After Xada settled into her seat across from me, I resumed my meal, savoring the comforting flavors that filled my senses. The quiet rhythm of chewing and swallowing provided a momentary respite from the whirlwind of thoughts that swirled within me.
"You know, you're quite popular," Xada remarked suddenly, her voice breaking through the silence.
I paused mid-bite, surprised by her observation. Popular? The word felt foreign, out of place in the context of my solitary existence.
"Popular, I'd rather say that people don't like me, they avoid me a lot," I replied, my tone tinged with a hint of bitterness.
Xada chuckled softly, a melodic sound that echoed through the air. "Not at all," she countered. "Let's just say that you have the most expensive room in the university."
I raised an eyebrow in confusion, my mind struggling to process her words. The most expensive room? I thought back to my own living quarters, a spacious yet modest chamber tucked away in the upper levels of the university.
"Not all rooms are the same," I remarked, my voice laced with skepticism.
Xada's expression shifted, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "No," she agreed. "And your room still costs 100,000 gold coins for the year."
I nearly choked on the water I had been sipping, the liquid spraying from my lips in a burst of surprise. "100,000 gold coin," I repeated incredulously, each syllable weighted with disbelief.
Xada nodded, her expression sympathetic yet amused. "It looks like you don't know, but if you want we can go before the break end, I can show you my room so you can see what a normal room is like."
Her offer caught me off guard, my mind grappling with the unexpected turn of events. Despite my reservations, there was a genuine warmth to Xada's demeanor, a sense of camaraderie that I found difficult to ignore.
"All right, I accept," I replied hesitantly, my voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Xada's smile widened, a glimmer of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Great," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "You won't regret it, I promise."
As we finished our meal, the tension that had lingered between us began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of camaraderie. I found myself drawn to Xada's easygoing nature, her openness a stark contrast to the guarded walls I had erected around myself.
After we cleared our trays, Xada led the way out of the cafeteria, her steps light and purposeful. I followed closely behind, my curiosity piqued by the prospect of exploring her living quarters.
As we walked, Xada chatted animatedly about her experiences at the university, sharing anecdotes and insights that painted a vivid picture of life within its hallowed halls. With each word, I found myself growing more at ease, the weight of my earlier concerns fading into the background.
Xada's part of the campus was tucked away in a quieter corner, far removed from the bustling main thoroughfares. As we made our way through the dimly lit corridors, the air was heavy with the scent of dust and neglect. The walls were lined with peeling paint and faded posters, the occasional flickering light casting eerie shadows along the floor.
"It's not much to look at, I'm afraid," Xada remarked apologetically as we navigated the labyrinthine corridors. "But it's home."
I nodded in understanding, my eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Despite its lackluster appearance, there was a sense of history woven into the very fabric of the building, a testament to the countless lives that had passed through its halls.
Finally, we reached Xada's door, a nondescript entrance nestled inconspicuously among the row of identical facades. She fumbled with her keys for a moment before the door swung open with a creak, revealing a world of warmth and color beyond.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a sight that took my breath away. Xada's room was a sanctuary of comfort and coziness, a stark contrast to the dreary corridors outside. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room's charming decor.
Xada gestured to the room with a flourish, her smile radiant with pride. "Welcome to my humble abode," she said, her voice tinged with affection.
I took in the room with wide eyes, marveling at its beauty and simplicity. It was smaller than I had expected, yet every inch was filled with a sense of warmth and comfort.
"It's beautiful," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Xada beamed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Thank you," she replied, her tone filled with genuine gratitude.
The walls were adorned with colorful tapestries and twinkling fairy lights, their warm hues lending a sense of whimsy to the space. A plush rug covered the floor, its soft fibers inviting me to sink my toes into its embrace.
But it was the assortment of plush toys scattered about the room that truly captured my attention. From cuddly bears to quirky unicorns, each plush seemed to possess its own unique personality, their button eyes twinkling with mischief.
"They're my little companions," Xada explained with a sheepish grin as she noticed my gaze. "Helps make the room feel less empty."
I smiled in response, the warmth of her words melting away any lingering doubts. There was a genuine charm to Xada's room, a reflection of her vibrant personality and boundless creativity.
As we settled into the cozy confines of the room, Xada's expression grew somber, a hint of concern clouding her features.
"Sometimes, it can be dangerous to go out at night," she said softly, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Especially in these parts of the campus. You never know what might be lurking in the shadows."
I nodded in understanding, a shiver running down my spine at the thought. Despite the inviting warmth of Xada's room, there was an undeniable sense of vulnerability that lingered just beyond its walls.
But as I looked around at the cozy sanctuary that Xada had created, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance. In her presence, I knew that I was safe, protected from the dangers that lurked in the darkness outside.
And as we whiled away the afternoon in conversation, I found myself grateful for the newfound friendship that had blossomed between us.