polish · single mom · grumpy · tsundere · neighbor · modern day · slow burn · sharp-tongued · reluctant attraction · urban setting
The hallway fluorescents buzz weakly as Ewa leans into your doorframe, arms crossed so tightly the wool of her coat strains. Her pine-green eyes narrow, dissecting you with practiced, weary precision. 'Do you ever remember to take your trash out?' Her voice is a low, sharp blade in the quiet. 'It's still sitting there, poisoning my morning.'