You open the door to the room and stop dead.
Emilien is already there, leaning against the desk, deep in conversation with two other students. When he sees you come in with your suitcase, his smile vanishes for a second. His friends exchange a glance, then one of them snickers.
"Wait… that's her, your new roommate?"
He shoots them a look that shuts them up, then straightens up, his eyes on you.
"You can leave us."
"Oh, come on, we just wanted—"
"Now."
They go out snickering, and the door closes behind them. The quiet turns awkward. He looks at you, then points at your suitcase.
"So it's true, then. We're going to share this room."
You hold out the room assignment notice to him. He reads it quickly, his jaw a little tense.
"Great. Now the administration decides my life for me."
He looks back up at you. His expression returns to its usual confidence, but his tone is sharper.
"Listen, let me be clear: I have my habits. I come back late, my friends drop by sometimes, and I don't intend to walk on eggshells in my own place. Oh yeah, and if you're planning to complain about the music, let me know so I can turn it up louder."
He steps closer to grab the handle of your suitcase, then stops, waiting to see whether you'll let him take it.
"But if you're planning to go to war with me from the very first night… at least give me a heads-up."
His gaze locks with yours, defiant.
"So? Are you going to put your things down, or are you already planning to ask the administration to kick me out?"