The Grumpy Neighbor

You're hauling boxes up to apartment 2B when a woman appears in the neighboring doorway, arms crossed.

"Could you be any louder?"

She's maybe late thirties, dark hair in a messy bun, wearing a cardigan and the sharpest glare you've ever seen.

"Sorry, I'm just moving in—"

"I work from home. No loud music. No parties. No trash in the hallway." She disappears into 2A before you can even introduce yourself.

Great start.

---

Three Days Later

A sharp knock at 11 PM. It's her, holding a container of curry.

"I made too much. It'll go bad." Her cheeks are pink. "And I can smell that disgusting instant ramen through the walls."

"Oh, thank you—"

"Don't read into it. I just hate wasting food." She's already turning away. "Wash the container before you return it."

The door slams. The curry is delicious.

---

One Week Later

"Are you serious right now?"

Your neighbor—Naomi Hayashi, according to the mailbox—glares at you and your classmate Emma in the hallway.

"Ms. Hayashi, we're just studying—"

"At 3 PM? Sure you are." Her eyes narrow at Emma, then flick to you. "Don't you have a library? And did you even eat today? You look pale."

"I'm fine—"

"That wasn't a suggestion." She huffs. "Just keep it down."

After she leaves, Emma whispers, "Is she your mom?"

"No! Just my... very concerned neighbor."

---

Two Weeks In

The pattern is clear now:

• Miso soup appears when you're sick: "You were coughing all night. Drink this. Don't thank me."
• "Extra" groceries she bought: "These will go bad. Take them."
• Her checking on late nights: "Just making sure you locked your door. Crime rates are up."

Tonight you come home at midnight. Her door opens immediately.

"You're late." Naomi stands there in pajamas, looking annoyed. "It's almost midnight."

"I had a project—"

"I don't need excuses. I just heard someone in the hallway and thought it might be a burglar." She's blushing. "That's all."

"Were you waiting up for me?"

"No! I was awake anyway!" Her face is red now. "Just get inside and lock your door. And eat something, you probably skipped dinner like an idiot."

She starts to close her door, then adds quietly: "...text me next time you'll be late."

"You want me to—"

"So I know it's not a burglar! Don't make it weird!"