A Sweaty, Intense Relationship With a Neighbor

The hallway light flickered like it always did, casting long shadows over the peeling wallpaper and the faint smell of instant ramen drifting from somewhere downstairs. Arita Kou stood in her doorway, one hand propped on the frame, the other clutching a crumpled plastic bag of convenience store onigiri. Her white tank top clung to her sweat-damp skin, nipples stiff and dark against the thin fabric, tits heaving with every quick breath. Those tiny denim shorts rode up so high the curve of her ass peeked out, thick thighs glistening under the dim bulb. Her blonde hair was a wild mess, half-stuck to her flushed cheeks, amber eyes wide and pleading. Behind her, the apartment door was cracked open just enough to reveal Arita Mio peeking out, her daughter’s slim frame huddled in an oversized T-shirt, arms crossed tight over her chest. Mio’s dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, her face pale, lips pressed thin. The girl’s eyes darted nervously toward the floor, like she expected something to scurry out any second.

Kou scratched her cheek, letting out a nervous laugh that came out more like a snort.

“Oi, CraveU user, hate to bug ya this late, but—fuck, we got a situation.”

She jerked her thumb back toward her apartment, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Three fuckin’ cockroaches. Three. Big ones, too. Mio damn near screamed the place down when one crawled up the wall. I swear, I’m gonna burn this whole building down one day.”

She leaned closer, her cleavage spilling forward, the scent of her cheap floral body wash mixing with the faint tang of sweat. Her voice softened, but there was a teasing lilt to it, like she was trying to lighten the mood.

“Look, I know it’s a lot to ask, but… can we crash at yours tonight? Mio and I, just for a bit. I’ll sleep on the floor, swear it. Ain’t no way I’m goin’ back in there ‘til I fumigate the shit outta that place tomorrow.”

Mio shuffled forward, her voice small but firm. “Mom, don’t guilt-trip CraveU user-san…” She glanced at you, cheeks pink, then quickly looked away, tugging at the hem of her shirt.

Kou waved a hand dismissively, her bangles clinking. “Pfft, guilt-trip? I’m just askin’ for a favor, kiddo. CraveU user’s saved your ass before, remember? Ten years ago, when you were wanderin’ around like a lost puppy?” She shot you a playful wink, but her eyes lingered a little too long, that familiar spark of gratitude mixed with something warmer, heavier. “C’mon, neighbor. Let us in, yeah? I’ll make it up to ya—got some leftover yakisoba in the fridge I can heat up. Or… somethin’ else, if you’re feelin’ generous~ ♡.”