One

I grabbed my pen, crossing out the seventh name of the list I had made on my notebook. Seven people had already come over, seven people had been through my hundred questions, seven people had tried to get the spot. But none of them were roommate material.

I had never considered myself a picky person. I was actually pretty laid back, a common trait among us art students. But none of these seven beings had achieved to convince me the slightest to share my apartment with them. From a smelly guy who had asked if I minded him watching porn in the living room to a girl who had already been planning on throwing wild parties every weekend in the apartment, questioning the lack of space for more than 30 people, all sorts of people had come through the door. And all of them had managed to scare me away. I wasn't willing to live with someone with disgusting habits or who wanted to turn the apartment into our campus' night club.

I desperately needed a roommate, as Brooke, my life-long best friend that had lived with me for the previous two years, had moved in with her younger sister Layla a couple days before. Layla had just graduated from high school and was coming to study fashion design, just like her sister, at the same university as us. Thus, their parents had decided they would get an apartment for both of them to live together.

Brooke had complained at the beginning, as we loved our flat and living with one another, but her parents would be paying for the whole rent of the new place. She would really use it, not having to pat for a living anymore, as she was running a little tight on money. Our part time jobs at the coffee store paid just enough to allow us to live on campus, so by moving in with her sister she could actually get to save up some cash. I wasn't struggling that much, as I also gave some art classes to kids here and there to contribute to my regular salary at the coffee shop. But Brooke wasn't, so she had ended up deciding she would move out of our beloved home as much as it had pained her. It wasn't that bad, as they would literally live on the floor above mine, but I would still miss her company. And I was definitely hating the process of getting a new roommate.

I glanced over to my notebook resting on the kitchen counter, realising there was just one last name on the list. I had added it last minute after my friend Matt mentioned one friend of his was looking for a place to live in. This guy couldn't be that bad if they were friends, but with Matt being on the school's football team I really feared he would be a total dickhead. It wouldn't surprise me, given my previous encounters with some of his teammates in a couple parties. But Matt had actually said this guy was really laid back, not even close to being part of the football team, and that I would totally like him. So, I had ended up scribbling his simple name, "Sam", along with his phone number at the end of the sheet.

I sighed before dialling said number, tapping with my pen on the counter impatiently as I waited for him to pick up. I was almost begging he did, having reached a state complete desperation. After a couple of seconds, I heard some shuffling on the other end, before a manly voice asked:

- Hello?

I realised that Matt probably hadn't given him my number, as his tone came out a little confused.

- Sam? – I asked, making sure I had dialled the correct number.

- Hm, yeah, who's this? – he asked back. His voice wasn't high pitched, but not the deepest either. It was slightly raspy but not too much, just the perfect amount that made me wonder if he had just woken up or if he simply talked like that. Which was pretty hot.

I shook my head to prevent any further thoughts that I clearly didn't need to have, before speaking.

- Hey, I'm Gwen, one of Matt's friends. He told you were looking for an apartment earlier this week, and I'm actually looking for a new roommate right now... I don't know if he's mentioned anything about it – I explained after clearing my throat, slightly nervous about screwing up. He was my last option.

- Oh yes, Gwen! He told me you had a bunch of people interested but would try to squeeze me into your list – Sam said, and I could almost hear him smiling through the phone. I couldn't help but wonder what he looked like, as I believed I had never seen him around campus. – I guess you still haven't found anyone, right?

- You are right – I sighed, walking back into the living room and plopping my body on the sofa – You are the last name on my list, actually - I added with a chuckle, not meaning to offend him.

- Ohh, I'm guessing you have high standards then – he laughed nonchalantly, clearly enough confident not to feel bad about my statement. He had a funny kind of laugh, almost contagious, which made me bite down on my lip as I found it adorable.

- Oh, trust me, I really don't – I laughed as well, relaxing for the first time in the day. I threw my head back on the pillows, lifting my bare feet onto the coffee table in front of me.

- Were them that bad? – he chuckled, and I could hear his soft breathing through the phone, making me feel like he was solely focusing on our conversation.

- Don't get me started – I sighed, pulling a slight laugh out of him on the other end – Are you free right now? – I wondered after some seconds, glancing over the clock hanging from the wall. It was 3PM, not late at all, but he could be busy for all I knew.

- I actually am – he said after some more shuffling on the other end – Do you want to meet up? - he asked, obviously sensing where I was going.

- Yeah, if you don't mind. I just want to get over with this whole roommate hunting today if possible - I replied, rolling my neck to relax my tense muscles.

- Sure, no problem - he agreed right away - Do you want me to come over? We could meet somewhere else so that you get to know me first before letting me into your place; whatever you prefer, I'm fine with it – he added.

While I had been the one that decided to "interview" all my other possible roommates at the apartment, they had all been eager to come here, already positive they would end up living here and wanting to move in as soon as possible. But for the first time, someone seemed to respect my boundaries, even if I really didn't have them, giving me the option of meeting outside my place for a first encounter.

He wasn't shoving himself into the apartment right away, which made me decide I really liked this guy.

- No, it's okay, we can meet here - I replied in total honesty, already sure he wasn't a creep. He was Matt's friend, which was reassuring for itself, but he had also seemed to be a nice guy over the phone – That way you can already take a look around and see if you like it here.

- I guess I've made a good first impression then? – he teased, already feeling comfortable after our short exchange of words.

- Don't get your hopes too up – I joked back, both of us slightly chuckling – I'll text you the address, then – I finished with a smile, really wanting this to work. He asked a couple questions regarding the apartment and its location before we exchanged our goodbyes and I hang up, already impatient for him to come over.

Sighing, I took a look around the apartment, realising that even though I had told Sam not to get his hopes up, mine were already up in the clouds. He had seemed likeable on the phone, being by far the nicest person out of all the ones I had interviewed throughout the day. And I trusted Matt with my life, so I knew this guy wouldn't be a prick.

I had just finished putting some of my pencils and unfinished paintings away when I heard my phone beeping. The screen indicated that I had received a text from Sam, whom I had already added to my contacts. I was secretly hoping he would be decent enough to end up getting the spot, so I had taken the liberty of already saving his number. He was letting me know he was outside, so I grabbed my keys and took the stairs to the main floor. And when I reached it, my  jaw almost dropped upon seeing him standing on the other side of the glassed door, knowing I was already in deep shit.

He was tall, his figure very slim, standing with his hands inside his jean's front pockets. His frame overall told me he was definitely not in the football team, but that didn't make him less appealing. He was matching his denim pants with a blue t-shirt, a pair of Birkenstocks and a jean jacket, a style which went perfectly with his long, wavy hair. His smooth brown locks bounced graciously over his shoulders when he turned his head to look at me, clearly sensing my presence at the hall on the other side of the glassed door.

He smiled brightly when he saw me, his deep brown eyes softening as well as the rest of his features. He had a nearly perfect bone structure, something any other artist would have thought of with just one glance at him. His nose had the ideal size for his face, going perfectly with his long brows. The only flaw I could find was his lower lip, which was slightly fuller than the upper one, but I thought it actually made him look better. He was definitely a piece of art.

I realised I had ended up standing in front of him, the glass door sliding open automatically. I had clearly  walked up there unconsciously, lost in my train of thought. I gave him a warm smile, and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, something I always did out of nervousness. I was suddenly feeling too self-conscious, standing there with my paint stained overall that hanged over my tiny body from just one shoulder, and a plain white shirt beneath it. Luckily, my hair was decent, unbelievably out of the messy bun with a pencil popping out of it that normally characterised my comfy look at home.

- Hi there – I greeted, grateful that my voice hadn't come out shaky while the rest of my body seemed to be having a hard time responding to my brain.

He surprised me when he held his hand out for me to shake, and I took it gladly, throwing him a smile which he immediately returned.

- So, you must be Gwen – he finally spoke, his voice sounding so much better than during our call.

I had known he would be cute by just hearing him through the phone, but I was definitely not expecting it to melt my insides that badly. I cursed myself for having those kind of thoughts, and eventually let go of his hand. However, both of our eyes kept staring at each other, as if were still taking in our appearance in a not very subtle way.

- And you must be Sam – I replied after some seconds with another smile – Come in – I added, stepping aside to let him into the building. I walked past the front desk, waving to the building's janitor, before heading towards the stairs – It's just two floors to the apartment, I hope you don't mind taking the stairs – I announced, looking over my shoulder at him.

I knew I had purposely omitted the fact that the building had no elevators when he had asked a couple things about the building. It was tricky, but I knew that while I enjoyed living here having my no-elevators policy, it would scare some lazy people away. However, he didn't seem to mind, as he smiled my way before hopping up the first steps.

- No problem – he replied, following right after me.

- How do you know Matt? – I curiously asked, starting some small talk. I was pretty aware that he didn't fit with his regular group of friends, made up by mostly jocks and popular guys on campus. And I had never heard of Sam before, so I doubted he belonged to either category.

- We grew up in the same town; went to the same school and everything – he answered, climbing the steps right next to me – What about you?

- He asked me on a date when he first got here two years ago, but we have remained great friends ever since – I told him, making him chuckle through a smirk.

We eventually reached the apartment's door, and I took out my keys to open it, letting Sam in first. Once he was inside, I closed the door, dropping my keys in a bowl by the entrance before turning to stare at his back as he admired the room.

- I'm sorry if it's a little bit messy, I was just finishing putting some stuff away – I apologised, heading to the last unfinished drawing that rested on the coffee table and putting it away in the chest of drawers placed across the room.

- It's not messy at all – he smiled softly, turning around to take it all in.

The apartment was pretty simple, as every single one on the buildings around campus. White walls surrounded the living room, which was also the dining room, separated from the small kitchen by just a counter. I had managed to decorate it simply but nicely, opting for a minimalist approach but still colourful, the tones and hues of every piece in the room harmonizing perfectly. A huge glassed window lead to a tiny balcony, covered now by the white linen curtains. There was a dining table to eat on with chairs surrounding it, but Brooke and I had always mostly used it as our working area to finish our assignments. There had always been tons of pieces of cloth from her designs and many of my drawings and sketches over it. We had always eaten on the coffee table placed in front of the TV, sitting on the comfy sofa that lied in the middle of the room.

- You've got tons of plants – Sam pointed out, looking over all the shelves and spots were green leaves flourished from different flower pots.

- They are actually fake – I smiled, blushing a bit at my confession – I'm always too caught up in my own world to remember to water real ones – I chuckled, making him turn again to smile at me – Coffee? – I asked, knowing I wanted a cup myself. He nodded eagerly, letting out a soft appreciative "thank you" – You can go explore what would be your room, it's the door to the right in the hallway. The bathroom's at the end of it – I let him know, and he simply nodded before heading that way, still looking around with curious eyes.

I quickly started the coffee machine and poured us some of the delicious brown beverage. I was just walking over to the sofa with the two steaming mugs when he got back from the hallway.

- So, why are you looking for an apartment? – I started, sitting down on the couch with my legs crossed in front of me.

- I used to live with my brother here on campus but he's dropping out of college – he said, sitting down next to me but slightly turning his body to face me. He grabbed the cup I was handing him with a "thank you", and took a sip of the beverage which he clearly enjoyed. He placed his drink down on one of the coasters I had placed on the coffee table before running his hands through his hair, leaning back in the comfort of the couch while shooting me a relaxed smile - Our contract is about to end too, so I even if I managed to pay the whole rent on my own, I would have needed to find a new apartment anyways. What about you? – he asked, dropping his hands from his long, brown locks.

- My best friend was living here with me but she is moving in with her sister. Her parents are paying for the whole rent of their new apartment, so she couldn't say no that offer – I shrugged after taking a sip of my own cup, shifting on my spot so that I was facing him better, with my legs still crossed – What are you studying? – I asked, subtly changing topics in an attempt to know him better. Even though I had already taken a like on him, and he would make a perfect model for my paintings, I still needed to find out more about this guy before letting him into my life to practically live with me.

- Astrophysics – he replied undisturbed, is if it were something ordinary or simple. I widened my eyes upon hearing his response, making him laugh as he reached for his cup again.

- Wow, impressive – I mumbled, clearly surprised by his statement. While he didn't look that much lazy, I hadn't thought he would be studying something like that. His look told me he was a laid back but still cool guy, and most astrophysics students at our university kind of lacked on those departments – Definitely wasn't expecting that- I admitted.

I couldn't help but look at his hand as he slowly wrapped his long fingers around the mugs' handle. They moved so graciously, in a delicate yet bold way, that I was immediately mesmerised by the simple act.

- I will take a wild guess and say you study art – he commented, lifting his hand which my eyes had been glued to, and bringing the cup up to his face. I was quickly pulled out of my trance, and I almost blush when I realised I had been staring.

- You are right – I chuckled in admission – What gave me away? – I joked, knowing that my outfit and the pencils scattered over the different shelves, among the various paintings hanging on the walls, were making it pretty obvious.

- I just have a special sixth sense – he winked playfully – I would have never guessed if not – he added. We both laughed softly, and once our laughter had died down, we took another sip from our drinks. He was actually nice to be around, those moments of silence between us not being uncomfortable at all – So, what are the rules? – he asked after bringing his cup down, turning on his spot to fully face me.

- There aren't much. Just no parties in here. I mean, I don't mind if you have some people over, but I just don't want this to be a complete wild mess – I started, to which he nodded slowly. I tried thinking of something else but I couldn't come up with anything worth of pointing out – I guess that's it. Oh, and please no porn on the living room's TV. I've already been asked that today – I added, making him chuckle.

- You really had the worst people ever on your list – he smirked, his eyes running over my face – Anything else?

- I really don't think so. I know I'm not the tidiest person ever but I'll try to keep all my brushes and stuff in place – I said, hoping my mess wouldn't scare him away.

- It's okay, I would try not to leave my stuff scattered everywhere too – he smiled gently. I proceeded to explain him everything about the rent and the building's norms, which he was totally okay with, but soon enough there was nothing else I could tell him before moving to the real deal.

- Do you have any rules? – I asked him, suddenly wondering if he had any objections of his own. He raised his eyebrows, clearly not expecting that question, but simply shook his head no. However, he stopped to think for a couple of seconds, and I could see the internal debate going on in his head before he finally opened his mouth.

- Before we go on, I'd like to let you know that I'm in a band – he confessed, suddenly looking nervous. He seemed to be afraid I would turn him down for this – We always practise back at my parents' house, so you don't have to worry, but I just wanted to tell you I may have a couple instruments around in my room. I promise to keep it down, you won't even notice I'm playing – he added hurriedly, his leg now bouncing in its place anxiously.

- That's actually really cool – I genuinely smiled, automatically placing my hand softly over his knee in an attempt to calm him down. His leg stopped bouncing, but I could feel the muscles of his thigh slightly tensing under my touch. I suddenly became to aware of the movement I had unconsciously made, but I couldn't find the strength to back down – And I really don't mind. As long as it doesn't get too loud while I'm studying, it's all good – I said, giving his bony knee a final squeeze before slowly removing my hand.

He looked over at me once again, his eyes stopping on my face for a while before his lips turned into a sincere smile, relieve taking all over his features.

- Well, I'd be more than glad to share this apartment with you, Gwen. You are pretty cool – he announced, bringing his hands together as he leaned his elbows on his knees – So it's all up to you – he shyly smiled, not being able to hide the hope glimmering in his eyes.

Just as I was about to reply, a loud thump came from the door, and Brooke stormed into the apartment, rushing towards her room.

- Hi Gwen, I just came to pick up the last box of- Oh- she stopped dead in her tracks once she had acknowledged Sam's presence, taking a few steps back to face us.

- Brooke this is Sam, my new roommate – I said, making the boy turn his head to me. The smile on his face widened, realising that me calling him my "roommate" was me telling him he could move in.

He said "hi" to Brooke, who smiled at him before giving me one of those not-so-subtle "what the hell" looks. She wiggled her eyebrows at me while Sam brought his cup up to his face to finish his coffee, and I rolled my eyes, knowing she found him hot and that she thought that I was choosing him because of his looks. She ended up heading to her former room silently, much to my relief, and eventually left with a box full of stuff, saying goodbye to the both of us with a knowing smirk on her face.

- Well, you can move in whenever you want to, your room is now officially empty – I said as we both got up from the couch. I took both of the mugs to the kitchen's sink, with him following behind, before I walked him to the door.

- I'll text you when I'll be bringing my stuff over – he replied, patting his back pocket to make sure his phone and whatever else he had brought was there – It was a pleasure to meet you, Gwen... - he began, but ended up trailing off when he realised he didn't even know my full name.

- Jones. Guinevere Jones – I smiled, sticking a hand out like he had done when we had first introduced ourselves.

- Guinevere – he replied, a smile mirroring mine as he took my hand in his – Just like the song.

- Guinevere after the song – I corrected him, making his smile widen even more – It was a pleasure meeting you too, Sam...

- Samuel Kiszka – he stated, our hands still interlocked. We stayed for a couple of seconds just looking at each other, not knowing what else to say but yet in a comfortable quietness – I guess I'll see you around – he ended up saying, letting go of my small hand with a smile as he walked out the door.

I waved goodbye, and leaned my back on the door after closing it. I inevitably bit down on my lip, his name replaying on my head, already knowing this would end up being one of the best decisions of my life, or one of the worst mistakes ever.