Number Neighbor

5

Hauling my groceries up to my apartment was more than I expected. I am grateful, don't get me wrong, but his penance was to bring them back for me, not help me put them away...

'I'll wash.' He states simply, motioning to the still untouched silverware on the counter. I nod, slightly out of breath as I put the rice, dried noodles, and basic baking dry goods in the lower cabinets near the fridge I have officially dubbed "The Boss". 

I think he was a little overwhelmed by how many boxes I still have left to unpack. I know he noticed the broken down ones along the wall by the front door. I'm actually kinda proud as to how far I've come with unpacking.

Pulling out the receipts for the items being delivered tomorrow I organize them on my small table, pulling up my calendar to set the times in on when to expect each delivery. Hearing the water turn off I look around at him... JK.

'Thanks for the help. Your community service is done. I'll let Joon know you were a big help.' He never took his mask off, but I can see his eyes and can tell he's smiling at me.

With a bow in my direction he puts his shoes back on and heads out the door, closing it carefully. I get up to lock it before returning to my mission of organizing the delivery schedules in my calendar.

A ding on my phone lets me know I have a text!

KN: Thank you for letting him do this. He needs to be reminded he's responsible once in a while.

No problem! He was very helpful. :Y/N

KN: I think you'll see a text from him in a day or so. We're all going to be busy tomorrow, so even Jin and I won't be calling or texting anyone.

Good luck with whatever work you're doing tomorrow! For me it's boxes... :Y/N

And with that I head off to sleep. The first order comes not to much after sunrise.

****

It's not the first item I received but the third item that I need the most today. My little water boiler pot, electric, is steaming away. The instant coffee that I got shopping with JK quickly turns it a dark earthy color... the scent is the only thing keeping me sane.

It's already noon and I still have five more deliveries. The electric pot, the counter top oven, and a marble slab that Jin suggested via text while we were shopping have already found their homes in my kitchen. I still am waiting on the 2 heating elements, a counter-top organizing rack, the electric cooling surface, and the replacements for my iron, hair dryer, and a standing fan with rotating head. I know the iron and hair dryer are coming together which is why it's only 5 more deliveries.

Folding flat the boxes that the deliveries came in I move them to my growing pile... to at least try to wrangle the mess that always happens when unpacking. I look at my phone, and while I know I'm not going to get anything from my number neighbors today I still feel a little sad that they haven't said hi or anything. 

Shrugging I pull up Spotify and find a playlist that's interesting and turn back to my boxes that need to be gone through. The next delivery isn't for another 45 minutes.

****

It's almost midnight when my phone dings the announcement of a text.

XX: Hey, it's me, JK. RM told me it was okay for me to text you at my old number. I hope that's okay.

Yeah. That's fine. How was your busy day? :Y/N

JK: Busy? Yeah, it was... it was great! We learned a lot of new stuff!