2. just like that

A slew of pink bubbles popped up on Tomoyo's phone when she unlocked it.

Tomoyo-chan! I found somebody
I know you still talk to Eriol sometimes, have you heard that he's coming back?
He's coming back to study for a year – the timing is so good!
Sorry, I know you're at work, but would you be okay with him moving in?
I've given him rates and sent a couple of photos of my space
Just let me know when you get a moment
And of course if this is too weird at all please just say so
I won't tell Eriol haha
I'm sorry if I've touched on something that's sensitive!

Tomoyo just looked at the messages for a while. A beat later, she shook her head and turned back to her task at hand – brewing tea and double-checking the various bridesmaids' dresses for the upcoming appointments are on the correct rack. She watched her fingers tremble as she sets out the mugs. Then she cursed internally.

Tomoyo didn't even have the composure to reply – in fact, what was she even going to say? On a practical level, it was good to have found somebody she was already familiar with to continue the lease with. On an emotional level, this sounded like more chaos that she didn't need right now. Just because she didn't actively feel something for Eriol right now, didn't mean that she wasn't capable, or that there wasn't something tiny that was still unresolved. At the very least, it was more complexity and emotional energy than she felt up to at the moment. And yet, Tomoyo couldn't bring herself to be completely repulsed by the idea. They could be roommates. A year passes quickly. Eriol was a dear friend.

That's great
I'd love for him to take up that space

Fuck, was what she thought to herself after she pressed send.

Later that evening, Tomoyo gets a predictable text.

Hey roomie

Haha
Fuck off

Wow
That's not very welcoming

I'll be nicer when you get here

That sounds about right

You're so entitled

She couldn't help smiling, leaning back in their bathtub – small enough that she has to sit with her knees poking out of the water. She rolled her eyes as she leaned over and placed her phone on their lime green plastic stool.

Maybe it was going to be okay.