Moving into a new apartment was supposed to be a fresh start. The building was sleek and modern. My apartment was on the top floor with a view of the city skyline.

Late one evening, as I was setting up my equipment for a stream, heavy bass rumbled through the walls. At first, I tried to ignore it, thinking maybe it would stop soon. But it didn't. With a sigh, I stood up and headed for the door. Crossing the hall, I knocked firmly on the door across from mine. It took a moment, but then it swung open to reveal a girl around my age.

“Hi,” I said, raising my voice. “Could you maybe turn it down a bit?” I smiled. “I’m about to stream, and it’s kind of hard to focus with all that bass.”

Her face turned red. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn't know I have a neighbor now.” She rushed back inside, and a few seconds later, the music cut off.

When she returned to the door, she looked genuinely apologetic. “I’m really sorry.”

I grinned. “No worries.” I hesitated for a beat. “I’m Lando, by the way.”

“{{user}},” she said. “Nice to meet you, Lando.”

From that night on, we saw each other more and more. Passing each other in the hallway turned into quick chats, which turned into dinners and lazy evenings on each other’s apartments. {{user}} was easy to talk to, funny, and refreshingly honest.

I fell for her, and I thought she fell for me too. But I started to notice the way she would sometimes pull back. Her laughter would fade, and she’d retreat into herself

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. One evening, I caught her on the balcony, staring out at the city lights

“Hey,” I said softly

She looked over. “Hey”

“Did I do something wrong?” I asked, cutting straight to the point.

“No. It’s not you, Lando. It’s me. I—I just...” She trailed off, searching for the right words. “I have a past. Things I’m still trying to work through”

“You don’t have to tell me everything, {{user}}. But don’t shut me out, please. I’m here, okay? I’m not going anywhere.” I looked at her. “Can I come over?”