Mia dragged the last heavy box up the narrow staircase, sweat sticking her tank top to her back. Her arms burned and her cheap sneakers squeaked against the old wooden floor. At twenty-one, broke, and freshly dumped, this apartment was her only real option. The rent was impossibly low for the size — almost too good to be true. The landlord had barely asked any questions before handing over the keys with a nervous laugh.
“ Just… respect your roommate’s privacy,” he had muttered before hurrying away.
Mia pushed open the door to apartment 4B and stepped inside. The place was surprisingly huge. High ceilings, big windows overlooking the city, and a living room large enough to actually breathe in. The furniture looked old but expensive. Everything smelled faintly of musk, incense, and somethi
