The next morning arrived like any other, soft sunlight piercing through the curtains as I stood in the kitchen, stirring the creamy mixture on the stove. I'd decided to make mac and cheese which is one of his favorite's. A simple dish, but the way his face lights up with that first bite always makes it worth it. I didn't even have to call him. I knew the smell alone would bring him here.
And it did.
His footsteps echoed down the hallway just as I added the final layer of cheese, and there he was, with that sleepy smile and eager eyes like a boy chasing his favorite treat. It always made me feel warm, the way he appreciated these little things. He sat at the table, murmuring his usual compliments between bites, eyes closing slightly as if savoring each mouthful.
I watched him quietly, silently sipping my tea. He looked content, so easily pleased by comfort food and a quiet morning. Just seeing him satisfied made my efforts worthwhile.
He finished quickly, thanked me and went to bathe.
The shower was still running. He always took his sweet time in there. Just like every other morning: wake up, eat breakfast, take a long shower, then disappear into his workroom. His schedule was so predictable, I could practically set a clock to it.
By 11 a.m., I'd already wrapped up most of my chores: Dishes, quick sweep, laundry running. Nothing much left to do.
I sat at the edge of the sofa for a moment, staring blankly at the wall. It was quiet. And I... didn't like it.
Back when I used to go to the old man's house, Time didn't drag like this. I'd head over, help him with cleaning or odd little tasks... and, well, sometimes things got a little... out of hand.
I bit my lip, it wasn't like I meant to think about those moments, but they came back anyway. Those fun, silent games. How I'd pretend not to notice to his advances, his words.
I felt a tingle in my stomach, remembering about those moments.
It's not like I miss him. But... ever since I stopped going over there, a part of me feels bored. I've got more time to myself than I know what to do with...
"…Maybe I'll visit Lina," I murmured.
Yeah. This is better.
She's fun to be around. Easy to talk to. Slightly cheeky and maybe bold with her words. But maybe that's exactly what I like about her.
It's better than sitting around the house letting my thoughts drift where they shouldn't.
I stood up, straightened out my skirt. A short walk wouldn't hurt.
And besides… wasting a little time with Lina sounds a lot safer than remembering how I used to waste my time with him.
I stepped outside and started walking toward Lina's house. The air felt nice and calm... until I turned the corner.
It was her.
Lina.
But she wasn't alone.
She was standing by the gate, smiling, laughing… with him. That young neighbor. The cocky one.
My steps slowed.
What? Why the hell is she talking to him?
He stood there with one hand in his pocket, smiling and talking with a smile on his face.
And she was smiling as well. Like, two friendly neighbor's having a morning chat.
She might not see it yet, but I know very well what kind of guy he is. She doesn't know this bastard peeks at a married woman when she bathes.
Though honestly, I don't really have the right to curse him. Because regardless of how shameless he is... I am just as shameless.
Maybe... he is hitting on her? Was she stuck, trying to be polite, waiting for a moment to slip away? Should I go over there and pull her out of it?
Or Is this something else?
Maybe... maybe it's nothing. Just a normal chat. Maybe there is some part of him that's actually decent, with no hidden ulterior motives.
Lina noticed me. She waved with a soft smile, like everything was perfectly normal.
"Oh! There you are," she called out. "I was just about to head to your place."
Her voice was calm and friendly. Not nervous. Just her usual warm, easygoing self. The young neighbor turned too, offering me a small nod and a polite smile.
"Good morning," he said smoothly. His tone respectful and polite.
I greeted him back with a casual "Good morning," trying to keep my voice light. Nothing overly friendly, but not cold either. Just… normal.
Lina smiled between us. "I don't think I need to introduce you two. You must already know each other, right?"
Before I could say anything, he spoke first. "Of course."
His eyes were on me when he said it, with a smile. Like those words were actually true.
I gave a quick nod. "Y-Yeah."
I didn't want to say "not really" after his "Ofcourse" and risk Lina raising an eyebrow or teasing me about it later. Knowing her, she'd pick up on it in a heartbeat. Sometimes it's just safer to play along.
Then Lina clapped her hands softly and said, "Oh right! Didn't I mention yesterday about finding one decent neighbor?"
She turned toward him with a grin. "I was talking about him."
My eyes flicked to him again.
Decent?
Him?
Those words didn't sit right. Not at all.
He stood there with that same innocent expression—gentle smile, relaxed shoulders, polite posture. Like someone you'd never second guess. Like someone your husband would trust. Someone your friend might call safe.
But I knew better. Or at least, I thought I did.
Still… decent?
I wasn't sure if Lina really couldn't see it, or if she was just ignoring it. Maybe she thought he was harmless. Maybe she just had a good impression of him.
And looking at him now, so calm, so respectful, it was hard to say otherwise.
Maybe… he did have a decent side.
Maybe I'd misread him. Or maybe he just knew how to play the game better than most.
I wasn't convinced. Not fully.
But still…
Maybe he deserved the benefit of the doubt.
At least for now.
Lina held my fingers gently. "It's nice that you're already here."
She turned to him with a smirk, then looked at me. "Now you've saved me the trouble of bringing you here."
Her eyes sparkled with something… playful and mischievous.
Then she added, "So let's start."
"Start? Start what?"
I blinked, looking between the two of them.
He didn't even ask for clarification. He just smiled and said, "Sure. Follow me."
What?
Before I could say a word, Lina grabbed my arm firmly. Like I didn't really have a say in the matter.
"U-uhm, Lina… what are you doing?" I asked, my steps stuttering as she pulled me along.
She looked over her shoulder, eyes dancing.
"Don't worry. Just trust me."
There was something about the way she said it. A hint of mischief under that cheerful voice. Not suspicious… just enough to make my stomach flutter a little.
I glanced back at him. He was walking ahead quietly.
What's going on?
Lina didn't give me the chance to resist. Her grip stayed firm, and I found myself being led straight toward his house. Not hers. His.
I felt my chest tighten.
Why his house?
I swallowed.
What could possibly be in his house? Something worth Lina dragging me here without explaining?
She seemed so casual about it, like this was all perfectly normal.
And now I was curious too.
Inside the house, I was little surprised. The house wasn't what I expected.
I thought it would be messy… maybe like the old man's place. A little unkempt, filled with the kind of clutter that made sense for a man living alone. But this? It was surprisingly clean. Not spotless, but well-kept. Lived in, but neat.
We stepped inside, and after exchanging a few polite words, we found ourselves heading straight toward the kitchen.
Kitchen?
My brows raised together. I turned to Lina, my voice dipping with confusion.
"Uhm… Lina? This is what you were so excited about? The kitchen?"
She grinned at me playfully, like she was waiting for me to ask.
"Okay, okay. Let me explain."
She leaned a little closer, dropping her voice slightly like we were sharing a secret.
"Apparently, he's a great cook. Yesterday, when we were chatting, he mentioned it casually—said he's actually really good at it. I've always wanted to take cooking lessons, so I figured… why not?"
I blinked. "So… why bring me along?"
She gave me a cheeky smirk, that glint in her eyes unmistakable.
"Oh please, you want a married woman to go to a young guy's house alone?" She nudged me gently with her elbow. "Maybe I would have, if I wasn't married… but things are different now."
I didn't say anything, just stared at her. That teasing little smile was still on her face.
"And hey," she added, "not like you won't enjoy it. I thought we could both learn a few things. See if he's all talk or actually knows what he's doing."
I let out a soft breath, unsure. Maybe it wouldn't hurt.
He glanced between us, clearly picking up the shift in tone.
"Alright, ladies," he said, that familiar cocky smile tugging at his lips. "Let's get to it. I'll make you a quick, tasty dish—something you've probably never had before. Let me know what you think of my cooking… who knows, maybe you'll both end up wanting cooking lessons."
He moved to the stove with an ease that caught me off guard. Confident, measured, not at all like he was just showing off. Ingredients came out, the pan sizzled, and the smell hit the air—warm, buttery, with something spicy teasing my nose.
Lina and I exchanged a surprised glance as we sat by the counter. I wasn't expecting much, honestly. I thought he was just talking big. But the way he moved, the way he handled everything—it was clear this wasn't some random hobby.
And then he plated it. Simple, nothing too flashy. But the moment I took the first bite, my eyes widened slightly.
It was good.
Really good.
Rich flavor, soft texture, a perfect blend of seasoning. Way beyond anything I expected.
Even Lina blinked, nodding as she took another bite. "Okay… okay, wow. This is actually amazing."
He just gave a smug shrug like he knew all along.
Lina wiped her lips and grinned at him. "Sign us in. From tomorrow onwards, we'll be here on time."
I opened my mouth, unsure. "Uh-uhm, I'm not sure—"
But she cut me off before I could finish, standing and grabbing my wrist again. "Alright, we'll head back now," she announced cheerfully, already dragging me toward the door.
Once outside, I turned to her. "Lina, what are you doing?"
She looked at me with an exaggerated pout. "You think I'm gonna take cooking lessons alone? Come on, please help me out."
I paused, brushing my fingers together while glancing back toward the door. It's true—he really did seem like a great cook. And honestly, it wouldn't hurt to learn something new.
I sighed. "Alright. I guess."
Lina lit up with a smile, slipping her arm around mine. "That's the spirit."
I let her pull me along again.
Cooking lessons, huh?
I just hoped that was all I'd be learning there.