and it makes me wonder, but she only drew in a deep breath and vacated the couch she’d been occupying opposite me. Has she been watching me sleep? I smile.

“You should probably take a shower," she said before walking towards the kitchen, and her kindness stirs a dead part of me, “The third room, doors left ajar’ she directed me and it felt pleasant to be cared for.

"If you're done, come downstairs to eat. It'll help you relax, and I also want us to talk," and she’s gone.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, wincing as I stood up and oh ‘kay it's not a bed i’d been lying on but a couch. One big couch.

The woman who had hit me—Rufina, if I recalled correctly— must have had to bring me to her place after I passed out on her. The smell of something delicious wafted through the air, making my stomach growl. She had told me to go upstairs and take a shower before dinner but…

Curiosity got the better of me. I ran my fingers over my hair as I decided to take a tour of where I'm staying. This is the living area, my eyes took in the surroundings. The condo was modern and immaculate, every piece of furniture and decor carefully chosen. The living room had a large, plush sofa in a neutral tone, a sleek coffee table, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. Shelves held a curated selection of books and a few potted plants, adding a touch of greenery to the space.

On the shelf, I noticed a sheet of paper pinned to the side with a magnet. Scribbled on it was Rufina's name and phone number, followed by a note: "Looking for a roommate." I couldn't help but smile at the serendipity. Here was an opportunity I hadn't expected.

I made my way to the staircase, still marveling at the turn my day had taken.

I glanced around once more, taking in the details. There were three rooms in total—a master bedroom, a smaller guest room, and what looked like a home office. Everything about the place was warm and inviting, just like its owner yet somehow cold and distant just like its owner.

As I ascended, I began to form a plan. Rufina needed a roommate, and I needed to find a way to stay close to her. Maybe this was the opportunity I needed to let go. A chance to start over, in a way, and perhaps get to know the woman who had so unexpectedly entered my life.