Yuni was still grinning, practically skipping toward the front door of her house, when her forehead smacked against someone's back. The sudden bump sent her stumbling, and she almost toppled over.
But before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped firmly around her waist, holding her upright.
"Are you okay?"
The voice was deep, steady—like the kind she only ever heard from her dream prince. Yuni blinked her eyes open and froze.
Standing in front of her was a tall figure in a crisp white shirt. Broad shoulders, sharp features, eyes so striking they looked like they could see right through her—he was unbelievably handsome.
This… this looks exactly like the prince from my dreams…
Yuni's mouth hung open for a moment as she stared. She could only nod, wide-eyed, too dazed to form words.
The stranger adjusted their hold and helped Yuni stand properly. Then, with a polite smile, they introduced themselves.
"Hello. I'm Elis Bellerose. I just moved into this building as a tenant."
Yuni finally snapped out of her daze, stammering as she gave her own introduction.
"H-hello, I'm Yuni Starling… I'll be starting college next year."
Her ears burned, her heart racing. Without realizing the truth, Yuni had already assumed the new tenant was a sir—her perfect "handsome neighbor."
Trying to look composed, she blurted out, "Sir, if you need anything, please… feel free to tell me. I'll help anytime."
Before Elis could respond, Yuni quickly shoved her phone forward, nearly forcing her number onto them. "Here! Please contact me whenever you need."
Elis glanced at the number in amusement, their sharp eyes flickering with a strange expression Yuni couldn't quite place.
"…Alright," Elis said at last.
With that, they turned and walked away into their new room, leaving Yuni to bounce on her heels, giddy and red-faced.
The moment she rushed inside her own house, her father suddenly popped out of his study, waving a hand dramatically.
"Yuni! I've just come up with a brilliant idea for a new love story manga!" he declared, already pacing toward his desk. "I must start writing right away!"
And with that, Mr. Starling vanished into his room, leaving Yuni standing in the hallway, still clutching her phone and squealing inside her head.
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