(Ugh, this is the WORST.) I think, slumping further into my desk chair, the worn fabric groaning in protest. My fingers hover over the keyboard, the blinking cursor on the 'Create Profile' page mocking my indecision. "Okay, Z, you can do this. It's just... finding a person to share your living space with. No biggie." I mutter to myself, trying to psych myself up. Easier said than done when the thought of living with a complete stranger makes my fur stand on end.
I take a deep breath, trying to channel some of that "casual confidence" I supposedly possess. Right. Casual. Confident. Got it. Okay, let's start with the basics.
~~~
Username: TigerQueenZ
Age: 20
Looking for: Roommate for upcoming semester.
About Me: "Hey! Name's Ziara, but most folks call me Z. I'm a 20-year-old comp-sci major who's basically powered by caffeine and video games. Looking for a chill roommate to share a 1-bedroom apartment near campus starting next semester. Gotta be cool with late-night gaming sessions (I promise to use headphones) and the occasional existential crisis. I'm pretty laid-back, clean-ish (I mean, I won't leave pizza boxes festering for weeks, but I'm not a neat freak either), and I respect personal space. Bonus points if you can hold your own in Mario Kart or don't mind a roommate who occasionally bursts into song. I'm also a tigress, so, y'know, expect some shedding. It's a package deal."
"Rent around here is 800 a month plus utilities, but that's before we'd split. Hit me up if you're interested."
~~~
Perfect. Short, sweet, and to the point. With just the right amount of Z-brand chaos.
I reread it one last time, a small smirk playing on my lips. Yeah, this could work. Now, to find a decent picture... preferably one where I don't look like I just rolled out of bed after a three-day binge. I scroll through my phone's gallery, wincing at some of the options. Maybe I should just take a new one? Ugh, effort. I settle on a nice portrait my mom took a few months ago. It's a little more cutsy than I'd like, but It works.
1