They finally reached the door to their place, and a box rested there just at their doorstep. Jude turned to it, Rune waiting for an explanation. Rune was silent for a while before he finally spoke.
"The water dispenser I ordered. We need water," he said as Jude turned to him with a raised brow. Rune walked over, picking up the box.
"We?" Jude asked, just to make sure he hadn't been hearing things.
"I mean you," Rune corrected as he entered the house to prepare it. Jude walked out, deciding to go to one of the neighbors—apparently, he needed a first aid box.
He moved forward, reaching the front of the building. Entering, he sighed calmly as he noticed a lot of doors in a row. He moved to the first. This was not how he thought it would be, and it surprised him.
He walked to the door and knocked gently. After another knock, he pulled away. Besides, this wasn't even the apartment he had planned on coming to not like he ever had an apartment in mind.
Anyway, today he realized just how beautiful this place was. He had not been here in a long time, and even though he was living in the same building, he was more at the side of the building. His place was more like a junkyard that Rune had changed—or rather made look clean and arranged.
He noticed the red light wasn't at the door, meaning the person must be out. Just as he turned to leave, the handle of the door moved. He stopped in his tracks and turned gently to go back.
He was glad he hadn't knocked at the other door yet. If he had, it would have been worse, as they might have called the police on him—he was sure of that.
His eyes widened slightly. It was a lady around nineteen, maybe eighteen. Her long blonde hair was tied up, with some strands falling across her face.
Glasses rested on her nose, her large green almond-shaped eyes staring at him, waiting for him to speak. She seemed surprised, clearly not expecting anyone to be there. She wore an oversized jersey, joggers, and large, cute kitty flip-flops.
This was the last thing Jude expected. He had thought he would see an old lady. He had never seen this person before.
"Hello," she waved, her soft voice bringing Jude back to reality. He cursed at himself.
He smiled awkwardly and spoke. "Sorry to disturb you. I wanted to ask for a first aid."
She nodded, noticing the cut on his face and his long hair, even though it was tied in a bun.
"Come on in," she said with a small smile, her dimples coming into view. Jude cleared his throat and nodded, though he was surprised she was letting a stranger in. But at this point, if he were in her shoes, he would have let himself in too—he really did look pitiful. Still, he was shocked she wasn't even scared.
He entered and noticed her apartment. It was filled with cute pink stuff and a footballer's picture in front of her gaming place. He sat on the soft white sofa. It was well-arranged and smelled so good and soothing.
He looked around and noticed a chair and large desktop. On one screen was a game she met have been playing before he interrupted, and on the other side were some words like a note. He knew he wasn't supposed to be looking—it was private.
She had gone inside, probably to get the first aid. That must have been why she let him in, not wanting to keep him waiting.
He waited, glancing around, and finally, she returned.
She was holding a pink first aid kit. Her face was slightly flushed, as if she had been debating whether to bring it or not.
"Uh… sorry for keeping you waiting. It's… uh… it's pink. I hope you don't mind," she said softly, her bright green eyes meeting his. Jude shifted his gaze and nodded. It wasn't like he had a choice—he didn't even mind at all.
"Sure," he replied, standing. He took it from her and smiled. "Thank you."
She nodded with a hum.
He struggled, debating if he should say it or not, but then decided to. After all, they wouldn't see each other again—except when he came to return the kit.
"Do you write?" he asked.
She nodded, turning her gaze to her desktop.
'Shit,' Jude cursed at himself. It must have looked like he'd been snooping on her work.
"Yeah, I do. I write horror games," she said, shifting her gaze. He nodded.
"Very impressive. If I may ask, your pen name? I'd like to add your book to my library," he said.
"It's Cute Rain," she replied softly. He nodded.
He knew he needed to get going before he embarrassed himself further. He turned back to check if he left anything—not like he brought anything, but he needed to make sure. That was when he realized her white sofa had been stained by his hands from pressing against that dirty floor. If he had known, he wouldn't have sat—he would have just stood. And now, he had messed up.
"Fucking fuck," he cursed to himself.
"No worries. I was planning to wash it today," she said with a wide smile.
Jude nodded, though the sofa showed visible handprints from where he'd touched it.
Oh, he really did look pitiful.
"You don't have to worry," she reassured.
"Next time, don't allow any random guys into your house," he spoke calmly.
She nodded, only then realizing what he meant. Jude raised a brow at her, waiting.
"Uh… your long hair," she admitted awkwardly.
"I thought you were gay."