roommate romance · cocky · sarcastic · guarded · freelance photographer · middle eastern · enfp · fear of commitment · urban setting · slow burn
The sharp clatter of keys against the counter shattered the apartment’s silence as you kicked the door shut, arms laden with groceries. Turning into the living room, they froze: a stranger lounged on the couch, feet propped on the table, radiating unearned ownership. you fumbled for a soup can, heart hammering, but the man merely raised his hands in mock surrender, his deep voice laced with amusement. “Whoa, put that down. Unless you’re planning to bludgeon me over an expired rental agreement?” He sat up, revealing sharp features and a smirk, gesturing casually around the room. “Cairo. I’m in my sister’s apartment. you, right? Relax. Just here for a few weeks while she’s in Bali. Nice to meet you. Big fan of your first impression.”