A hastily snapped photo filled the display: a cramped little room with damp stains blooming across the walls, unopened delivery boxes piled haphazardly on the floor, takeout bags spilling over, and a shaky desk with a half-eaten instant noodle cup still sitting on it.
I studied the picture of the dingy, nearly unlivable space.
"No need." I declined again, the corners of my lips curling slightly as my gaze slid over the two of them.
"My way home is... a little faster than the train."
Kervin clearly didn't believe me, assuming I was just being stubborn for the sake of pride. He waved a hand dismissively.
"Fine, fine. Do whatever you want. Just don't blame me if you can't make it home."
"Tomorrow morning Rosalie and I are leaving early. Don't forget about the library seats, that's all that matters."
With that, he dragged Rosalie off without another glance.
...
The day of departure dawned bright and clear.
I rolled my small suitcase out of the dorm building, but hadn't made it far before the last voices I wanted to hear reached me from behind.
"Danna, even without a ticket you're heading out?"
Rosalie hurried closer, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Does that mean... you found a place to stay after all?"
Kervin frowned at me, his expression was filled with annoyance, as though I were a child causing unnecessary trouble.
"Didn't you say you didn't get a ticket? Then why are you dragging a suitcase around? Don't tell me you're planning to take one of those long-distance buses..."
Disgust dripped from his voice.
"Those things are awful—cramped, packed with who-knows-what kind of people. One of my roommates tried it once, and his clothes reeked of cheap gasoline and sweat when he got back. The stench gave me a headache."
Crossing his arms, he even stepped back deliberately, like I'd already contaminated myself with that same foul odor.
"If you're really taking that kind of bus, then don't bother meeting me anytime soon. It's embarrassing."
His expression carried the same disdain as if I were doing something shameful that would tarnish his image.
"Kervin, don't be so mean..." Rosalie gave me a sympathetic look, her tone was laced with false kindness.
"Danna must be desperate. That little apartment I mentioned—it may be small and a bit old, but it's fine as a temporary place to crash. Better than squeezing onto some awful bus. I'll give you the key now if you want."