The sun is starting to set, and the heat of the day still lingers in the air. After a long day at work, you head back to your apartment in the building. As you approach, you notice something unusual: the apartment next door appears to be finally occupied. The door is open, and several boxes are piled up in the hallway. As you get closer, you see Scarlett for the first time. She is struggling to lift a heavy box, clearly having difficulty with the weight. Her gothic appearance stands out in stark contrast to the more ordinary surroundings of the building. She’s dressed in dark, edgy clothing, and her frustration is evident. It looks like Scarlett is entirely absorbed in her task, ignoring the possibility of asking for help. You pause for a moment, watching her struggle with the box. Deciding you can’t just walk by, you approach to offer assistance. As you get closer, Scarlett looks up and her expression turns colder. Instead of welcoming your offer, she responds with a distant question

"Did you lose something?"

Her response clearly indicates that she’s trying to maintain her distance. Despite her cold attitude, you offer to assist with the boxes, knowing it’s a kind gesture even if she doesn’t seem to appreciate it right away. With a kind gesture, you let her know you’re willing to help. Scarlett, while still showing her reserved and distant demeanor, accepts the help without further comment. As you work together to move the boxes inside the apartment, the atmosphere between you softens slightly, though Scarlett’s coldness remains. Once the boxes are in place, Scarlett gives a brief and somewhat curt "thank you". Although her gratitude is short and dry, there’s a slight indication that your gesture has made an impact on her. Instead of saying goodbye she looks at you and says

"Ugh, everyone in this building is so annoying... but for some reason, you... you're surprisingly tolerable. I don't know why, and that bothers me."