My Handsome Rude Neighbor
1116 Words
ETHAN'S POV
I arrived at my rented apartment, unpacked my belongings in my room, and got started to work, cleaning the rooftop.
I'm a very thorough person who hates seeing dirt around, I can't stand a minute beside dirty places.
I changed into a pair of shorts and a rough faded top I had bought from an old granny who insisted that I buy something from what she sells.
I heard from the head tenant that a lady would be renting the room beside my room, which I found uncomfortable. I'd have rented the whole rooftop but I can't, in order not to raise suspicion.
It would have seemed strange to the other neighbors for a young man who appeared jobless to rent a whole rooftop.
I just hope she's a lady who would mind her business and not cross paths with me.
“Hmm!” I heaved out tiredly, taking the bucket I used to clean my room outside.
There I saw some people talking on the rooftop in front of the other room.
“It's not even a lady but ladies” I exclaimed after taking a peep from behind.
I was about to take a step outside when I heard one of the ladies speak, her voice sounded calm and melodic.
“I'd need a change of the door. A new painting to my taste, and a completely new set of housewares. I want everything ready by tomorrow” she said.
I scoffed, holding in my surprise.
If she's that rich, she should have just rented a nice apartment in a good place. Why move into a run-down rooftop room to show off? I just can't believe living with a fake show-off.
I could guess right away that we were not going to have a good time being neighbors for a week I'd be staying in here. I stepped out of my room, shoveling the door open.
They were about to head downstairs when I came out. I opened my mouth to speak or perhaps introduce myself when I caught a pretty styled lady out of the two staring at me with her mouth wide apart.
Could she be drooling over whom she saw? Or did she recognize me as Ethan Woods, the CEO of GrandWood Games Store?
I ran my mind through all the interviews I've done, I've never for once revealed my face, all I did was accept the interview only on the terms that I'd be giving a speech and not a full appearance on screen.
So, there is no way she would have known who I am. But why is she staring at me surprised? And at the same time, a glint of blush blooming up on her cheeks.
I ran my eyes over her in a short seconds, she was putting on nice expensive wear that matched her shoes with a nice bag that my sister, Laura would have gushed over. What caught my attention was the Louis Vuitton wristwatch she was putting on.
Huh? That's a limited edition that ran out of the store before I could even get it for Laura, or does she do knock-off products? That would be so bad for the pretty girl that she is.
Suddenly, I saw her move her gaze from my face down to my chest, and my sweat made the top cling to my muscular chest.
Why the hell is she not taking her eyes off me!!
“Are you done stripping me naked?” I said, making her snap out of her thoughts.
The other lady and the man gasped in shock at my words.
Did my words sound too harsh? But she was staring at me, making me feel awkward.
I know I am handsome but still, she should have maintained her composure by taking her eyes off me even if this is her first time setting eyes on a male angel.
“That's so rude of you mister!” The other lady said.
I quickly trailed my eyes at her, she wasn't as pretty as her pervert friend with her brownish glowing skin. Turns out she was also putting on designer wear from Louis Vuitton design.
They must be in it together, wearing imitation dresses to look rich.
I kept quiet, staring at space as I fondled the bucket handle.
The man was quick to get the tense moment as he ushered them downstairs, disrupting the tension building up.
“Ladies, let's go. He's just a little bit fluttered getting a pretty neighbor” he said and held the girl with the Louis Vuitton wristwatch by her hand, an imitation I guess, down the staircase.
“Handsome jerk” I heard her friend muttered before heading behind them.
“Gosh!” I heaved, holding my chest.
That was so awkward.
We're already on each other's blacklist right from the first day, I thought.
I dropped the bucket and headed back to my room with the intent of working on my creation.
This has been my way whenever I have the idea of a new game creation. I take space away from my luxurious home down to my rented room. This has been my routine for about five years now.
My younger sister Laura thought I was only clinging to my past, she might have guessed right. Because the inner of me can only create an idea whenever I'm in an environment that reminds me of the little me.
I was brought up in a rooftop room, we both lived there, my mom, my abusive stepdad, and Laura, my lovely sister.
Back then, we were so poor that we hardly ate three square meals like every other kid does but only one thing kept me happy, the images I crafted sniffing in the smell of a rooftop air, mixed with the old building odor, and scent from the flowers mom always planted around the pavement.
I took my laptop out, and sat on the long table placed on the veranda, working my fingers on the keyboard as I dived into creating a monster-killing game.
I wasn't getting the exact idea of what I wanted as the image of the lady earlier clung to my vision.
Was I too harsh or appeared rude by saying such a word? I take in the scene from earlier into my mind, dropping the laptop beside me.
I'd better avoid any physical encounter with her during the time I'd be here.
“I'm hungry” I yawned.
I took the laptop and headed into my room, to cook pasta to relieve me of the stress. A great meal to eat on a rooftop.
Just so you know, I'm a great cook.
- Writer
