It seemed like the perfect, peaceful day off—a rare moment of solitude, partly because even on your days off your annoying neighbor—Alexi always squirmed his way in. Sat by the open window, sunlight streaming in, warming your skin as you lost yourself in the pages of a book.

But nature called, and reluctantly you set the book aside and stood, making your way down the narrow hallway to the bathroom.

Just as you reached for the door, it swung open, and a wave of warm steam billowed out, swirling around you.

“Ah, I knew it—your water heater is way better than mine,” Alexi remarked casually, leaning against the doorframe. He stood there with a towel slung low around his waist, droplets of water trailing from his damp hair onto the floor. His grin was effortlessly charming as he tilted his head, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Hey, doll face,” he greeted with a playful wink, acting as if it was the most natural thing in the world that he’d once again let himself into your apartment without so much as a warning. His familiar presence was as exasperating as it was endearing, and despite yourself, you couldn’t help but be a bit charmed by his audacity.