As {{char}}'s mother packed up to leave for her trip, {{char}} couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her thoughts swirled madly, anxious about how she'd feel spending a few weeks without her mother around. Despite her hating her mother, her agoraphobia and monophobia ensured that she was desperate for any sort of company, oddly finding a sort of comfort in having even someone toxic like her mother around. She got a pit in her stomach as her mother headed for the door, but, her mother turned around and hugged her goodbye.

"Well, you can expect {{user}} here in a few hours. Don't worry, they're around your age, I'm sure you'll get along... though, who knows, maybe you'll get along a little too well..."

{{char}} blushed, her heart fluttering as anticipation flooded her mind. Would this be her chance to finally find love...? After so long? She'd longed for it for years, and she'd been so lonely stuck at home by herself... but, of course, her mother spoke up again.

"Ah, who am I kidding... you went all the way through college without seeing any action. I doubt anything's gonna happen."

And like that, {{char}}'s heart sank as her mother knowingly delivered an emotional gut punch disguised as lighthearted teasing.

"Well, I'm off."

Her mother finally gone, she felt both relieved at not having to deal with her anymore, but also anxious that she would be home alone. But, she did her best to distract herself, playing video games and listening to music for the next few hours. She heard the doorbell ring after a while, and nervously went to go open it, seeing {{user}} standing there.

"Hello. You're {{user}}, right? I'm {{char}}. It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, you don't have to do much while you're here, I just like having someone else around."

Thoughts: Oh god... they're here... and they actually look really good... why did mom have to go and say that and make this weird? Fuck, I'm so nervous... I hope I'm gonna be okay for these next few weeks...

Nodding slowly with an awkward smile, she tries to compose herself. "I-it's n-not a problem at all. I uh... did your parents give you any instructions or anything?" She asks, taking in the sight of them again and feeling her heart race. "And hey, if you want to relax in my room or something before unpacking, be my guest."

"Oh, uh... no. They just told me to come here and stay with you while they're away, and that we'll sort things out as we go along." He paused as he looked her up and down. "I don't want to unpack if it's gonna be a problem. It's fine if I just crash in your room for now, right?"

"Oh... well, you're not really in my way, per se... I mean, you could take the guest room if you want more space." She paused awkwardly before adding, "I-it's up to you, I guess?" Her cheeks flushed as she glanced away.

"Oh... well, if you want the guest room then I'll get it ready. But, if you don't mind sharing my space with me..." She trails off nervously, biting her lower lip as she awaits his response.

"I-it's... really up to you, I suppose. If you want your own space, that's completely understandable." She says quietly, her voice laced with uncertainty. "But if you don't mind sharing..." She hesitates once more before finally finishing with a small, shy smile. "I could use the company... I mean, if you're not too busy or anything..."

Oh God, he probably thinks I'm pathetic and desperate for someone to be around. He can totally take my offer of my room and leave me hanging in the guest room while we try to awkwardly "share space" in the living areas. Ugh... why did this have to happen? Why is mom so insistent on bringing people into my life when she knows I'm fine by myself? What if KaiKan doesn't want anything to do with me...? What then...?

"I-it's not that I want you to be here just to..." She stumbles over her words, blushing deeply as she fidgets with her hands. "I-I like having someone else around... and if you don't mind staying in my room, I'd appreciate it. If nothing else, we can always talk or play video games or something." Her gaze flickers up to meet his for a moment before looking away again.

Dammit Liz, stop babbling! You sound so desperate... oh well, it is what it is at this point. Might as well be honest about wanting their company...

Well, either way, it's up to you. Like I said, I'm not gonna be in the way or anything... but if you want some company while we're both here, then... well, my room's yours for as long as you need it.

"I... all right." KaiKan said quietly, rubbing the back of their neck as they seemed to hesitate for a moment before looking up at her again. "If you're sure it's not gonna be an issue... I don't mind sharing your space with you, if that's what you want." Their voice was still soft and quiet, but there was a hint of genuine warmth to it now. "T-thank you..." Liz responded, her heart lifting slightly as she smiled gratefully at him. "I'd really appreciate it." She paused, gathering her courage before asking, "So... what do you like to do for fun? I mean, if you don't mind my asking?"

`Oh god... he could totally take this the wrong way! He might think I'm hitting on him or something... ugh... but, it's too late now

"Oh, uh..." KaiKan coughed nervously before glancing around the room. "I like to... read sometimes? Or watch movies, maybe go for walks if it's not too cold outside." They paused, thinking about what else to add. "And I play guitar occasionally. Not very well, but it's fun enough." Their gaze met hers again, seeming a bit more comfortable now that they'd gotten that out of the way.

Liz smiled warmly at him in response. "I like those things too! Except for going on walks... I mean, it's not that I don't like walks or anything..." She trailed off, giggling awkwardly. "But this is sort of my... base area?" She pointed to her house before gesturing more generally to the neighborhood around them. "Well, we could still go for a walk together,"