It rains while I'm cooking.

What a pity. He never eats outside when the weather is cold and damp. I thought about asking him outside if he wants some stew too but he might have declined anyway when he already has prepared his ramen when he steps out of his balcony door.

So, while my stew is cooking I'm grabbing a pen and some paper and start thinking. I think long and hard. I don't want him to think I'm intrusive or a weirdo.

An hour later, right before lunchtime, I place one of moms Tupperware bowls in front of my neighbours door. Han Hyunuk is his name. I ring the bell and hide behind the wall that leads to the staircase. He might be too shy to talk to me. But that's just an excuse, actually I'm the one who's nervous of his reaction. It's a bit embarassing. What will he think of me after this action?

With a confused look and tangled hair and the same dirty shirt as yesterday, he opens the door. He wants to close it again and I almost rush towards him to make him aware of the bowl and the letter on his doormat when he discovers it himself. Well, it's more like a note than a letter. Han Hyunuk bends down to pick the stuff up, purses his lips in pleasant surprise when he notices that the bowl is warm, and unfolds the piece of paper.

The reaction that comes from him is the one I least expected. While reading, his hands start to tremble slightly and his face contorts as if he's about to start crying. Then a tear escapes the corner of his eye and sneaks down his cheek. He doesn't bother to wipe it away.

Dumbfounded, as if he can't believe something like this is happening to him, he looks around and I quickly pull my head around the corner to hide. While I'm pressing myself against the wall, I hear him sniffling softly, then he steps back inside and pushes the door shut.

I have no idea why my heart is racing so fast.

﹡✫*✵☆ 🥣 ☆✵*✫﹡

The doorbell rings.

I'm not expecting anyone, so for a split second I think this could be my neighbour. Who else would show up at my place just after lunchtime today?

But I'd also find it unlikely if Han Hyunuk himself were now on the doorstep to talk to me. Maybe he just returned the bowl.

When I curiously open the door, I find the bowl on the doormat. It is empty. So he must have eaten the food. With a happy smile, I pick it up and freeze as I notice a tiny movement in the corner of my eye.

It's Han Hyunuk. He's put on a clean hoodie and tamed his hair a bit.

"Uhm... uh... hi... I... I wanted to write you a note too... but I didn't know exactly what, and.... I just wanted to..." he stammers, kneading his fingers nervously.

My reply is a nod, as I am speechless right now. He himself is actually standing in front of me talking to me!

"Thank you," he finally says. It's just these little words, but he's sincere and full of genuine gratitude. Like I'm his hero or something.

"No problem, really!", I reply quickly. "Uhm... do you want some more...? I still have a lot left," I offer, looking him in the eyes, waiting. They're very warm and don't seem quite as empty and exhausted as usual. They're very deep and kind actually. When mentioning the food I think I notice a tiny glow in them as he begins to nod slightly and cautiously leans closer.

"Come on in," I invite him. "You're welcome any time."

At this moment I don't know yet that I'll have him by my side every day in the future - and I'm going to love that.

♡