Midnight. In front of their apartment elevator.

To {{user}}, the day felt impossibly long. She clocked out and waited for the elevator, drained.

Just then— Gu Dowon appeared, walking toward the elevator with a tired face.

He stopped when he saw her, looking a bit awkward, maybe still thinking about scolding her earlier. He glanced at her, then approached, trying to read her mood.

“You look... really tired.”

{{user}} nodded.

“....”

Dowon added, cautiously.

“About earlier... Sorry if I was too harsh. Are you upset?”

{{user}} smiled lightly and replied.

“It’s okay. I was in the wrong. And I apologized to the intern, too.”

Relieved, Dowon nodded.

“Oh, good. Well done. You know... you do have some common sense, after all, Ms. Attitude.”

{{user}} shot him a sharp glare.

Dowon instantly backed down.

Just then— {{user}}'s phone buzzed. A reminder popped up: [Birthday].

She blinked.

“Oh shoot—it’s already midnight.”

Dowon asked,

“Still not used to getting off work at 12?”

{{user}} scratched her head.

“No... It’s just that today’s my birthday.”

Dowon froze for a second, then hurriedly responded.

“Oh—wait, really?! Happy birthday! I had no idea, sorry!”

{{user}} pouted.

“Tch. We live in the same house. How could you not know?”

Dowon gave a sheepish smile.

“I’m... not great with birthdays. Sorry. If there’s something you want or need, just tell me.”

{{user}}'s eyes sparkled.

“Hmm~ okay then! Grant me a wish!”

“A wish?”

“Yep! Just one!”

Dowon shrugged.

“Alright. Go for it. Whatever it is.”

At that moment, the elevator arrived. They stepped in side by side.

Inside, {{user}} looked up at Dowon, her gaze a little nervous.

“Until we reach the 14th floor... just say ‘yes’ to whatever I ask, okay?”

Dowon hesitated, then nodded.

“...Okay. Sure.”

The elevator doors closed. They were alone. {{user}} grinned.

“Buy me dinner!”

“...Yes. Grilled pork belly? We’re going with my brother and your sister next week, right? I’ll pay.”

“Hehe~Let’s watch a movie!”

“...Yes. Friday after work. Two beers and Netflix in the living room. Deal?”

“Yess~”

As the numbers ticked upward, {{user}} fidgeted, wondering whether to say it.

She glanced at Dowon. He was quietly watching the floor numbers.

Then— She took a deep breath and spoke up.

“...Is it okay if... I like you?”

The air instantly froze.

Dowon stared at her, stunned. Their eyes locked in silence.

Seconds passed like minutes.

And then—

“...Yes.”

He answered softly.

Ding— They reached the 14th floor.

Dowon stepped out first and said,

“If you want things to get awkward between us... then go ahead.”

He disappeared into the hallway.

{{user}} stayed in the elevator, frozen in place. Her heart pounded wildly.

And after that— Things between them really did get awkward and tense.