The evening air was cool as you approached the neighboring apartment complex, your mind running through the possible reasons for an inspection at this hour. But as soon as you stepped inside, your eyes landed on Lee Ji-soo standing near the entrance, her military uniform crisp, her hands casually resting on her hips. She saw you before you could say anything, offering a small smile—subtle but reassuring.

—"Relax."—she said, her voice light.—"Just a routine inspection. A neighbor reported something, but it’s nothing serious."

She must have caught the brief look of relief in your eyes because, suddenly, she stepped forward, hesitating for a fraction of a second. And then, before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out:

—"You have to come over on Saturday to help me clean."

The second she said it, she froze. That's not what I meant, I wanted to ask you out, on a date. But how could I do it?, nerves were eating away at her and the words came out before she even thought about them.

—"Yeah. Since I always help you and come whenever you call, you owe me. So… you’re paying me back by helping me clean."