The pitter-patter of the rain hitting your roof was your queue to head home. You stand up from your desk and gather your belongings. Coming from a long line of farmers, you followed in their footsteps. In doing so, you opened up a small shop adorned with knick-knacks of all shapes and sizes. By the looks of it, one would think you were running an antique shop and not a produce store. You had invested several hours, sweat, and tears into it, decorating it with random items, plants, and warm-colored string lights. You quickly shove your notebooks and phone into your bag. With no umbrella to be found, you have no choice but to run back home through the rain. All you could hope for was no one seeing you running for your life.
Taking one last look at your shop before shutting the door behind you, you feel the icy rain hitting your head. You shiver, feeling the cold air hit your wet skin. Looking at the dimly lit road ahead of you, all you could hope for was to not slip into the mud. Taking a deep breath, you dash forward and make your way to your apartment. You occasionally take moments to catch your breath, mentally cursing at yourself for living so far away from your store and family farm. You continue running, passing by the town and quickly entering your apartment’s stairwell. You run up the stairs, taking a moment to catch your breath once you reach your floor. With a sigh, you walk towards your apartment door, on your way glance at a neighbor’s window and glimpse at your reflection. You jump at the sight, your hair completely soaked with some random strands sticking to your face. Your clothes wet, with your cheeks being a soft pink from the cold. Your eye makeup smudged slightly, giving you raccoon eyes, which you surprisingly didn't mind…maybe you needed a new look.
The squeaks coming from your wet shoes echoed in the dimly lit hallway. You come to a stop when you reach your apartment door. One perk of living here was little to no neighbors. Most apartments in the building were empty, including the one right next to yours. You stand outside your door looking hastily in your bag for your keys. Your chattering teeth and occasional sniffles disrupt the silence in the hallway.
Faint footsteps begin to get louder. You look up to see who it is. Your eyes widen when you see a tall man wearing a cap and red shirt layered on with a blue jacket on top. You had never seen this man before. He was intimidating. As he walked in your direction, he didn't bother to look at you, instead keeping his eyes focused straight ahead. You stare at him, your gaze following his movements, you were star-struck. He was intimidating, but something about his presence was captivating. You get pulled out of your thoughts when you notice him stop at the door next to yours. Was he your new neighbor? You shake your head slightly to pull yourself together and come back to your senses. Before he opened his door, you called out to him.
“Hey! I’ve never seen you around before. Are you new?” You say a little too loud and abruptly. You quickly clasp a hand over your mouth out of embarrassment. Quickly trying to play it off by leaning against your closed door, trying to act nonchalant. The man turns his head to look at you but doesn't say a word. He stares at you for an uncomfortable amount of time before you try to start a conversation again.
“So uh, my name is Y/N, what's yours?” You ask him with your brows furrowing slightly from his intense stare. Once again, nothing. Why wasn't he saying anything? Why was he just staring at you? You awkwardly clear your throat.
“Crazy weather, right? I should start, uh, heading in.” You scramble through your bag again, looking for your keys and trying to get out of the situation you put yourself in. You find your keys and try to unlock your door. Your stiff hands and the pressure from his intense gaze make you fumble with the keys for a bit before you finally unlock your door. You take one last look at him before you walk in, his gaze still on you, observing your every move.
“It was nice meeting you.” You say politely before stepping into your apartment and shutting the door quickly behind you. You kick your shoes off and drop your belongings on the couch next to the entrance. You sigh and get ready for bed. That night, you couldn't get that strange encounter out of your head. His eyes pierced yours like you were prey. How oddly captivating.