“Yu, don’t talk about Liam like that.”
Jason gently slipped his arm around Emily’s shoulders, then turned back to me. “Liam, if you really can’t help it, my roommate has an apartment outside. I can lend you the key…”
He pulled out his phone, tapped a few times, and showed me the screen. On it was a rushed photo of a dingy room with mold stains on the walls. Unopened delivery boxes and takeout bags covered the floor, while a crooked desk held a bucket of leftover noodles.
I stared at the photo of the cramped place, hardly a spot left to step.
“No thanks.”
I refused again, glancing between them, the corners of my lips lifting faintly.
“My way is faster than the train.”
Emily clearly didn’t believe me, thinking I was being stubborn just to save face.
She waved dismissively. “Fine, whatever you want! Don’t blame me if you can’t get home!”
“Jason and I are leaving early tomorrow. Don’t forget to save our seats!”
With that, she dragged Jason away.
The weather was especially fine on Leaving Day.
I had barely stepped out of the dorm, suitcase in hand, when the last voices I wanted to hear came from behind. “Liam, you’re leaving without buying a ticket?”
Jason hurried forward, eyes full of curiosity. “Have you…found a place to stay?”
Emily frowned at me, her gaze like one scolding a child making trouble. “Didn’t you say you didn’t get a ticket? Where are you going with that suitcase? Don’t tell me you’re taking some bus…”
The contempt in her tone nearly spilled over.
“That thing is stuffy and crowded, full of all sorts. My roommate tried it once, and when she came back, her clothes reeked of cheap fuel and sweat. It gave me a headache.”
She crossed her arms and stepped back, as if I carried the odor she so despised.
“If you ride that junk, don’t see me again anytime soon. I’d be embarrassed.”
Her face showed me as if I were disgracing her.
“Yu, don’t be harsh. Liam must be desperate.”
Jason turned toward me, looking thoughtful. “That apartment I mentioned, though small and old, is still okay for now… I can give you the key. It’s better than cramming on that bus.”
He spoke as if I were so poor I needed shelter.
Emily grew even more annoyed: “See how kind Jason is? Don’t be so ungrateful.”
“Take his key quickly. It’s better than running around. You’ll also be closer to saving us seats at the library.”
Hearing them echo each other, the last shred of hope in me vanished.