Chapter 16 (Meeting the roommates)

One foot in front of the other.

One foot in front of the other.

It felt like an eternity to get to the front door. But in reality, it only took 20 seconds. I was looking down the whole time, so I couldn't see anything, but Robin's roommates could see me. They were looking through the window, waiting for me to get to the front door. Robin opened up the door for me because he could tell I was really nervous.

"Hiroooooo!" Someone called out.

"Hey, hey, Teddy, we need to give him a bit of time to adjust to things before you go and ask him questions and stuff." Another voice spoke up.

"Let us through the door, guys." Robin said, clearly, a bit annoyed. They let both Hiro and Robin through the door and to the living room, where they sat down. "Alright, first we need to do introductions."

"Teddy, why don't you start with yours?"

"Hello, Hiro. My name is Teddy Sheppard. I am 22 years old. I am currently studying to become a chef. I am non-binary and use they/them pronouns. I have a 3-year-old that normally lives with me, but is at my parents house for now." Teddy has the eyes of a kind person when you're talking to them. But looks a bit scary when you see them doing nothing. "Rey, you go next."

"Hello there, my name is Rey Bruce. I am 19 years old, and I am currently trying to become a detective. I am trying to figure out the person who killed my sister and bring them to justice. I use she/they pronouns. And I have a boyfriend named Randall that studies at another school." Rey has those bloodshot eyes that can be seen from a distance away. Those eyes that someone has who you don't wanna get close to. But once you start talking to her, she's nicer than they look. "Curtis, you're the last one, so go"

"Alright then. My name is Curtis Line. I am 22 years old and studying sports science. I am a bisexual male. And I hate snakes." Curtis seems like a person that you're able to rely on. But not someone that will think of the worst outcome to come from a situation.

"Oh, come on!" Teddy said, unsatisfied. "You could've said more!"

"I don't have anything more to say, Teddy."

"Ugh. You're the worst."

"Thank you, Teddy, I know I am." Curtis said with a smile on his face.

"Well, why don't you introduce yourself, Hiro." Rey suggested de-escalating the situation.

"Uh.. well. I'm Hiro. 19 years old. Studying to be an actor. And Robin's boyfriend." Hiro was looking at the ground.

"Hiro, let's go to my room." Robin said while whispering. "Hey, we're going to my room. I'll try to make Hiro introduce himself later, but for now, I think he's a bit overwhelmed. If you need anything, we'll be there."

"Alright!" Rey said.

"You think you were too much, Teddy?" Curtis asked, concerned.

"What? No!" Teddy said, offended.

"From what I can tell, Hiro has a hard time meeting new people and adjusting to change. It'll be awhile till he's ready to talk to us confidently. He might even leave for his college before that." Rey blurted out.

"Alright..."