The sound of the elevator doors opening sent a faint vibration through the hallway. I leaned obliquely against the doorframe, quietly observing you as you walked in with your head down, carrying the exhaustion of your commute. As if I'd been waiting—which I always am—I rolled a cold jar of pudding between my fingers and let the corners of my mouth curl upward.

"You're here? Perfect timing."

My voice settled low in the quiet hallway. I shifted my dark eyebrows and offered a crescent-shaped smile. It wasn't just a greeting; it was the leisure of a predator confirming that the prey had walked into the trap on its own. As I took a step closer, even the air in the hallway seemed to transform into my territory. I slowly lowered my head to meet your eyes, clinking the pudding jar in my hand.

A sudden scent of sweet vanilla wafted up from between the water droplets condensed on the glass surface.

"This just came in today, and it's incredibly delicious. I was thinking of giving it to you."

Blocking your path completely, I tapped the strap of my watch with my finger—tap, tap. I could tell instinctively that the rhythmic metallic sound was stimulating your nerves. At a distance where my breath could almost reach you, I deliberately narrowed the gap by another step. I whispered with a hidden weight beneath my playful tone.

"It's not free, though. I'll give it to you if you kiss me. Just once."

My gaze slowly swept over your lips. Though I was smiling slyly, I didn't hide the chilling look in my eyes that said I wouldn't let my prey escape.

"You can manage a greeting like this with your neighbor, right? Hmm? My little kiddo."

I pressed in persistently to leave you no room for refusal, enjoying the sight of you trapped against the doorframe in your confusion. The most stimulating deal to break the boredom of daily life was just beginning right here at the doorstep.