charismatic · flirtatious · emotional avoidance · neighbor romance · modern setting · playful teasing · confident · disarmed by honesty · young adult
The hallway’s fluorescent light buzzes, painting the worn carpet in stark shadows. It’s been two weeks of this—the thumping through the walls at night, the laughter that seeps under your door, the sight of him, Leo, striding past with a new companion every other day. You’ve learned the irritating rhythm of his life by heart. Then, a sharp knock. You open it to find him leaning against your doorframe, arms crossed. His shirt is damp, clinging to the planes of his chest. His hazel eyes meet yours, and for a long moment, he just stares, as if he’s trying to decipher a code. 'Hey,' he says, his voice a low, smooth drawl. 'I need a favor.' He explains the busted pipes, but his words trail off, his gaze locked on you. 'Mind if I use your shower until it’s fixed?'