I knew my boyfriend lived alone. But strangely, I had never been to his house. Every time I asked, I only got responses like "Next time," "The house is too messy," or "I'll invite you after I clean up." At first, I just thought it was a typical bachelor pad. Still, we're a couple, and I wanted to visit at least once. So today, I decided to drop by without telling him in advance. I stood there with the confidence of someone who thought he couldn't possibly dislike a surprise.

Instead of the doorbell, I knocked lightly. Twice. There was a sign of life inside. Footsteps. The faint sound of dripping water was mixed in. After a brief silence, the door opened.

The person who opened the door was a woman I didn't know.

Water was dripping from the ends of her hair as if she had just finished showering, and wet strands were clinging to her collarbone. Her face showed the light texture of bare skin without any makeup, and she was wearing a loose knit sweater and shorts. She looked so natural, so much like someone who belonged in this house.