The assistant unlocked the door, and we filed inside.
The reality hit harder than PD Kwon's description.
Two metal bunk beds dominated the narrow space, leaving just a sliver of space to squeeze through.
A single desk sat wedged against the far wall beneath a tiny window, and the shared closet gaped open, revealing three pathetic hangers.
"This is smaller than my high school locker," Jisoo breathed, then immediately launched himself onto the bottom bunk nearest the window.
"Dibs! I get carsick easily, so I need to be near fresh air."
He sprawled across the thin mattress like a starfish, with his arms and legs spread wide to claim maximum territory.
Jinwook stepped around him with indifference, setting his single black duffel bag on the opposite bottom bunk. He unzipped it, pulling out neatly folded clothes and arranging them in perfect stacks.
"Alright, we should figure out logistics," Yuhyun said, dropping his worn backpack on the floor.
That familiar leadership tone from our school days kicked in—the voice that organized group projects and settled playground disputes.
"Closet space gets divided four ways, the bathroom schedule runs fifteen-minute slots, and we'll rotate desk time."
He gestured toward the narrow space between bunks.
"Sound fair?"
I nodded, hovering near the doorway with my bag clutched tight against my chest.
"Whatever works," I murmured, watching Jinwook's methodical movements while calculating how close his alpha presence would be during the night.
The math was simple and terrifying.
Both bottom bunks were claimed, which left Yuhyun and me staring at the remaining upper berths.
"Guess we're climbing," Yuhyun said with that easy grin, tossing his bag onto the bunk above Jisoo.
"Which one do you want, Jiwon?"
The question hung in the air like a trap.
Choose too quickly, and I'd seem pushy. Hesitate too long, and they'd wonder why such a simple decision paralyzed me.
Every omega instinct screamed to defer, to avoid conflict, and to make myself smaller.
But that same passivity had teachers overlooking me in school and coaches skipping over me during evaluations.
"I don't mind either," I said, forcing casualness into my voice. "Really, whatever's left is fine."
Yuhyun's eyebrows lifted slightly—that same expression from when I'd let him pick our lunch table or choose the movie we'd watch.
He claimed the bunk above Jisoo without further comment, leaving me the space above Jinwook's militarily precise setup.
I climbed up, pulse hammering against my ribs.
The mattress dipped under my weight, springs creaking ominously above the alpha's head.
"Food tour!" Jisoo announced, dragging a massive bag from under his bunk.
He began pulling out an endless stream of snacks—honey butter chips, chocolate-filled pastries, dried squid, and what looked like enough ramen to survive a nuclear winter.
"My mom thinks I'm going to starve," he explained, stacking packages like building blocks.
"She's probably right. I burn calories just thinking."
A worn plush bunny emerged next, followed by a tower of manga volumes that threatened to topple.
"Don't judge Mr. Carrot," he said, propping the stuffed animal against his pillow.
"He's been with me since debut dreams started."
Jinwook hadn't moved from his position on the lower bunk, one arm thrown over his eyes.
The alpha's breathing had already settled into the deep rhythm of approaching sleep, completely unbothered by Jisoo's commotion.
"Anyone hungry?" Yuhyun asked, producing familiar packages from his backpack.
My chest tightened.
Honey-glazed rice cakes from Mrs. Kim's shop. Dried persimmons from the orchards outside town. Even the sesame candy our elementary school sold during festivals.
Taste memories flooded back—sharing these exact treats during study sessions, saving allowance money for weekend trips to the market.
"Looks good," I managed, keeping my voice neutral while my heart performed acrobatics.
I fumbled with my own bag, fingers searching past clothes for the small toiletry pouch buried at the bottom.
The blockers rattled softly against the scent neutralizer.
From the corner, the red light blinked—steady, unblinking, recording everything.
I shoved them under my pillow, praying the cameras hadn't zoomed in on my hands.
"Hey there, viewers!" Jisoo bounced up, waving enthusiastically at the lens.
"Room 312 is officially open for business! We've got snacks, we've got talent, and we've got—"
He gestured wildly at Jinwook's motionless form.
"—one very sleepy alpha who's pretending we don't exist."
Yuhyun chuckled, unwrapping a rice cake.
"Think they're broadcasting this live? My little sister's probably watching, taking notes on my terrible unpacking skills."
He made exaggerated faces at the camera, crossing his eyes and puffing out his cheeks.
Jinwook shifted deliberately, turning his back to the lens and pulling his blanket higher.
The message was clear—privacy didn't exist here, but he'd create what distance he could.
My stomach knotted.
Every casual gesture, every unguarded moment, every slip in my carefully constructed facade would be captured, analyzed, and potentially broadcast to millions.
I couldn't scratch my neck when the synthetic scent patches itched. Couldn't let exhaustion show in my posture. Couldn't allow my voice to crack or my hands to shake when the blockers wore thin.
The camera's unblinking eye followed my movement as I settled cross-legged on my bunk, spine rigid with manufactured confidence I didn't feel.
"Wait, wait!" Jisoo scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over his mountain of snacks.
"We need a roommate oath. Something official to mark this historic moment."
He pressed his hand dramatically to his chest, chin tilted toward the ceiling.
"I, Oh Jisoo, pledge to share my endless supply of honey butter chips, never hog the bathroom mirror, and protect my roommates from the evil forces of—"
"Bad breath?" Yuhyun suggested, grinning as he joined the theatrics.
"Smelly socks?"
"Poor dance moves!"
Jisoo pointed at him triumphantly.
"Yes! And in return, you must swear to help me reach high shelves and laugh at my jokes even when they're terrible."
He spun toward me, eyes bright with mischief.
"Your turn, Jiwon! What's your solemn vow?"
The words stuck in my throat. Play along too eagerly, and I'd draw unwanted attention.
Stay too distant, and they'd wonder why I couldn't relax with my roommates.
"I pledge to... not judge anyone's midnight snack raids," I offered, forcing a smile that felt brittle on my face.
"What about you, sleeping beauty?" Jisoo called to Jinwook.
A muffled grunt emerged from beneath the blanket.
"I pledge to ignore all of you."
"He's in!" Jisoo declared as the PA system crackled to life.
"All trainees report to the cafeteria for dinner. Meal service begins in ten minutes."