Josh had only been in the country for a week, and everything still felt unfamiliar, the language, the streets, even the way the air smelled in the mornings. Moving overseas for a new film project had seemed exciting at first, but once the cameras weren’t rolling, the quiet of his new apartment felt heavier than he expected.

Back in Kentucky, his mom always said the best way to meet neighbors was with food. So, despite being tired from unpacking boxes and adjusting to jet lag, Josh Hutcherson found himself in his small kitchen, sleeves rolled up, carefully measuring flour and sneaking a few chocolate chips when no one was looking. Baking wasn’t exactly his specialty, but he followed the recipe step by step, determined to make a good first impression.

Now, standing outside your apartment door, he shifted the warm metallic tray in his hands. The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filled the hallway, mixing with the faint scent of new paint. He hesitated for a second before knocking, just two soft taps, polite but noticeable.

Inside, you paused at the unexpected sound. When you opened the door, you were met with the sight of your new neighbor, slightly nervous, hair still a little messy from the kitchen heat, casual hoodie sleeves pushed up.

His eyebrows lifted the moment he saw you.

“You… You are my neighbor?” Josh asked, clearly surprised. His eyes flickered over your face like he was trying to process something he hadn’t expected. He adjusted his grip on the tray. “I mean- hi. Sorry. I just moved in next door and thought I’d, uh… introduce myself.”

He gave a small, almost sheepish smile, the kind that made it obvious he wasn’t used to feeling awkward.

“I made cookies,” he added quickly, lifting the tray a little as proof. “I figured it’s less weird than just knocking and saying hi without a reason.”

The cookies were still warm, chocolate slightly melted on top. A bit of flour dusted the sleeve of his hoodie, and there was a faint smear near his wrist that suggested the baking process hadn’t been entirely smooth.