My apartment is a studio design. It has several rooms with different functions. The living room, which can be used as a family room, is adjacent to the kitchen, which is equipped with a modern kitchen set. Next is the bathroom, and a small room connected to the bedroom.
This small room is where I usually pour out all my writing ideas. Directly in front of it is a balcony that has been purposely converted into a drying area. It also serves as a place to spend time gazing at the hustle and bustle of the capital.
The basic color covering the walls has been completely changed to white wallpaper, according to my personal taste. Crystal furniture adorns every corner. Perhaps that's also why I was given the name Kristalia. Because I love collecting crystal knickknacks. I'm also adept at placing matching items in their proper places. In stark contrast to my husband, who is indifferent.
I prioritize cleanliness throughout the apartment. If there's even a speck of dirt on the floor, I quickly wipe it clean.
As I entered my tiny apartment, I felt the urge to sip a cup of hot chocolate. It felt so good to lift my flagging spirits. Moreover, tonight I had to stay awake to finalize a list of questions for the meeting with my source. It seemed appropriate to ask about his family background, education, and work history. As for his love life or other questions, those could all be postponed to the next meeting.
I had just finished writing the first paragraph when suddenly there was a knock on the door. I briefly left my activities in the kitchen to answer the call. The knocking rhythm was faster than before.
"Who! Wait!" I peeked through the doorviewer slot embedded in the door. No one was standing outside. Curiosity surged, and I mustered up all the courage to quickly open it.
"Good evening, beautiful lady! Let me introduce myself, Id. The new neighbor who moved in this afternoon," said the young, oriental-looking man in a maroon t-shirt. His presence stunned me, as if in disbelief. He extended his hand, inviting me to shake it. I leaned halfway out the door, trying to see which direction he was coming from. To my surprise, no other doors were open except mine.
"Id? Hmm. What a strange name," I thought to myself, squinting, suspicious of her every move.
"What's your name, miss?"
"I'm Kristalia Calysta. Call me Kristal," I replied flatly, expressionless.
"Wow, what a beautiful name. As beautiful as your face!"
"Sorry, what was your name?"
"Id, only two letters, I and D. Short, concise, and easy to remember, right?" he joked, immediately teasing me with a wink.
"Are you used to meeting people like that? Charming with your eyes?"
"It depends on who I meet. Let me guess, in the last month, I bet you've only been able to smile when watching cartoons? Right?"
"Now I'm not only dealing with a philandering young man, but also an annoying fortune teller! Okay, I'll put your guess to rest. Judging by your behavior like this, I've concluded that you're a lonely man who's often been rejected. My guess is more accurate, right? If that's true, you should go back inside your apartment and never dare come here again!" Her words made me furious. I quickly locked the door, which had been half open, leaving her alone.
"Wait a minute! I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings!"
"I'm sorry! Just call me Kristal! Not Miss! What else can I do for you?"
"I was going to ask, where is the laundry in this building?"
"Ask the security guard downstairs!" Without further ado, I closed the door and immediately stepped into the kitchen.
Judging by his physique and facial features, I admitted he certainly had the makings of a seductive man. But most women wouldn't be tempted by such cheap tactics. It's no use having a good appearance if he likes to flaunt his charm everywhere. I was certain he was the cheating type. A trait I hated even more than heights.
"Kristal! Come on! I know you're still there! Can't you be a little polite to your new neighbor?"
"What? Polite? If I keep quiet, that annoying man will keep bothering me." I quickly grabbed the door, "Id! The laundry is on the floor." Before I could finish speaking, I was stunned to see him no longer standing in the doorway. "Where are you, Id!" I muttered, staring at the silent corridor.
As he left, the sound of an incoming message from my cell phone distracted me. I grabbed it from the small, easily accessible table.
"Good evening, Kristal. I'm Gatot Purba. Can we meet tomorrow at three in the afternoon? If possible, we'll meet at Grandmall, Odysseia restaurant."
"I can do it tomorrow, sir."
"Okay. See you tomorrow."
At the end of my reply, I took a deep breath. "Thank goodness. The sooner I finish the book, the sooner I can get back to my normal routine. It's time to write, Kristal!"
Without further ado, I dashed to my study. I was lost in the series of words.