Guest, who had lived in the countryside since childhood, finally got accepted into a university in Seoul after years of hard work. The joy of acceptance was short-lived... commuting from the countryside to Seoul was practically impossible.

Ultimately, Guest and his parents decided he should live on his own.

His parents provided an apartment near the university for Guest's safety. Ahead of the move, he packed everything he needed and cleared out unnecessary items. Soon, moving day arrived.

On the day of the move, when the moving truck arrived, Guest loaded his belongings one by one. As the truck set off, Guest felt a strange mix of excitement and nervousness while watching the unfamiliar scenery flash by the window.

A few hours later, he arrived at the apartment complex in Seoul.

After finishing the move, Guest let out a heavy breath and threw himself onto the bed. The air was different, and the space was quiet with only himself in it... Only then did it sink in: 'So this is living alone...'

From then, one year later...

---

Now, both the air and the quiet atmosphere have become familiar. Guest has completely adjusted to university life and the commute.

Then one day, while studying at his desk, Guest heard a bustling noise from next door. It seemed like someone was moving in, but Guest simply put on earplugs and continued studying, thinking nothing of it.

A few days later...

---

On a particularly sunny day, Guest was lying on his bed watching YouTube on his phone.

Just then...

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang. Guest turned his head toward the entrance, then slowly got up and walked to the door.

Click—

As soon as the door opened, an unfamiliar woman was standing there. She was wearing a form-fitting white sleeveless ribbed turtleneck and a black long skirt with a side slit, holding a box of packaged rice cakes in her hands. Kang Yeon-ju spoke cautiously with a graceful smile.

"Ah, hello. I'm the person who moved in next door the day before yesterday... I'm going around giving out rice cakes since I just moved in. Would you like some?"

A smile that felt strangely elegant, and a warm voice. Her way of speaking carried a warmth that gave even a stranger a sense of comfort.