Chapter 3: Caught in the Act
Lucia had grown accustomed to the little surprises left under her door. At first, she thought it might be a neighbor trying to play a prank, or perhaps one of the kids from upstairs with too much time and a flair for the dramatic. But now, after a week of notes—small, encouraging, funny, and sometimes even flirty—she had begun to look forward to them.
Her evenings started to revolve around the little ritual of checking her door. She would unlock it, step inside, drop her bag, and glance down at the welcome mat for a folded piece of paper. Some nights, she smiled and left the note on her kitchen counter; other nights, she tucked them into her journal, saving them for when she needed a little lift.
It was Valentine's week, and the air in Brooklyn carried a strange energy—a mix of romance, chocolate, and hopeful excitement that seemed to wrap the city in pink-tinted light. On this particular evening, Lucia was returning from her design job, her mind buzzing with the day's deadlines and the long list of edits her client wanted. She was tired, her hair slightly mussed from the wind, but there was a faint smile playing on her lips.
When she approached her apartment door, she noticed a shadow moving in the hall. She paused, her pulse quickening, though she tried to tell herself it was nothing.
"Probably just someone coming home," she muttered under her breath.
But curiosity got the better of her. She crept closer, pretending to fumble with her keys, and then froze.
There he was.
Jin.
He crouched slightly, placing a folded piece of paper delicately under her door. The soft yellow glow of the hallway light illuminated his focused expression. He didn't notice her yet. Her heart skipped a beat.
Lucia's first instinct was to retreat, to disappear quietly and pretend she hadn't seen anything. But another part of her—the part that had grown attached to these tiny notes and the sense of connection they brought—urged her to stay.
She stepped a little closer, careful to make no noise.
Jin straightened and looked up, his dark hair falling slightly into his eyes. He smiled faintly, as if he already knew she was watching.
Caught.
Lucia couldn't help the laugh that slipped from her lips.
Jin's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh—uh… hi," he said, his tone a mixture of embarrassment and amusement.
Lucia stepped fully into the hallway, leaning against the wall. "I… I didn't mean to spy," she said, her voice teasing. "But I guess… this explains the notes."
He laughed nervously, running a hand through his hair. "So… you saw me."
"Yes. I did. And, well… it's kind of adorable." She couldn't help the warmth spreading through her chest at the sight of him, crouched there with that little piece of paper.
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "I didn't think anyone would notice. I mean… I didn't even know if you'd like them, or if… well, I just… thought you might like some encouragement."
Lucia smiled, stepping closer. "I do like them. I've been looking forward to them every day. And now… I get to see the person behind them."
His face lit up with a soft, shy smile. "That's… good, I guess. I mean, it's nice to know the notes were appreciated."
She picked up the note he had just left, holding it between her fingers. It read:
"Keep going, even small steps matter. You're stronger than you think."
"It's perfect," she said, meeting his gaze. "Exactly what I needed tonight."
Jin's shoulders relaxed. "I was hoping it would help. You seemed… tired earlier. And I thought maybe a little reminder might make things easier."
Lucia's heart fluttered. He had noticed. He had paid attention. That simple act—watching her, taking a moment to write her a note—meant more than she expected.
"You're thoughtful," she said softly, almost shyly.
He looked at her, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Thoughtful, huh? I guess that's one word for it. Some people might say… persistent."
She laughed, the sound ringing lightly in the hallway. "Persistent is good. I like persistent."
He grinned, stepping a little closer. "I'm glad to hear that. I wasn't sure how you'd react if… well, if you found out it was me."
"I'm glad I did," she said, her smile widening. "It makes the notes even better, knowing they come from you."
There was a quiet pause between them, filled with the distant sounds of Brooklyn—the hum of cars, someone shouting from a nearby apartment, Marbles probably meowing somewhere above. The city seemed to slow down, giving them a small bubble of private space in the otherwise bustling building.
"I… I'm Jin," he said finally, as if it were the most important thing he'd said all day.
"I know," she said with a playful smirk. "I've been… thinking about you."
He raised an eyebrow. "Really now?"
"Yes," she admitted, feeling a little blush rise to her cheeks. "Ever since the street fair. And… I guess the notes too."
Jin laughed softly, and it was a sound that made her feel like everything was lighter, easier. "I'm glad. I was nervous you might think I was weird or creepy."
"Not at all," she said quickly. "It's… sweet. And kind. And funny. And… well, you're funny too."
He grinned, a little shyly. "So… now that the mystery is out… are you going to let me keep leaving notes?"
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Only if you promise to keep being this charming."
He bowed slightly in mock ceremony. "I vow to be charming. And maybe a little ridiculous, too. For good measure."
Lucia laughed again, the sound mingling with the distant city hum. She felt a warmth she hadn't expected—excitement, curiosity, and a faint thrill that tingled through her chest. Somehow, this simple act—him crouched in the hallway leaving a note—felt like the first step in something entirely new.
"I should probably… go inside before someone notices us," she said, though she lingered just a little longer.
"Yeah," he agreed, though neither of them moved immediately. "But… maybe we can meet in the courtyard later? For… coffee? Or tea?"
Lucia hesitated, caught between her rational mind and the flutter in her heart. "I'd like that," she said finally.
"Great," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll bring more notes."
"Not necessary," she said softly, her eyes lingering on him. "You're already doing enough."
He chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Lucia turned toward her door, her fingers brushing the note one last time before slipping inside. She leaned against it, taking a deep breath. Her heart was racing in that familiar, thrilling way—the way it did when something new, unexpected, and exciting was unfolding.
For the first time in a long while, she felt… seen.
Not just by a stranger in the city, but by someone who had noticed her, paid attention, and reached out in the gentlest, most thoughtful way possible.
And as she unpacked her bag and settled on the couch, she found herself smiling at the note, at him, at the city that never seemed to stop moving. Somehow, amidst the chaos of work, bills, and adulting, a small spark of something real had begun to glow.
Even in the quiet moments, she felt the promise of more—more laughter, more connection, more small, meaningful steps that could grow into something extraordinary.
And for the first time in a long time, she couldn't wait to see what would happen next.