When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance. - Chapter 1.1: Picking up an incredibly attractive beauty in front of the neighboring apartment's entrance. Part -1

Picking up an incredibly attractive beauty in front of the neighboring apartment’s entrance. Part -1

When I returned from school, there was a girl squatting in front of the door of the neighbouring apartment, holding her knees like an abandoned puppy.

I noticed her when I was about to rush through the common corridor like a wet rat in the sudden evening shower.

Even though her face was slightly downturned, I could tell who she was.

My neighbor with the excessively beautiful face.

The surname was… Sajou, I think. Probably.

We weren’t exactly acquaintances despite being neighbors. We had passed each other a few times, but she always ignored my greetings, lost in her own thoughts. Her vacant gaze made me think she had just woken up.

I remembered Sajou mainly because of her beautiful face.

Her well-defined features alone were captivating, and combined with her unique black hair, she exuded a cool aura that was etched into my brain at first sight.

Along with her vacant gaze, I often thought she might belong to the “downer” type.

…And of course, her assertive chest, unlike her demeanor, was something unforgettable.

There she was, Sajou, unwittingly drawing attention, sitting in front of the entrance door.

I assumed she had forgotten her keys, but I wasn’t sure what to do. It felt… unsettling.

Should I say something to her? But is it appropriate to approach a woman? Especially one who’s extremely beautiful. She’d probably be perfect for a band. And she’d definitely attract attention. From women. She’d make a great bassist.

As I grappled with my inner turmoil, I found myself imagining Sajou playing the bass. Maybe her face was too beautiful for my own good.

But well, I couldn’t just leave her there.

At least I could offer her a towel, I thought, and decided to speak up.

“Um… Excuse me.”

“…?”

I spoke up, but there was no response.

Uh-oh, I’m already feeling discouraged.

Despite regretting speaking up so soon, I forced a smile that seemed like it might crack at any moment, knowing I couldn’t back down once I’d taken the first step.

“Um, do you… uh, not have your keys to get into your apartment?”

“…?”

Finally, the face that had been facing downward slowly lifted.

Dark, murky black eyes. Sajou, with her wet hair clinging to her cheeks, turned her vaguely conscious gaze toward me.

“…I have them.”

“I see. Then, uh, why…?”

Was she just putting up a front?

I thought so, but in her hand was a plain, unadorned silver key. It looked identical to mine. So, it was definitely her house key.

Then why wasn’t she going in?

I was about to ask, but I swallowed my words. I understood that she must have had a reason for not wanting to enter. But it wasn’t my place to pry into a neighbor’s business.

I was curious, sure. But I squashed that curiosity.

So, what should I do?

Handing her a towel and saying goodbye would be the most hassle-free neighborly thing to do. But leaving a woman out in the rain, not knowing when she can get back into her apartment, doesn’t sit right with me. Even though it’s an apartment with an auto-lock, you never know if there might be someone suspicious around.

I cross my arms, tilt my head, and scratch my head. Hmm, hmm.

After much deliberation that could dry her wet hair, I finally clasp my hands together. This is it.

My thoughts are organized. Now all I need to do is confirm with Sajou.

But that takes more courage than anything, making me break out in nervous sweat. My heart pounds so hard it hurts.

Inhale, exhale. I repeat deep breaths… Alright. With a smile as genuine as possible, I muster the courage to ask.

“If you’d like, would you… come to my place?”

“…?”

The silence is unbearable…!

Could she possibly see me as some kind of wolf trying to lure her into my den?

Of course, I swear to God I have no intention of doing anything untoward.

…Well, objectively speaking, I can see how it might look like that.

What if the police are called? Will I get arrested for this?

I really don’t want to have a criminal record as a minor. As I ponder this, she looks at me with vacant eyes and her lips part slightly. But she doesn’t say anything and just purses her lips.

What does that mean…?

With anxiety compounded by nervousness, I wait anxiously for her response. Then, with her face once again downturned, Sajou murmurs softly.

“…It doesn’t matter.”

Is that… consent?

I’m not sure. But it’s not a rejection either.

So, it’s a YES. Silence can be taken as affirmation, and a gray response would be the same.

…I feel like I’m getting closer to being seen as a potential predator trying to bring a woman into my place. No, it’s just my imagination. I swore to God, after all. Even though I’m an atheist.

“So, shall we go?”

Just to be sure, I maintain a questioning tone to reassure her that I’m not forcing her.

I’m indecisive. I was worried she wouldn’t agree, but she got up, albeit unsteadily. It seems she’s willing to come along.

We take a few steps. To the adjacent room, essentially my home.

As we reach the entrance door, I rummage through my school bag for the keys. Oh, where are they? Um, uh, there! Phew, found them.

I let out a sigh. It’s a little embarrassing. Why do I always get flustered when I want to be smooth?

I unlock the door and open it. Stepping inside, I hold the door from the inside.