Chapter 2: Whisper Behind the Wall
491 Words
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Jisoo’s apartment was never truly silent, even if it appeared so. Behind the thin walls, faint sounds would sometimes emerge: a neighbor’s TV murmuring, dripping faucets from the bathroom, or creaky footsteps on the metal stairs outside. These familiar sounds had always been the predictable backdrop of her monotonous routine—until that night.
It was past midnight, and the rain showed no sign of stopping. Jisoo hugged a pillow on the couch, wrapped in an oversized gray sweater, her eyes staring blankly at her laptop screen displaying untouched coursework. Her coffee had long gone cold, much like her dwindling motivation. Then, her fingers paused above the keyboard: a sound.
A metallic click. Like a doorknob slowly turning from the next room.
She glanced at the clock. 12:47 AM.
She knew that unit had been vacant. But earlier today, the landlord had mentioned someone new moved in—a transfer student, he'd said. Jisoo hadn't seen him, only a large suitcase she’d spotted outside the door earlier. After that, silence.
Until now.
Jisoo rose slowly, grabbing a hoodie from the dining chair and wrapping it around herself. She stepped onto the narrow balcony that connected to her neighbor’s. The sound persisted—footsteps, then… humming.
It wasn't a song. More like a low, deep hum. And strangely… calming.
Jisoo’s steps slowed. She held her breath and peeked over the dividing wall. There he was.
The boy stood facing the sky, rain dripping from the balcony roof, yet he remained motionless. He simply stood there, eyes lifted, as if savoring every single drop.
Jisoo froze. His hair was wet, plastered to his forehead. Broad shoulders, a tall frame, despite wearing only a thin black t-shirt. Under the dim balcony light, he looked like a shadow from another world.
Suddenly, he turned.
Their eyes met.
For a split second, time itself froze. The drumming rain went mute. The world shrank, leaving only their gaze—Jisoo’s filled with wary suspicion, and his… calm, holding countless unspoken secrets.
He said nothing. No smile. No surprise. He simply nodded slightly, then disappeared inside without a word.
Jisoo returned to her apartment, a sudden tightness in her chest. She shut her laptop and tried to sleep, but her eyes wouldn’t close. His hum echoed in her mind. So did his gaze—like a trace etched into her skin.
The next morning, she woke earlier than usual, her eyes puffy, head heavy. She planned to grab coffee and bread at the mini-market downstairs. But when she opened her door—she stopped.
On the floor lay a small item. A packet of herbal tea and a note.
"This tea’s good for those who can’t sleep."
No name. No initials. But the handwriting—neat and calm, just like his eyes.
Jisoo stared at the note for a long time. Then, for the first time in a very long time, she smiled.
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To be continued...
- Writer
