𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘 | 𝗡𝗖𝗧 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠

Not Just Neighbors | Jeno Fic #5

Title: Not Just Neighbors

Genre: college au, neighbors to lovers, slight angst

Warnings: mentions of insecurities, slightly suggestive toward the end

Word Count: ~1.6k

Author's Note: Um so yeah I know I said I was never coming back. But I have all these unfinished stories in my drive, and they just looked so sad. So my current plan is to try to finish writing all of them. Hope you guys like this one ^ ^

Also isn't this such a cute photo of Jeno??

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Finally, you felt like a true adult living in your own place during your third year of college. While the dorms at your university were nice, the idea of having your own space—even if it was a 300 square feet studio apartment was incredibly exciting (and you did not get excited easily).

Balancing a load of groceries in your hands, you forcefully pushed open the entrance door to the apartment building. As you approached the numerous flights of stairs, you mentally cursed. Usually, you would take the elevator. But unfortunately it's been broken for the past few weeks, leaving the stairs as your only choice.

With a sigh, you reinforced your grip on the plastic bags, readying yourself for the climb ahead. However, just as you reached the first landing a male voice called from behind.

"Need a hand?" You turned to see it was Lee Jeno, the graduate student who lived right next door.

The mere sight of his gentle eyes and perfect jawline was enough to make your heart race. Not to mention the white tank top he wore made him look like he could've walked straight out of a Calvin Klein ad. He had a black duffel bag slung over his shoulder, looking like he just came back from the gym.

Even though your arms were trembling from both the twenty minute walk and the stairs, you didn't want to seem weak. "Oh... I'm okay," you mumbled.

However Jeno chuckled as he walked up to meet you on the landing. "You say that, but you look like your arms are about to give out."

Before you could protest, he was already reaching for the heavier bags, his hands brushing yours for a brief second. Flustered, two of you walked up the rest of the stairs together. It felt strange to be in Jeno's presence for more than just polite greetings.

"Thanks, really," you murmured, once you reached your door.

"No problem," he said, handing the bags back to you with a gentle smile. "That's what neighbors are for, right?"

You nodded shyly, trying to ignore how your heart was racing. He gave you a small wave before heading to his own door next to yours, disappearing inside. You quickly punched in the passcode to your door lock, still warm over the interaction.

That evening, you stood in front of your stove— having no idea if this was too much or it might come off as awkward. Still, your hands moved with practiced ease, carefully packing the dinner you'd prepared into a bento box. Just some grilled mackerel with purple rice, along with some kimchi and sautéed spinach as side dishes.

Later that night, you found yourself standing outside Jeno's door, a neatly wrapped bento box in hand. While making dinner for yourself and your roommate, you figured it wouldn't hurt to share some with him as a small thank-you. After all, you were neighbors—surely there was nothing wrong with this, right?

Before you could chicken out, you quickly pressed the doorbell. You held your breath as you waited for footsteps on the other side, trying to swallow your nerves. Moments later, the door opened, revealing Jeno wearing a loose black shirt and grey sweats.