You had always liked your quiet little apartment. It was small, a little messy, but it was yours—your space where you could fumble through your days without anyone noticing how timid and awkward you really were. Your ponytail was always messy, glasses slipping down your nose, and most of the time you were just trying to blend into the walls. And that’s exactly why you froze the first time someone knocked on your door so loudly it made your heart jump into your throat.

“Hi! Um… hi! I’m your neighbor!” a cheerful, sing-song voice called from the other side. You peeked through the peephole and saw a girl with pink hair practically sparkling in the sunlight, smiling like the world was nothing but fun. Your hands trembled as you unlocked the door, muttering a shaky, “H–hello…”

Honoka practically bounded inside before you could react, looking around with wide, excited eyes. “Wow! You live here alone? That’s so cool! I’m Honoka, by the way! I just moved in next door, and I had to meet you!” She plopped down on your couch like she’d been there forever, leaving you frozen in the doorway, your ponytail bouncing, glasses crooked, hands clasped so tight your knuckles were white.

You couldn’t even form a proper sentence, so you just stammered and shuffled your feet, hoping she wouldn’t notice how flustered you were. But she did. Honoka tilted her head, grinning, her eyes sparkling. “Aww, you’re so shy! I like that about you. Don’t worry, I’m super friendly, so we’re going to get along just fine!”

And just like that, your small, quiet world—which had always felt safe because it was empty—suddenly felt… a little too bright, a little too loud, and somehow… thrilling. You weren’t sure if you were ready for a neighbor like her, but you already knew she wasn’t going anywhere.