章 41: PROBLEMS SOLVED
The apartment doors opened with a whisper.
Before the eyes of the two girls, a modern, spacious, and elegant space was revealed, illuminated by the dim morning light filtering through the windows.
Mía was there, sitting on the sofa with a textbook open on her lap. Hearing the approaching footsteps, she looked up with surprise and curiosity.
"Hello, girls" - She greeted with a slight smile, trying to hide the small anxiety nesting in her mind.
Mía had considered many scenarios, but she felt she would fail to explain to Sophie that they would be studying in the apartment of the guy who had beaten her boyfriend.
However, due to the passionate moment she had recently experienced, as well as the small problem she had between her legs, she completely forgot about this and agreed that it would be Robert who would go down to get them.
She hoped that Sophie, knowing how temperamental she was, wouldn't make a scene as soon as she met Robert.
Only when Robert had left the apartment to pick up the girls did she remember the problem between Sophie and him.
However, it seemed that things hadn't gone so badly, because now they were here, and Robert's smile seemed to assure that everything was fine.
"Well, Mía, I'm going out to buy some things to make lunch, so focus on having a good conversation and studying hard."
"!"
However, the calm the girl had gained began to tremble when Robert opened the door and left, without giving her time to say anything.
Sophie and Anna exchanged nervous glances before Sophie took a step forward, determined but with evident humility in her voice. "Mía, we need to talk to you."
Mía was even more surprised by these words, and the small anxiety nested in her mind once again, but she nodded calmly, setting the book aside and looking at them attentively - "Sure, what's up?"
Anna stepped forward with Sophie, taking a deep breath before speaking - "We want to apologize, Mía. We knew what Eunice was doing to you at school, but we never did anything to help you. We feel guilty about that."
Sophie nodded fervently, adding in a voice laden with repressed emotions - "And now, here we are, accepting your invitation after how we behaved with you… sorry for being so selfish."
"Huh? Oh… hahaha, it's okay, it doesn't matter" - Mía tried to smile to ease her anxiety, as she wasn't expecting those words from the two of them, especially from Sophie.
She had imagined the blonde shouting, insulting, even hitting her, but she never thought the first thing she'd do would be to apologize!
"No, it does matter" - Sophie responded - "Despite accepting Anna's request for help with our literature assignment, even when you knew we did nothing about Eunice's actions… that does matter… and I'm truly sorry."
Both Sophie and Anna bowed slightly in apology.
Mía remained silent, unsure of how to respond, as multiple memories resurfaced in her mind.
For a long time, she had harbored silent resentment towards them for not intervening when Eunice bullied her at school. However, observing Sophie and Anna as they spoke, Mía noticed the sincerity in their eyes and the vulnerability in their voices.
Not even her so-called "true friends" had apologized for abandoning her and believing all the lies Eunice had spread. Therefore, for Mía, these apologies held great importance and significance.
But now, faced with their apologies, Mía found herself at an emotional crossroads.
On one hand, she felt moved and grateful that they finally acknowledged their guilt and expressed regret. She had longed for this kind of validation and support for months, even though she hadn't openly expressed it.
However, after experiencing an emotional release by confessing to Robert, she now strangely felt that she didn't hold a grudge against them.
On the other hand, a small knot of doubt and caution persisted in her heart. While she accepted the girls' request for help, she wanted them to get closer to Robert so they could be part of his future idol group.
Although she knew this wouldn't bring them any harm, she was practically drawing them in without telling them the truth.
Could this be considered deceitful?
Mía put that thought aside for now and focused on the worried and anxious faces of Sophie and Anna, who were waiting for her response.
"You don't have to do that, girls... It's okay, I accept your apologies" - Mía smiled, stood up, and without warning, approached and hugged the two girls - "I hope we can get along well."
Sophie and Anna first felt relieved to hear Mía's initial words, then tensed up again when they were hugged, but finally, they felt as if a great weight had been lifted off their shoulders.
"Mmm, I hope we get along well"- the blonde whispered with a smile.
"I think we'll get along very well!" - Anna, always positive, hugged them tighter.
"Anna! You'll make us fall!"
Soon, a series of youthful laughs were heard inside the apartment, resonating everywhere, even outside.
......
On the other side of the door, in the hallway, Robert was smiling at the good outcome of this conversation. At least with this, he hoped Sophie would stop looking at him as if she wanted to kill him.
He had also been thinking about how to approach the wild blonde, how to start a conversation with her. However, every time he thought of a possible scenario, things didn't turn out well.
In the end, he opted for the most obvious route. If Sophie went wild, he would too.
And luckily, it worked.
Ding, ding, ding
[Congratulations on completing the hidden mission: help form a good relationship between the main female characters! You get 5 additional points]
Suddenly, the system screen appeared in front of him. Robert smiled at seeing that message, as he couldn't always earn extra points to improve his stats, so solving hidden missions was beneficial.
"Heh, at least there are rewards for dealing with a rebellious brat... I think they deserve a reward"
He walked calmly towards the elevator. Although he used the excuse of going to buy things for lunch, he had the basics to prepare a light meal. However, he wanted to surprise the girls.
Ding
The soft sound of the elevator doors sliding open pulled him out of his reverie. As he entered, he realized he wasn't alone. An elegant and mature-looking woman was there, looking at her reflection in the elevator's interior mirror.
She had straight brown hair that fell in soft waves over her shoulders and wore a simple yet striking outfit: orange pants and a white blouse. Despite being home clothes, they highlighted her curves and natural beauty.
Ding. Ding, ding
[Congratulations on meeting a main character: Jin Joo-Hee from 'Celebrity Next Door', you gain 1 additional point]
[Jin Joo-Hee - Human: She is a famous model working for the major company "TOPCO Fashion," a subsidiary of the SW group. She has a 20-year-old daughter who just started university, and they have recently moved into this building. Due to her lifestyle, she is very private about her matters, being a very reserved woman. Despite being very beautiful, she is very clumsy]
[Age: 37 years; HP: 10; MP: 00; STR: 08; AGI: 10; VIT: 10; INT: 08; PERC: 00]
"Good morning" - the woman said politely, slightly inclining her head.
"Oh! Sorry, good morning" - Robert responded, trying to smile politely.
After that, the elevator descended into an awkward silence. Robert watched the floor numbers change slowly, while the woman continued to observe her reflection.
Robert mentally scolded himself because he got distracted by the system notification, making him seem like an idiot. Robert was a man experienced in relationships, with an innate confidence that rarely wavered.
However, he also knew very well how to read people and adapt his approach so that no one felt uncomfortable.
While in the elevator with the woman named Joo-Hee, he noticed her well-groomed appearance and relaxed posture, though he also perceived a slight reserve in her eyes.
As he watched the floor numbers change, Robert thought about the best way to start a conversation without seeming intrusive. He knew the key was to be natural and respectful, offering a gentle opening rather than forcing an interaction.
He decided to take advantage of the situation subtly - "Pardon my curiosity" - he said in a friendly tone with a slight smile - "Did you just move into the building?"
Robert maintained his relaxed and friendly posture, avoiding any gesture that might seem invasive. He looked Joo-Hee directly in the eyes, showing genuine interest without being intimidating. His question was simple, a common way to start a conversation between neighbors who hadn't met yet.
When Joo-Hee turned towards him and returned the smile, Robert felt he had chosen the right approach - "Yes, that's right. I'm Joo-Hee. I moved in a few days ago to the 13th floor" - she replied, seeming a bit more open.
"Nice to meet you, Joo-Hee. I'm Robert" - he said, extending his hand in a friendly gesture, which she accepted gracefully.
As the elevator continued its ascent, Robert decided to keep the conversation light and friendly - "So, what brought you to this building?" - he asked, keeping his voice relaxed and his body language open.
Joo-Hee seemed to appreciate his respectful approach - "I've heard wonderful things about the community and thought it would be a good place to settle down."
Robert nodded, showing understanding - "You've made an excellent choice"-he said - "It's a quiet place, and the community is quite welcoming."
Joo-Hee nodded, her expression relaxing more - "I hope so."
When the elevator stopped at the first floor and the doors opened, Robert exited the elevator calmly.
"Well, I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Joo-Hee. I hope you can adapt to your new home" - Robert said, ensuring his tone conveyed his willingness to help without being pushy.
"Thank you, Robert. It was a pleasure meeting you. I have to go to the management office for some paperwork"
Joo-Hee said with a small smile.
And so, the two parted ways and went their separate paths.
As Robert left the building to do his shopping, he felt satisfied with the interaction. He knew he had handled the conversation appropriately, starting a dialogue that could lead to a future friendship without making her feel harassed.
There was something about Joo-Hee's quiet elegance that intrigued him, and he was curious to see how this encounter would influence his future.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AN:
- Jin Joo-Hee is the female protagonist of the manhwa "Celebrity Next Door."
- The character list has been updated.
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