Si Woo
"Arggh, why is this guy is so heavy??" I said loudly. My sleepy drunk neighbor grunts a little. I tried grabbing his arm so we'll get closer to the living room, but to my surprise - he slaps away my hand and fall on the hard floor.
I rubbed my neck before letting out a sigh.
"What a drunken mess..." I utter to myself. Sadly, he didn't hear it. In fact, he's dead-drunken asleep.
Kim Jae Hwa. Room No. 501. That's his name on the doorplate. We been neighbor for over a year now. I seen him once, when he come by to my apartment and hand over some rice cakes. We haven't spoken to each other since, but I think I know everything there's to know about my next door neighbor.
Kim Jae Hwa. Twenty-seven years old of age and work a normal white collar job. He normally wakes up early in the morning and came home late at night. A bachelor who doesn't even date or have any girl come over. How do I know this? My landlady. She been trying to match-making Jae Hwa with her oldest daughter Su Yin, to no avail.
"That guy is too choosy. If only he go out with my daughter then he didn't have to go home drunk every night." She comment at me in passing. I smile and nodded while the old lady chatter away about my next-door-neighbor, Jae Hwa.
"I think he have some alcohol problem. That's probably he isn't with anyone."
That's true. There haven't been a day since I moved in that my neighbor is not drunk. Is it because of the work? Is it the stress that is getting him? Or was it a girl problem? Judging by his look, that couldn't be the case. He's pretty good-looking guy so I'm sure he can get anyone he wants.
Still, I wonder what made him drink so much everyday?
I know Mr. Jae Hwa probably have no idea who I am. But, I come from a countryside. I know better than leaving your next-door-neighbor outside on a cold night. So, I did what I have to do.
I drag Mr. Jae Hwa inside my apartment since I have no idea what his door lock passcode are. My room might be small and doesn't have much, but it's better than sleeping outside.
The first thing I did after entering my apartment is to grab a fresh blanket. Then, I use it to cover Mr. Jae Hwa body. Surprisingly, he haven't move an inch since I left him. Next, I switch-off the light and head to my room. There! As far as I'm concerned, I already done my neighborly duty well.
Now that we're in separate area, Mr. Jae Hwa can just quietly wake up tomorrow and head back to his own place without me noticing. I wouldn't even expect any 'thank you' afterwards if he's too embarrassed. Our lives can continue as it was before.
*****
Morning finally came. My nose quickly detect the scent of coffee filling the air. Now, that's strange. I didn't remember setting my coffee maker last night. Since I live in this apartment alone, who could've made it? I rubbed my eyes and grab my phone on the table... Oh, shit. Is it 7.30 am already? I have class at 8.00 a.m. That means I only have 30 minutes to get ready!
After putting on my shirt in a hurry, I twist the door knob open. As soon as the door is open, a delicious coffee aroma continues to get stronger. A strike of sunlight hits my eyes. Somebody already opened the sliding door. I vividly remember shutting that last night before I went to bed.
Now, who could it be?
When I slowly open my eyes again, I noticed my neighbor is standing nearby my kitchen counter. He's holding my favorite mug on one hand.
"Sorry, I was having such a terrible hangover. Do you mind if I help myself to some coffee? I will reimburse you later." he said as soon as our eyes met.
I didn't answer. His deep, husky voice caught me off guard. I can feel my heart flutters a bit.
"Sure." I said after a long silence. He put down the nearly empty mug and withdraw his card. It have his real name, office number and profession on it.
"I think we're neighbor, right?" he ask as soon as I take his card. I nod my head.
"Yes. My name is Si Woo. You live next door to me."
"Ah. Si Woo. I'm sorry for troubling you like this. It's not everyday I got so drunk."
'Liar.' I think to myself. But, I didn't say anything towards my next-door-neighbor.
"Okay. I think I better get going now. Sorry I didn't have any cash on me right now. Please call that number on the card so I can imburse you later." he said quickly. Then, without waiting for my answer - he grabbed his bag and coat before heading to the door. In just a matter of seconds, he's gone. It's as if he's never here.
"Okay, I will..." I said in the empty space. I look at the card again. My eyes widen as soon as I finished reading it.
Kim Jae Hwa, 010-xxx-xxxx. Southern Hedge fund Financial Manager.
"Wow, a Financial manager at this age? This guy must be loaded. But, why is he living in my apartment complex?" I begin to wonder to myself. I continue to read his name over and over again. There's only his office number here. How am I going to call him back?
I slowly turned the card around. Then, I smiled to myself.
At the back of the card, my drunken neighbor had already scribbled his private email and phone number. I guess he does want me to call him after all.
Well, well, well... What do you know?
This could be interesting.
[End of Chapter 1]