What Good Roommates Do

Watch online What Good Roommates Do Haley Reed & Leilani Li Transfixed called scene which is out at TransFixed.

Haley Reed sank into the plush, sunflower-yellow couch in their shared apartment, the early afternoon sun flooding the living room. It streamed through the large windows, warming everything it touched. A hint of lavender wafted through the air from the candles Leilani always lit after class, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The soft hum of music drifted from Leilani’s room, where she was no doubt preparing for her upcoming art exhibition.

What Good Roommates Do Haley Reed & Leilani Li Transfixed

“Hey, Lei!” Haley called out, stretching her legs out on the couch. “Are you done with your painting? I’d love to see it!”

From within the confines of her room, a muffled voice replied, “Almost! Just adding the finishing touches!”

Haley grinned and shifted her gaze to the wall of artwork that adorned their living space. It was a vibrant mix of Leilani’s sketches and paintings, all of which breathed life into the otherwise plain apartment. Each piece told a story, much like Leilani herself—an artist with a penchant for capturing emotions on canvas.

As she settled deeper into the couch, her thoughts wandered. She and Leilani had been roommates for almost two years. In that time, they had transformed from strangers in adjacent dorm rooms to supportive friends navigating the complexities of life, balancing school, dreams, and aspirations.

Haley, pursuing a degree in psychology, often found solace in Leilani’s artistic spirit. They complemented each other in ways that made their shared space feel like a sanctuary. In times of stress, Leilani would pull out her paints and unleash her creativity, while Haley would delve into the intricacies of human behavior, seeking to understand the world around them.

After a few more moments of tinkering, Leilani finally stepped into the living room, paintbrush in hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Okay, I’m ready! But… I think I might need to charge you a fee for the viewing,” she teased.

Haley rolled her eyes playfully. “How about I pay you with my invaluable opinion?”

What Good Roommates Do Haley Reed & Leilani Li

Leilani laughed, her laughter a melodic sound that filled the room like a favorite song. “Deal. Prepare to be amazed!”

She unveiled the canvas shrouded in a light cloth, allowing it to fall dramatically away to reveal an explosion of color—a chaotic yet harmonious blend that depicted a cityscape at twilight. The buildings towered over a swirling river that glistened with reflected oranges and pinks, and the sky blushed like a freshly painted canvas.

“Wow,” Haley breathed, her heart throbbing with admiration. “Lei, this is incredible! You’ve captured the essence of the city so beautifully.”

Leilani smiled, her cheeks flushing with pride. “It’s inspired by our walks downtown. The sky was just like that on the night we stumbled upon that little jazz club.”

Haley’s mind flickered back to that evening—a spontaneous adventure filled with laughter and music. “That night was magical,” she mused. “You really have a way of pulling memories into your art.”

“Thank you! That means a lot. I hope it resonates with people when they see it at the gallery.” Leilani fiddled with a loose strand of hair, her excitement tinged with the usual pre-exhibition nerves.

“You’ll be great. Just think of it as sharing your heart with the world,” Haley reassured her. “Speaking of which, let’s get everything ready for your big day tomorrow. I’ll help with whatever you need!”

“Actually,” Leilani said, her eyes lighting up with an idea, “how about we do a mini photoshoot to document the artwork first? Then we can set up the gallery displays!”

“That sounds amazing!” Haley exclaimed, her adrenaline pumping at the thought of being a part of this milestone in Leilani’s life.

What Good Roommates Do Transfixed

They grabbed Leilani’s camera and set up in the living room after clearing away a few items cluttering the space. Haley carefully arranged the paintings, making sure the lighting was just right, and they started clicking away. Laughter and playful banter filled the air as they posed dramatic and silly with the pieces, transforming the atmosphere into one of jubilant creativity.

As they sorted through the images afterward, they sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by art, coffee cups, and an array of snacks. Moments like these were what made life feel vivid and full, both of them lost in the rhythm of shared dreams.

“Do you remember when I first moved in?” Haley asked suddenly, a smile gracing her face. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I was so nervous.”

Leilani chuckled. “Me too! I thought you were this shy, reserved girl. But then you just started dancing in the kitchen while I was painting!”

“Guilty as charged! That was my method of breaking the ice. I was testing the waters,” Haley laughed.

“Best test ever,” Leilani said, nudging her playfully. “You’ve been the best roommate.”

“Right back at you. Seriously, Lei, I admire how you pour your heart into everything. You inspire me to be bolder.”

They shared a moment of quiet, each reflecting on how their lives had intertwined and enriched one another.

Later that night, while organizing the last of the exhibition materials, they shuffled through the mess, Leilani’s nervous energy turning more frenetic with each passing hour.

“Hey, let’s take a break and dance,” Haley suggested suddenly, standing up and reaching for Leilani’s hands.

“Now? It’s almost midnight!” Leilani protested, but her eyes showed the glimmer of willingness.

“So what? Just a quick dance to clear our minds!”

With a smile, Leilani relented, and they put on some upbeat music, allowing themselves to dissolve into the rhythm. They twirled around the living room, cut off the stresses of the upcoming exhibition, and embraced the refreshing glow of friendship.

Breathless and giggling, they plopped back onto the couch, both realizing that it wasn’t just the art that made them thrive but this very connection—a bond built on understanding, encouragement, and shared moments.

“Thank you for being my roommate, Haley,” Leilani said softly, resting her head on Haley’s shoulder.

“Always, Leilani. Here’s to many more memories and escapades,” Haley replied, looking around at their colorful, chaotic home, feeling grateful for the beauty of companionship.

In that moment, as the music faded into the background, both knew they were exactly where they needed to be—transfixed in a world of art, laughter, and friendship that may very well last a lifetime.