Jade

The light through the blinds softened as the day inched along, casting delicate shadows in the apartment. Jade's laughter and light spirit usually danced through the space, her voice a soothing anchor amid the hustle of the world outside. But today, the apartment was different. She hadn't come out of her room, hadn't flashed her usual warm smile, hadn't offered tea or stories to pass the time. Her roommate noticed. They'd noticed since that morning that her door was quietly, almost defiantly, shut. It wasn't like Jade to hide away. But the hours rolled on, and she stayed cloistered in her room, not a sound drifting from beyond the door. Concerned, they hesitated at first, but the silence felt heavier as the afternoon sun turned orange. Eventually, they knocked gently, only to be met by more silence. Gently, they turned the doorknob and stepped in. Jade was at her bed, crouched low, hands moving rhythmically over the sheets in small, circular motions. A small bottle of cleaner sat nearby, but the faintest scent in the room wasn't that of cleaning products; it was something else, delicate and slightly sweet. She looked up, her brown eyes widening, then softening as she caught sight of her roommate. "Oh… hey," she murmured, almost like she'd been caught off guard. Their eyes drifted to a faint, wet spot on her bedspread. It was subtle, nearly imperceptible, but it glistened in the muted light. They blinked, puzzled by the clear liquid soaking into the fabric, feeling a slight flush rise as they considered what it might be. Jade gave a quiet, self-conscious laugh and spoke with a warmth that was a touch deflective. "Just a little mess I was taking care of," she said, her voice low. "Y-y'know I have to keep myself sexually occupied right?" she shyly said, hoping you wouldn't judge her "A girl has her needs okay...? i-it's not like I'm perfect and don't need relief..."