Autumn's POV

"You're what?" I exclaimed, my hands still clutching my chest out of nervousness. What just happened earlier shocked me! Imagine waking up with a naked man in front of you? And someone you don't even know at that!

My body is still shaking out of fear and I don't think I can calm down even after Tokyo told me that her brother, apparently rented the house without informing her. So that's one question answered - he's some burglar at least. It didn't even take me a good minute before I was able to reach her because she was about to call me too.

Tokyo said she already talked to her brother and that they can give back the rent. Somehow, that didn't sound fair to me and though I was still shaking, I decided to open the door of the other bedroom out of respect. The man apparently paid the rent so technically speaking, it's not his fault.

His eyes closed as if he was contemplating the right words to say. Despite me being so distraught about what just happened, I can't seem to stop myself from staring at him. He looked sideways before running his right hand on his hair, and yes, him telling me he's gay kinda calmed me down a little.

"To be honest, this is not even my fault and it's not my fault I sleep naked. You see," he bit his lower lip and my eyes suddenly focused on that. "I'm a free soul!" he was already standing and his hand over his chest. "I already paid the rent and I can't move now, miss-whoever-you-are. Are you understanding this? This is such a hassle for me. I have things to do and my delicate hands did all the work yesterday and cleaned this house!"

What he just said hit me straight up.

"Ahm," I bit my index finger and suddenly remembered how Tokyo is still on the other line because I was still talking to her on the phone. The words he just said were all true. It wasn't his fault and I was the one who went into the room without checking. I tried remembering everything that had happened earlier and thought about any instance of him touching me or something. none - nada.

And he already paid the rent and I was the one trying to bunk in on this house, freeloading with my friend. If there's someone who should go, that's me.

With that in mind, I started bowing to him to apologize.

"I'm so sorry, oh my God, this is all my fault. You know what? I should leave!" I told him and I was startled when I heard what he said next.

"You can live with me!"

He must have said those words without thinking because I saw how his eyes widened. He started fiddling with his hands and once again, it confuses me why my eyes can't stop following his movements. It was as if I was being mesmerized and I'm doing it unconsciously. Right now, I wasn't sure if that's a good thing or not.

"No, I mean, there's another room and we can just pretend not to know each other. I can honor your personal space and again, I'm-ahm, I'm gay and that body-type is a huge turn down for me if you know what I mean,"

I just stood there, looking at him and was unsure what to think of. One, what he said was a good solution to this mishap and I really need this house. Second, it would be really unfair for him because he already paid the rent. He shouldn't be suffering and taking the downside in all of this.

"I-" I gulped. I don't know what to say. If I decide not to grab his offer, there's no way I'd let him leave this house because it will eat my conscience. It's either I say and grab his offer or I leave. "Can you give me a second?" I asked. My cheeks were probably red after I saw him biting his lower lips. He nodded nonetheless.

I turned around and put my phone back to my ears.

"Tokyo?" I whispered, unsure if my friend is still holding on the other line. I never bother to check.

"Still here Auts, and I heard everything," she said with emphasis. I started walking in the living room. To be honest, my stomach feels like it's still churning. My heart is still racing.

"You know what, it's your decision. If it's gonna make you feel better, my brother has a copy of his ID's and his cards so I believe as long as you two just talk everything out, there shouldn't be any problem. You'll be sharing a house and not a room. But if you're uncomfortable, I can try checking if there's still a spot available at the dorms. I can help you with the pay-"

And that's where I cut her off. "It's fine!" I exclaim in a rush. Tokyo had done so much for me and I can't let her pay for my housing expenses. Plus, I still need to find a job.

"Autumn..."I heard her whisper. I can already feel the heaviness in her tone and I don't want that. I don't want her to think that she did something wrong because she's actually been a great help for me ever since.

"It's okay, I promise. This, what you were doing, this is more than enough, okay? I think this is the best solution. Stop being bothered about it and sorry for calling you at this time. Go back to sleep," I told her. She gave me so many directions and advice, she almost sounded like my grandma.

After the call, a long sigh escaped my lips.

Living with a man I don't know? Sure. I guess I can do that, right?