"Leo, is the apartment opposite mine empty?"
"I need to ask the owner," Leo replied.
"Call him and let me know," I said.
After a short while, he called back.
"It's empty, Mr. Ren," he said.
"I'll buy it. Prepare the agreement and leave it in my office," I instructed.
"O-okay," he replied, and hung up.
I couldn't let her live in that apartment. But why wasn't she living in the house where Mrs. Eve used to teach? And how should I give her the new apartment without alarming her? Maybe her friend from the shop could help. It was worth a try.
The next morning, I drove to the shop. Aria was there, arranging things and making it look beautiful. I didn't want her to see me, so I waited. An hour later, she left for work, leaving her friend behind.
I got out of the car, opened the shop door, and the bell chimed.
"Welcome," her friend said.
"I don't want to waste time. Do you have a moment?" I asked. She looked surprised.
"Y-yes," she replied.
"You know where Aria lives, right?" I asked directly.
"Yes, but I can't give her address to anyone," she said firmly.
"Last night, I dropped her home, and it's not safe for her there. I bought an apartment for her," I explained quickly. "I might sound creepy, but—"
Before I could finish, she interrupted, "So… you remember her?"
"Huh?"
"You recognized Aria the day you came into the shop, didn't you?" she asked. At that moment, I realized she was the only one who could help Aria move safely.
"Yes. I don't want her to know yet," I admitted. That meant Aria must have recognized me, too, though I didn't know her friend. "But I want her to leave that apartment, and you're the only one who can help me do that."
"Give me the apartment location and I'll handle it," she said. I handed over the address.
Just as I was about to leave, I added, "And please… don't let her know about this conversation."
She nodded, and I left.
I went back to the office and signed the agreement. Without wasting a moment, I sent Leo to deliver it to Aria's friend so she could handle the apartment and help Aria move safely.
"Mr. Ren, we have to attend the business dinner tonight," Leo reminded me.
After work, we headed to the dinner, where I was introduced to several CEOs from other companies. I never realized running a company required meeting so many people.
After the dinner, I returned to my apartment. That's when I noticed a light on in the apartment opposite mine. Could it be… she had already moved in?
I walked over and knocked gently.
The door opened, and there she was—Aria.
"Ohh!! Mr. Ren," she exclaimed.
I tried to act casual. "Miss Aria… you're here?"
"Yes! I just moved in today," she said with a bright smile.
"Oh… guess we're neighbors now," I said, feeling a small surge of happiness, though I still didn't know if she remembered me.
"Want to come inside?" she asked softly. "I've made cookies."
"Oh… okay," I replied. She had already unpacked her things, and the apartment felt cozy and warm.
I sat on the couch, and she brought a tray full of cookies. They looked perfect, and the taste was somehow familiar.
"They're really good," I said sincerely.
"Thanks… my mom taught me," she replied with a small smile.
"Oh, let me bring you some water," I said. She hurried to stand, but suddenly tripped. I caught her instinctively, and she landed gently on me. My hand rested on her waist, the other lightly holding her wrist. She was so close… I could feel her breath. She slowly closed her eyes.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause. I felt the temptation to lean closer, to… but I stopped myself. I couldn't rush this, not now, especially with the slight warmth from the drinks I had at dinner. If I let myself initiate anything, I knew I wouldn't be able to stop. I had to hold back, keep my composure… even though every instinct in me wanted to stay close, to feel her just a little longer.
I lifted her slightly to steady her. She opened her eyes, and I asked quickly, "Did you hurt your leg?" trying to keep the moment light.
"U-umm… no, I'm fine," she stammered, her cheeks tinged pink.
I smiled softly and stood up. "Thanks for the cookies. I should go now." I took the tray with me.
As I walked out, I turned back. She smiled at me, sweet and genuine.
"Have a good sleep, Mr. Ren," she said.
"You too," I replied, returning her smile, feeling warmth spread through me.
All I could think at that moment was how beautiful, confident, and how much more responsible I felt toward her. That fleeting closeness, the way her presence stirred something gentle but undeniable inside me, made my chest tighten in a way I hadn't expected.
After entering my apartment, my eyes fell on the calendar. October 29… tomorrow. Her birthday. That would be the day—I would finally tell her.
The next day, I spent the first half in the office, my mind racing, thinking about what I could give her.
"Leo, what do you give your girlfriend on her birthday?" I asked.
"Umm… my wife prefers jewelry and food that I make for her on her birthday," he said, smiling as he thought about it.
"Jewelry and food made by me?" I mused. I can try that. I checked my schedule. "Do I have any meetings today?"
"No, that's it," he replied.
"Okay, then I'm going now." I grabbed my car and headed to the mall. After scanning countless stores, my eyes landed on a beautiful necklace—I knew it was perfect. I bought it, then went home to prepare a feast.
By around 9:00 PM, she wasn't home yet, so I waited. After an hour, she finally arrived. I stepped outside my door.
"Miss Aria," I called softly.
She turned, curious.
"Well… I wanted to give you a small welcome dinner as a neighbor," I said casually.
"Ohh!" she said, smiling as she slowly stepped inside. I noticed she had already had a little drink.
I placed the dishes on the table. She tasted the steak first.
"Umm… you cook really well," she said, pleasantly surprised.
"Thanks. I worked at a restaurant in Germany," I replied, glancing at the clock. I was waiting for the perfect moment—midnight.
By the time we finished dinner, it was already 11:00. I hadn't opened any drinks since she was slightly tipsy, but she asked, pointing at the beer, "Can I serve it?"
I couldn't deny her. She poured a glass, and we sat together on the couch.
"You know… I really wanted to live with family," she said softly. "When my parents passed away, I was left alone. I completed my education and sold the house for a school project. With the remaining money, I bought a small apartment. At first, it was hard to manage, but over time, everything stabilized. My dream is coming true… now I have a safe place to live. Thanks to Sora, she helped me buy it. It's affordable, and I feel safe here."
It was the first time I had seen her like this, vulnerable, relaxed, and a little drunk.
She lifted the bottle, ready to pour more, but I gently took it from her hand. "You've had enough," I said softly, setting it down. I looked at her. She was staring down, quiet, and I felt the moment deepen.
The clock chimed midnight. I took a deep breath and said, "Happy Birthday, Aria."
Her eyes lifted to meet mine. I reached out and held her hand. "Remember the promise we made? I'm happy to see you achieving it," I whispered, looking straight into her beautiful eyes.
Her eyes widened, and then she hugged me tightly. "Y-You recognized me?" she murmured.
After a second, I whispered in her ear, "Can I give you your present?" She slowly released the hug.
I opened the box, revealing the necklace. Carefully, I placed it around her neck, making sure it was secure, imagining it staying with her always.
She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling in the soft light. My chest tightened; this small, quiet moment felt perfect. I didn't need words; the happiness in her gaze said it all.