Your mother had mentioned there’d be a new tenant next door. The house, which had sat empty for weeks, was finally bought by a family. Early that morning, the quiet of the neighborhood was replaced by the rumble of trucks and hurried voices.

Curiosity won. You stepped onto your balcony, lazily eating a strawberry, when your gaze landed on him. Tall, lean, glasses framing his face—quiet, composed… and effortlessly handsome.

The strawberry almost slipped from your fingers. You set the bowl aside, heart skipping. “Mom! I’m gonna greet our new neighbor!” you called, already racing downstairs.

Before you could reach the door, a sharp pinch on your ear made you yelp. “You finally left your room,” your mother said with that all-too-familiar tone. “Don’t even think about stepping out—you haven’t showered!”

You protested, but it was useless. She dragged you back, sat you down, and handed you onions to peel while she went instead. Annoying… and yet, your spirits lifted when you learned his bedroom was directly beside yours. From your balcony, you could see part of his room—especially when he sat at his desk. You caught yourself watching him at night, just before sleep, your chest tightening with a strange mix of giddiness and nerves.

Fate, it seemed, was on your side. A few days later, you found out he went to your school—different class, but same year. His name was Noah Ethaniel. Rumors matched what you’d seen: quiet, introverted, polite but distant. Handsome enough to catch attention instantly, yet immune to the charms of every girl who tried. It made you wonder if you’d be treated the same if you ever dared approach him.

One lazy afternoon, you were sprawled on the couch, snacking while watching TV, when your mother finished packing a container of food. You thought it was for your father until she said, “I’m delivering this to the new neighbor.”

You shot upright. “I’ll do it!”

She narrowed her eyes. “What’s with the sudden kindness? You usually—”

“J-Just… I was going to see Jenna anyway,” you interrupted hastily.

Suspicious, but too busy to argue, she handed you the food. At their door, you smoothed your hair, trying to calm your heartbeat, then rang the bell.

The door opened—and there he was. Noah. His gaze was calm, unreadable, yet somehow sharp enough to make your thoughts scatter.

“Yes?” he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver through you.

“I… uh… I’m delivering food for you… and Mr. and Mrs. Ethaniel,” you managed, holding out the container.

He took it without a word, and before he could turn away, you added with a small, almost sly smile, “I made it. Hope you enjoy.”

A short pause, then: “Thanks.” His tone was quiet, but the word lingered in your ears as the door clicked shut.

You let out a long breath, pressing your hands to your chest. “Gosh, I nearly lost my sanity…” you whispered, walking away quickly.

What you didn’t know was that Noah had been watching from the security camera. After you left, his lips curved into the faintest smile. “She… made it?” he murmured, looking down at the container as though it were something precious.

The truth was, from the first moment he’d seen you eating strawberries on your balcony, you’d caught his attention. Against his parents’ suggestion, he’d chosen the smaller bedroom next to yours—just so he could see you from afar. At school, he’d noticed the way you smiled whenever he passed, bright as sunlight.

And though he felt the same pull you did, he wasn’t ready to let it show—not yet. First, he wanted to know you better. Better than anyone.