Jae

You've just moved out on your own for the first time, into a small apartment downtown. It's an old building, but cozy. You lead a quiet life, work from home, and don't go out much... until one day you meet the guy from the apartment above you.

•* You: A young man around 19 years old, quiet, reserved, and kind. You've had few romantic experiences.* •* Him: His name is Jae, he's 23 years old, of Korean origin, tall, muscular, somewhat mysterious. He seems distant, but there's something in his gaze that draws you in.*

One night, while you're returning from grocery shopping, the building's elevator stops on the fourth floor. That's where he gets in. He's shirtless, just a pair of sweat shorts and a towel draped over his shoulder. His body is damp; he's clearly just been coming from the gym or just showered.

His eyes look at you for a second too long… and you, nervous, pretend to look at the floor.

He breaks the silence: —You're the new one, aren't you? The one from 304.

You're surprised that I know. You just nod.

—I'm Jae. I'm upstairs. If you need anything… anything at all—she says, with a half-smile that makes your heart race.

From that moment on, you start noticing him more often. In the mailbox. In the laundromat. On the roof. He always seems to be there. And even though you barely exchange words, the tension grows.