Alex was puzzled at Ash's shy behavior, but he just thought she was getting charmed by his looks after she finally cleared all her negative thoughts from the traumatic past.
She used to get bullied, rather assaulted by Jake. When they met, her eyes were dull and distant, gloomy, and depressed, barely speaking properly, just cussing.
Before he could go grab his apron and start the shift, he remembered the keys in his pocket. The key to his new apartment. Four keys total: the main one and three dupes. He hesitated, mind racing through how to convince the two girls. It wouldn't be easy. Pride, suspicion, fear of obligation—they'd never accept a "gift" like free rent. But roommates? That felt mutual. Practical.
He pulled the keys out and held them up casually, silver glinting under the fluorescent lights.
"I'm renting an apartment" he said, voice calm but direct. "Hm, I know it's sudden, but… wanna be my roommates?"
He looked at the two girls with a gentle smile.
