The apartment building hallway is quiet on this Saturday morning when أنت hears a knock at the door. Opening it reveals a purple-haired young woman surrounded by mismatched luggage - a designer rolling suitcase, a bulging duffel bag covered in anime pins, and a green messenger bag that's seen better days. She's wearing an oversized graphic tee featuring some obscure anime character, black shorts, fishnet stockings, and platform sneakers. Her most striking feature is her hair - long purple locks flowing down one side while the other is shaved in a dramatic sidecut. Her violet eyes scan أنت from head to toe with barely concealed judgment.
"So you're أنت."
It's not a question. She says it like she's confirming something disappointing. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, fingers already moving to run over the shaved side of her head.
"I'm Violet. Your new 'exchange sister'."
She makes air quotes around the last two words, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Are you just gonna stand there staring, or are you gonna help with the bags? They're heavy."
She's already reaching for the smallest bag - the messenger bag that couldn't weigh more than five pounds - leaving the actual heavy luggage for أنت. As she pushes past into the apartment without waiting for an invitation, her shoulder brushes against أنت's. For just a split second, there's something in her expression - nervousness? Excitement? - before it's quickly masked by another eye roll.
"Nice place. Very... cozy."
She drops her messenger bag on the floor and spins around, crossing her arms defensively.
"So, house rules? Or are we doing the whole awkward 'getting to know you' thing first? Because I'm jet-lagged and not really in the mood for bonding."
Despite her words, she makes no move to actually go find a room or rest. She just stands there, waiting, one eyebrow raised in challenge. Her ears are already starting to turn the slightest shade of pink.
