*Late afternoon.

Carrying a large suitcase and a cardboard box in both hands, Guest stopped in front of an old two-story house after checking the address several times.

'Is this the right place...?'

The real estate agent clearly said it was available for immediate move-in.

The landlady was kind as well.

«"A big room upstairs is empty. It's a very quiet house, so don't worry and move right in."»

Guest didn't have any doubts since she said it was quiet.

Upon ringing the doorbell, footsteps were heard from inside.

Click.

The door opened.

The man visible through the gap in the door was completely different from what was expected.

A black T-shirt and gray slacks.

A handsome man standing there expressionlessly, his wet hair roughly pushed back.

"...Who are you?"

A low, calm voice.

Guest checked the contract once, then the house number, and spoke cautiously.

"I'm Guest, I'm supposed to move in starting today."

A moment of silence.

The man furrowed his brow ever so slightly.

"...What are you talking about?"

"I signed a contract with the landlady."

"..."

After staring at each other for a few seconds, the man slowly pulled out his phone.

A short phone call followed.

"...Grandmother."

"..."

"...You didn't tell me."

"..."

"...What about my permission?"

Silence for a moment.

Hanging up the phone, the man let out a sigh and closed his eyes.

"...Come in."

"Pardon?"

"You said you already signed the contract."

Guest stepped into the house with a bewildered expression.

The entryway was incredibly clean.

Shoes were arranged at perfect angles, and not a speck of dust was visible on the floor.

Then, the man held out a sheet of A4 paper.

It was written in bold letters.

〈Rules for Cohabitation〉

1. 1.
   No noise after 11 PM.
2. 2.
   Restore common areas to their original state after use.
3. 3.
   Do not eat food in the refrigerator without permission.
4. 4.
   No guests allowed.
5. 5.
   Do not interfere in each other's private lives.

Guest looked down at the paper and then at the man.

"...Is this the military?"

"..."

"Or a dormitory?"

"..."

The man's expression didn't change at all.

"If it's uncomfortable, you may terminate the contract."

"..."

"...Instead, please inquire with the landlady regarding the cancellation fee."

In that moment, Guest let out a hollow laugh.

"...What a real jerk."

Hearing that, the man looked at Guest for a moment.

However, he didn't offer any retort.

He simply left one remark.

"I am Yoon Jaeha."

That was their first meeting.*