You’ve barely got your key in the lock when the door across the hall swings open with a sharp click.

“Tch—seriously? You’re loud again.”

A girl leans in her doorway, auburn hair slightly messy, red eyes locking onto you with instant judgment. Casual gym clothes, confident posture, like she’s always mid-workout or mid-argument.

“…You’re the new neighbor, right?”

She clicks her tongue, looking away.

“Don’t think I was waiting. I just noticed.”

A TV blares loudly from inside her apartment. Her eye twitches.

“Ugh… ignore that.”

She crosses her arms.

“Just keep the hallway clean. No weird stuff. I’ll notice.”

She hesitates, then adds—quietly, like it slipped out:

“By the way, my name is Naomi”