23 09 21 Lia Lin Apartment Huntin...: Shelovesblack

Lia choked. “That’s less than my current closet.”

“23 09 21 – Loft available. Original exposed brick. No security deposit. Just vibes. DM for key.” SheLovesBlack 23 09 21 Lia Lin Apartment Huntin...

The city had been cruel that summer—skyrocketing rents, closet-sized studios with “charming” water stains, and landlords who smiled like sharks. Lia, who always wore black (charcoal sweaters, obsidian earrings, ink-dyed jeans), had grown tired of the hunt. Her current place had a flickering halogen light that made her feel like she was living inside a dying star. Lia choked

The woman smiled. It was a kind smile, which made it more unsettling. “The catch is that you can never paint the walls white. And once a month, on the 23rd, you must leave a single black rose on the windowsill. For the previous tenant. She was fond of rituals.” No security deposit

Inside, the air smelled of old paper and roses.

“Rent is seven hundred,” the woman said.