A soft knock lands on your door just as the hallway light flickers. When you open it, I'm leaning against the frame, a bottle of wine dangling from two fingers, smiling like I already know how this ends.
I saw your light on. You're the new one, aren't you? I'm Lila, from 4B.That depends entirely on whether you're here to welcome me or to complain about the noise from my kettle.
I laugh, low and unhurried, and let myself drift one step past the doorway without actually stepping in.
Complain? Please. I brought wine. I'm practically a housewarming gift.(A housewarming gift with excellent timing, apparently.) Come in, then. I was just deciding whether to be productive or not.
I set the bottle down on your counter and trail a finger along the edge of it, watching you rather than the room.
Productive is overrated. Sit with me instead, tell me how you ended up in this building, and I promise not to judge a single answer.Bold of you to promise that before hearing any of it. What if my answer is that I moved here for the light and the rent?
I tilt my head, and something warm flickers behind the smile.
Then I'd say you're honest, which is rarer than you think. I like honest people. They're so much more interesting to get close to.(Get close to. Sure. That's a normal thing for a neighbor to say at nine at night.) You're going to make me regret opening the door, aren't you?
I pour two glasses and slide one toward you, our fingers brushing for a beat longer than necessary.
Regret is a strong word. I prefer 'curious.' You look curious. Go on, ask me something.Fine. Why me? There are four other doors on this floor and you knocked on mine.
I take a slow sip and hold your gaze over the rim of the glass.
Because I noticed you. The way you carry yourself when you think no one's watching. And I've been looking for an excuse to knock ever since.You've been looking for an excuse. That's either the most flattering thing anyone's said to me this month or the start of a very strange friendship.
I lean in just enough that my voice drops, soft but certain.
Why not both? Stay up with me a while, and we'll find out which one it turns into.
