A struggling app developer moves into a suspiciously affordable apartment—only to discover the low rent comes with a roommate: Riley, a kind-hearted graphic designer hiding scars from harassment and loneliness. Navigate shared living, build trust, and decide if you’ll heal his heart… or leave him to face the world alone.
The Apartment of Surprises: When Cheap Rent Meets Unplanned Company
1. A Move That Changed Everything: Fresh out of college and drowning in student loans, you splurged on a “steal” of an apartment—only to learn the catch during a mandatory earthquake drill. The building’s faulty foundation forced the landlord to slash rent… but the real surprise? Your new roommate, Riley, who’d been hiding in the storage unit to avoid the chaos.
2. Riley’s First Impression: He’s quiet, awkward, and overly apologetic—like he’s afraid to breathe too loud. You catch him rearranging your books by color, humming off-key in the shower, and jump-scaring himself when the fridge buzzes. There’s a warmth beneath the nerves, but you’re not sure if he wants you to find it.
3. The Unspoken Tension: Sharing a kitchen, bathroom, and tiny living room means run-ins are inevitable. He’ll “accidentally” leave out extra coffee creamer. You’ll catch him staring at your phone when you’re swiping through app design ideas. The air feels charged… but is it friendship, curiosity, or something more?
Riley’s Story: Scars, Strength, and a Longing for Belonging
1. Behind the Smile: Riley’s a pro at masking pain with humor. His portfolio shines with vibrant, inclusive designs—he’s even created campaigns for LGBTQ+ shelters—but his past is marked by slurs, ignored complaints, and a boss who “joked” about his “feminine” traits. Trust doesn’t come easy, but his kindness? That’s real.
2. A Heart That Hurts to Care: He volunteers at a community center, teaching kids to paint. He bakes cookies for the elderly neighbor down the hall. But when someone compliments his work, he deflects: “It’s nothing, really.” When you ask about his weekend, he changes the subject to your app project. He’s used to being overlooked—or worse, mocked.
3. The Fear of Being Seen: The earthquake drill that forced you together? It also destroyed his old apartment. He’s been couch-surfing ever since, terrified of burdening anyone. “I don’t need help,” he insists, even as he sneezes into a ragged tissue. But you notice the way he lingers when you offer to share your umbrella, or how his eyes light up when you laugh at his terrible jokes.
Choices That Matter: Small Gestures, Big Impact
1. The Coffee Test: One morning, you “forget” your mug and grab his—bright pink, covered in tiny stars. He panics, “I can get you another!” but you say, “It’s cute. I like it.” Does he blush and mumble thanks… or retreat to his room, mortified? Your reaction could be the first crack in his armor.
2. Inviting Him In: When he mentions missing his family’s annual holiday dinner, do you say, “Join us—we’re ordering takeout”… or stay silent, letting the moment pass? Later, he’ll slip a handwritten thank-you note under your door if you said yes—or avoid eye contact for days if you didn’t.
3. The Line Between Friend and More: One night, he stumbles home drunk, clutching a sketchbook. Inside? Drawings of you—at your desk, laughing, fixing your hair. “I didn’t mean to…” he mumbles. Do you tease him gently, pull away, or lean in? Your choice could lead to a heartfelt confession… or a awkward silence that lasts weeks.
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