The silence in the apartment felt stinging, like every sound I made was too loud. I couldn't take it anymore, so I decided to shower. At least that way, I could get through the awkwardness. I finished quickly, towel wrapped around my waist, a routine I hadn't thought twice about.

But as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, I saw her eyes widen, and she froze, like she'd just witnessed a ghost. I blinked, confused for a second before it hit me...

Oh... I had completely forgotten she was still here.

There she was, staring at me with a mix of shock and mild panic, probably wishing she could evaporate into thin air. I quickly pulled on a shirt, trying to act like nothing happened, but my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"Uh, sorry," I said, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. "I usually... you know, don't really think about it."

She nodded, looking everywhere but at me, as if I was suddenly become the most interesting thing in the apartment.

"Right," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact like it was some kind of life-or-death situation. "It's fine. Totally fine. I just... uh, I'll just... I'll just stay here." She gestured to the spot where she had been sitting, as if trying to prove she wasn't about to explode from the awkwardness. I couldn't help but chuckle.

I quickly grabbed a shirt from my room and slipped it on, trying to shake off the awkwardness of stepping out of the bathroom half-naked. When I came back out, Kz was already standing, collecting her things, clearly preparing to leave.

"It's been 30 minutes!" she exclaimed, her face still flushed, probably still embarrassed. "Thank you so much for everything you did for me tonight. If possible, forget everything embarrassing that happened. I owe you one! Uhh, no, two. Wait, let me just count... 1. Bathroom emergency, 2. Phone charge, 3. Letting me stay here for 30 minutes... 3! I owe you three!"

She moved toward the door, practically running, but before she could escape, I caught her arm just in time.

"Look," I said, trying to hold back a grin, "I couldn't just let you leave after all that. I need to prepare something simple for dinner, at least. Come on. If it helps lessen your guilt, you can pay for it."

I put my hand out, expecting her to refuse.

But she surprised me by immediately grabbing her wallet, pulling out a bill, and handing it to me with a serious face. "Fine. But I'll still owe you three. Let's call it a deal," she said, handing me the money as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

I couldn't help but chuckle. She was definitely something else.

Despite the awkwardness, her presence lightened the mood in a way I wasn't expecting. In that moment, the tension that was hanging between us earlier seemed to dissolve. And even though it was still a bit strange, I didn't mind it so much anymore.

"Um, Tyler. Need some help? I may not look like I'm in any position to assist, but I can cook," she offered, though there was a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"No, really. This is super easy to make. Remember? You paid for it, right? Let me do you a service," I responded, trying to reassure her. She hesitated for a moment before returning to the sofa and sitting down again.

Tequila, who was surprisingly quiet for a while, decided to join in on the chaos but in her own way. She leaped from her bed and settled on Kz's lap, immediately curling up and falling asleep. Kz, being the dog lover she was, couldn't help but smile at the adorable sight, almost moved to tears by the cuteness overload.

This girl was really unpredictable. It was like the world conspired to make sure we'd cross paths again after a year of possibly ignoring each other. Or maybe we were passing by each other all this time, and no one bothered to notice.

As I prepared the ingredients, I heard Kz hum a lullaby for Tequila:

"Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop..."

Her soft voice brought me back to that night... the first time I heard her sing at the bar for a birthday party she hosted. Even her hums carried such a sweet, calming effect.

I couldn't help but wonder how many more layers of her I would keep discovering, how much more would keep me intrigued. But beneath it all, I knew I built walls to protect myself. Tonight, though, I felt vulnerable again.

We ate in silence for a while, just the sounds of silverware scraping against plates and the occasional hum of Tequila's contented sighs. It was strange, this quiet camaraderie. It felt almost natural, even though I had only known Kz for such a short time.

After we finished eating, Kz got up to clear her plate, but I waved her off. "I got this," I said, grabbing the dishes before she could protest. She hesitated but finally nodded and picked up her phone, glancing at the screen.

"Sorry, I've gotta take this," she said, stepping toward the door. "It's the maintenance guy. I've been waiting for him to fix the door for a while now."

"Sure," I replied, wiping the counter as she answered the call in the hallway.

A few minutes later, she returned, phone still in hand. "Well, he's coming by in 15 minutes. Guess I'll have to make a run for it before he shows up."

I stood up from the sink and dried my hands with a towel. "I hope you were able to get everything sorted."

"Yeah, I'm good. Just... don't expect me to call you for anything else this embarrassing, alright?" She chuckled, though there was a hint of discomfort in her voice.

"Hey, don't worry about it," I said with a smile. "It happens to the best of us."

She headed toward the door, but before she left, she turned back to face me. "I really appreciate this, Tyler. Hmmm. For saving me back there."

I nodded. "Anytime."

Just as she opened the door, Tequila jumped up, tail wagging, and trotted over to her. Kz bent down to pet her one last time before heading out.

"Goodbye, Tequila. I'll see you again soon, okay?"

I watched her walk out, and as the door closed behind her, I was left standing there, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Something inside me told me not to get too attached, but the warmth of the evening still lingered. 

Later, I finished cleaning up and got ready for work. Just as I was about to head out the door, I heard a knock. I froze. Who could it be this time?

I got up and checked to see who was at my door, and to my surprise, it was Kz.

"Tada! I came bearing gifts!" She grinned widely, holding up two takeout bags, which made me question this whole situation once more.

It was Kz, and she was with maintenance personnel, who I liked to believe managed the upkeep of our apartment building.

"Uhh. Kz? I'm getting the feeling you're about to owe me for a fourth time?" I teased, watching as her face became serious, though her playful energy didn't quite fade.

"Sir," she said, stepping aside and motioning to the maintenance guy. "If you would kindly please explain the situation as to why we're here, bothering the kindest neighbor I have or the kindest tenant you have?" She raised her eyebrows dramatically at the man, clearly trying to make a point.

I crossed my arms and looked at both of them, my eyebrow arching. 

Kindest tenant? Yeah, this was definitely about to give me a headache.

The maintenance guy cleared his throat. "Sir, we're sorry to disturb you this evening, but we've discovered a major issue with Ms. Kyla's bathroom facilities. The pipes in her bathroom have corroded, and we've also found water damage behind the walls. For safety reasons and to prevent further complications, we need to replace the plumbing and repair the affected areas. Unfortunately, the repairs will take several days to complete."

Huh? Kyla? Who?

I felt my head throb. A few days? I glanced at Kz, who was standing there with her hands clasped and a pleading, almost guilty look on her face. The kind of look you'd expect from a puppy who knew it just made a mess.

"I know this sounds like a lot to ask," the maintenance guy continued, "but if you'd be so kind as to extend some assistance to her while the repairs are ongoing..."

I sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. I was so close to being annoyed, but then Kz hit me with those puppy-dog eyes, her lower lip slightly jutting out like she rehearsed this moment. And now, instead of my head throbbing, it was my heart.

Finally, I waved my hand in surrender and gave them a thumbs-up.

Kz lit up instantly, her pout disappearing in an instant. She started bouncing on her feet, then sang to the tune of You've Got a Friend in Me, replacing the lyrics:

"I've got a friend in you, I've got a friend in you!"

She twirled in place, making a silly little dance, and finished with a wink. The maintenance guy thanked me profusely, but Kz looked too pleased with herself to care.

This is going to be a long few days.

The maintenance guy left, and I turned to Kz, who was still standing at my doorstep, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"So..." She started, her index fingers tapping against each other in that shy, anime-like gesture that people did when they were embarrassed to say something out loud. I scratched the back of my neck, raising an eyebrow.

"Hmm. Let me guess, you're about to owe me for the fifth time, aren't you?"

Her eyes went wide, and she gave the smallest, most reluctant nod. She stayed quiet for a moment, staring at the floor like it might give her the courage to speak.

"So... I know you're about to head to work, right? I know, because the last time we met, you were working, remember? My hosting gig?"

"Uh-huh," I replied, drawing out the word to tease her just a little.

"So... like... you'll be away the whole night, right? And... you know..."

I knew exactly where this was going, but I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe, feigning ignorance.

"You know..." She insisted that I should know what she was getting at, but I just tilted my head, giving her a look that said I'm still waiting.

Her groan was almost theatrical, and she looked like she was physically pained to ask me outright.

"You'll be away, and... I need to, you know... use the bathroom?" She closed her eyes and brought her hands together in a pleading gesture, like a prayer, her face scrunching up with desperation.

I couldn't hold it in any longer. I let out a low chuckle and slowly closed the door in front of her, just enough to make her panic a little, leaving her in suspense for a few moments.

When I opened it again, she was standing there, her eyes impossibly wide, her lips slightly parted, and her expression so pitiful and hopeful.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, I dangled my spare key in front of her.

"Alright. But... only when you really need to use it. And ask Tequila's permission first," I said, smirking as I pulled the key back just before she could snatch it from my hand.

She didn't waste a second. She dashed inside and crouched down in front of Tequila. "Please, Miss Tequila! May I use your facilities?" she begged dramatically.

Tequila, being the traitor she was, immediately wagged her tail and licked Kz's face like they were lifelong friends.

I felt my face heat up as I watched them. Her playful energy, Tequila's instant adoration, it was almost too much. I rubbed the back of my neck and muttered under my breath, "Unbelievable."

As I stood by the door, watching her laugh while Tequila happily smothered her with kisses, I couldn't help but smile.

Kz looked up at me with that mischievous glint in her eyes again. "Besties forever, Kz and Tequila." She hummed the tune of Tequila, complete with the saxophone part, and danced with Tequila, who seemed thoroughly entertained.

Who would've thought there'd come a girl who could connect with Tequila like this?

Eventually, she set Tequila down and straightened up, smoothing out her shirt. "Anyway, now that Tequila's approved, I'll just... be on standby. Quietly. You won't even know I'm here."

"Oh, I'll know," I said, grabbing my scooter and bag in preparation for work.

She tilted her head, looking confused. I gestured toward Tequila, who was now lying at her feet like she had found her new best friend.

"Well, I guess it's just me and you tonight, huh, Tequila?" Kz said, crouching down to scratch behind Tequila's ears.

As I turned to leave, an odd pang shot through my chest. Something about leaving them behind felt... wrong, even though I knew it was ridiculous. I brushed it off, stepping out the door and glancing back one last time. "Don't forget to lock up when you leave. Tequila, my princess, Dad's going to work now, okay? Keep an eye on our guest, will you?"

Tequila answered with joyful kisses, while Kz grinned. "Hm! It's just us girls," she said with a playful wink, already settling onto the couch like she owned the place.

I rolled my eyes and stepped out, but as I descended the stairs, I couldn't shake the image of her laughing with Tequila. It was stuck in my head, as if it belonged there.

Halfway down, I couldn't help but turn back. There she was, holding Tequila in her arms, waving one of her tiny paws at me with exaggerated enthusiasm. My heart skipped a beat... again. She got me for the second time tonight.

I raised a hand in a half-hearted wave, trying not to let her see the dumb smile creeping across my face.

This was fine, I told myself. It was just a week, right? Nothing could happen in a week.