The Chance Of Seeing Your Next Door Neighbor When You Leave For Class Is Low But Never Zero

Today, I saw her for the first time.

A girl with long brown hair and dark-grey eyes. It appears she’s going to shop while I headed out for my 8 AM.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

And that was that. I didn’t know the room next to me was occupied. It’s always quiet in there.

A week later: it was for my late-night chores.

“Hello.”

“How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. And you?”

“I’m good, too.”

And that ends another abrupt conversation. This marks two total encounters. I noticed she applied some makeup. Maybe she’s heading out to a late-night party. They are frequent in this neighborhood.

“Hello.”

“What class do you have?”

“Um, electronics. Are you the same?”

“Oh, no. That’s completely out of my field of expertise.”

“Then, what are you studying?”

“Neuroscience.”

“Oh, wow. Now that’s out of my expertise.”

The third encounter ends with a shared laugh. I notice that she applies zero makeup in the mornings. But at night, she goes out to do… I have no clue, honestly. It’s none of my business.

“Hey.”

I came back late at night after my laboratory to see her in a comfy jacket and long pants. “Hello.”

“You’re out late.”

“Well, can’t skip class.”

“I respect that.” She takes a step closer to me. “Hey, wanna come with me?”

“Where?”

“I’m shopping. You know, I cook meals for myself.”

“That’s a skill I wish I had.” I look at my watch. “Well, it’s dangerous for a girl to go alone late at night.”

“Yeah, I figured that maybe it’s worth a shot to ask.”

“Let me put away my backpack.”

Shopping went by in a breeze. Turns out she’s quite the cook. When she finishes cooking, she might invite me over for a meal. But we’re both really busy with our studies. Looks like she uses the nighttime to unwind from the daily stress.

Well, not sure when the next encounter will be. But somewhere in my heart I hope it’s soon-

DING DONG.

I look through the peephole to see the girl in question. “Hello.”

“I made some soup,” she explains. “But… it’s a bit much. Just as thanks… would you?”

I smile softly. “Yeah, I’ll help. I’m interested to see how good your cooking is.”

She walks into her house. “Then, prepare to be surprised.”

Shocker indeed. It was delicious to the point it puts my microwave meals to shame.

“Your face says all I need to know.”

“Now, that’s just…” I look away from her face. “A bit embarrassing.”

“How so?”

“My neighbor is watching me eat a meal late at night in her house.”

“Eh? I feel like we’re kindred spirits.” She holds out her pinky. “We’re both studying real hard, and we need some form of escape from that. And I feel like we can both enjoy these small little talks here and there.”

I smile, pinky promising her. “Truth is I don’t mind these talks.”

“So, let’s continue then. Next week is steak. I hope you’re ready.”

“I’m quite the grillmaster, actually.” It’s the one thing I do know how to cook.

“Oh? Then I want to try your cooking next time.”

“Deal.”

It’s time for me to leave her house. I turn around and watch her wave bye. I hold up my hand before a stark realization.

“Hey, what’s your name?”

She nearly spits out her drink. “Oh, right. We never told each other, right?”

I laugh. “I’m Ryan.”

She snickers. “Yeah, yeah. I’m Evie.”

Evie, I like that name.