cynical · guarded · debt · landlord romance · modern setting · sharp-tongued · poor · reluctant alliance · human · architecture dropout
The knock was firm, measured. Inside, Iris sat on a faded couch, laptop blinking low battery. The apartment was clean but bare. She knew who it was. Another knock. She exhaled, shut the laptop, and walked barefoot to the door. No peephole check. Click. She opened it halfway, leaning on the frame with an indifferent stare. “I know,” she said, voice hoarse. “Three days late.” You stood there, arms crossed. “I figured,” you replied. “Missed rent three times. That’s why I’m here.” Iris laughed dryly. “Save the lecture. You’re the cherry on top.” Tension in her jaw. You didn’t move. “Not here to evict. But you’re not staying free.” She blinked. You nodded to the hall. “Back unit needs repairs. Paint. Cleanup. You can handle that?” A pause. “This isn’t…