I swallowed hard, gently closed the door, and let out a relieved sigh as I went back to the sitting room and sank into the couch. I wasn't even sure if it was a sigh of relief for finding her lying down peacefully or disappointment that none of the drama I had already imagined in my head had happened.
Of course, I didn't forget to keep the monster chandelier switched on. She had made it clear earlier that she wanted to see who she was living with.
I leaned back and draped a hand over my eyes, hoping it would shield me from the chandelier's blinding glow. Maybe then I could at least get a little rest tonight.
From today onward, you can always switch off the chandelier when you want to sleep, Elena's voice drifted from her room. It's very uneasing to my mental health when I wake up in the middle of the night and see your face. It's very traumatizing.
My eyes widened, but I jumped up quickly and turned off the light without a second thought before sinking back into the couch with pure joy.
All my life, people had praised how pretty my face was, but this was the first time someone had called it traumatizing. And honestly? My face being unpleasing to her was the best thing I had heard today. At least it saved me from that shining monster.
I wish my presence here would one day traumatize you enough to send me back to the normal dorm, I muttered to myself as I turned on my side.
I was just starting to drift off again when my brain decided it was a good time for self-sabotage. Wait. My eyes flew open. If she knew I was out here and didn't turn off the light, does that mean she also knew when I peeked into her room earlier?
Oh no, I whispered, grabbing my pillow and pressing it to my face. No, no, Ayla. The trouble is sleeping, and you went to peep on it. I lightly tapped my forehead. You're doomed. All the disasters you imagined that didn't happen might actually happen tomorrow.
But my body was already too tired to care. Whatever, I mumbled, turning over. Even if I die tomorrow, I will at least make sure I have a good night's rest tonight. Whatever wants to come can wait while I enjoy this little peace.
And with that, I forced my eyes closed and let exhaustion win.
The next thing I knew I was waking up to the loud sound of the morning wake-up bell.
I struggled to stand and reach for the light and almost fainted at the sight before me.
Elena was sitting on the couch facing me, already perfectly dressed, legs crossed at the table like she had stepped straight out of a luxury magazine. Her hair was tied up neatly, her uniform spotless, her face calm, no trace of last night's weirdness.
For a moment, I just sat there, blinking like an idiot.
Since when did Elena Morgan wake up before the bell?
Since when did she even care about morning prep time?
Weren't her mornings for stretching, not school activities like the rest of us?
This was the same girl who I had heard had skipped every morning session since birth.
And yet, there she was. Calm. Composed. Already dressed like it was what she had been doing all her life.
Morning, I muttered, trying to sound normal.
She only gave a nod, not even sparing me a glance as she adjusted her cufflinks. That perfect poker face of hers did not flinch once.
Isn't she going to talk about yesterday?
Or am I being reserved for later execution?
Maybe this is psychological punishment, make her feel safe, then haunt her with guilt.
I sat on the couch facing her directly, staring like she was some antique while my brain kept debating what kind of sentence I should be waiting for.
Morning, she finally replied. I had even forgotten I greeted her earlier. Get ready so we can attend Morning activities together.
I blinked. Huh?
She stood, brushed invisible dust off her skirt, and adjusted her tie. Isn't it normal for roommates to attend morning activities together?
I opened my mouth, stunned. Of course it is normal to attend activities together as roommates, but what is not normal is if the roommate is Elena Morgan.
Anything else? she asked, jolting me out of my thoughts.
Nothing, I said quickly, forcing a smile as I headed to the bathroom and did my three-minute miracle like always.
In a few minutes, I was out, my blazer already on and my hair loose down.
When I stepped into the sitting room, Elena was still there, unmoving, like a statue carved from confidence.
Let's leave now so we don't miss any activities, she said softly.
I nodded, pretending everything was fine, even though deep down I was dying to know why she suddenly cared about morning activities.
When we entered the assembly hall, everyone turned. You could practically hear their necks snapping from how fast they twisted to look.
Is that Elena? someone whispered.
She come for morning assembly? another gasped.
Did we all move to an alternate reality overnight?
And she even come with the Lima girl.
I wanted to evaporate.
Elena ignored them all, her face perfectly blank. I tried to keep my distance, but every time I stepped away, she somehow closed the gap again, like I was a magnet and she was iron.
During stretches, she stood right behind me.
Every stretch, every step, there she was, my very own shadow in designer shoes.
"This is ridiculous," I hissed under my breath.
Of course, she didn't react. Why would she? Queens don't explain their behavior to peasants.
The whispers started almost immediately.
"No wonder Elena is here early."
"Is she babysitting her?"
"She has always been keeping puppet, but it looks like this one is different."
Fantastic. Just what I needed. Public humiliation before breakfast.
Elena didn't even blink. She just kept her gaze on me like she was watching her favorite show.
And me? I stood there stretching like a broken flamingo while the entire hall turned me into gossip.
So there I was, Ayla Davul, the transfer nobody, now co-starring in Elena Morgan and Her Emotional Support Roommate.
A tragicomedy in real time.
And judging by the whispers and laughter around me, I was definitely the joke.