Side Story 1: Althea's Diary

3rd August

Finally… After weeks of preparations and packing, I'm finally moving into my new apartment!

Ever since 'that' incident, I couldn't stay in the dorms anymore. Fortunately, mom and dad were supportive of my decision, and they rented an apartment near the university.

From the looks of it, this new neighbourhood of mine looks nice enough. There's plenty of stores and restaurants nearby. Also, I heard that a twenty-four-hour supermarket is going to open! Also, since there's no curfew here, Grace and the others can sleepover anytime they want!

I don't know about my next-door neighbour, though…

He seems… kind of scary.

16th October

Yesterday, I hosted my first slumber party! We binged our favourite drama the whole night, snacking on chips and indulging in Soju. Well, we only managed to watch the first three episodes before the conversations steered towards their boyfriends.

I know that this happens all the time, but I just couldn't handle the atmosphere, so I went to the supermarket to get more Soju.

… That was a mistake on my part. While shopping, I met my neighbour at the alcohol section. No, now that I think about it, we'd met briefly when I opened the door for Grace and the others to come in. It seemed like he had a friend over as well.

For some reason, he lectured me about eating instant noodles or something, but I was hardly able to meet his eyes. Fortunately, he went away after a few minutes, and I could finally shop in peace.

As expected… that man is scary...

1st November

Assignments are finally over! Next are my midterms, and I should be able to enjoy my New Year's break! Mom and Dad are probably returning for the holidays as well! Hehe, looks like it's going to be a good end of year!

3rd November

There seems to be an epidemic brewing overseas. Everyone is concerned that the virus will infect our country. We would have to shut down like Ulfyae and the other nations affected. I hope this doesn't affect my end of year celebrations...

15th November

The pandemic has reached our shores. Many companies have issued stay-home notices, and schools are beginning to ask students to wear masks. The World Health Organisation has officially declared it a pandemic, or whatever that means.

People are hoarding food, supplies and toilet paper for some reason. It looks like it's going to be really bad...

1st December

As of today, the country is officially on lockdown. Only essential workers are allowed to go to work, and those who are able to must work from home. My university has closed, and everyone is forced to study at home. My friends are unable to visit me as well. And the worst part was…

My parents are stuck overseas.

They wanted to return, but our country locked the borders before they could settle it with their companies. Dad was both angry and apologetic during our video call. They said that they would give me as much money as I needed to survive and apologised again and again over the phone.

Honestly, they didn't have to do that much.

It wasn't their fault… It really wasn't...

20th December

My stay-home life was alright… Since I was going to move out of my parent's house after graduation anyway, this was a good way to practice! I bought enough instant noodles to last for a month. I had all the entertainment I needed, and I could shop all day!

Life was perfect…

It… was… perfect...

Hah…

Ah, I met my neighbour again on the balcony. Once again, he lectured me on my diet for some reason. Seriously, what's with him and instant noodles? Did it give him diarrhoea or something?

24th December

God… I'm not feeling all that well…

My head is dizzy, and my body feels weak… Guess I'll make a stop at the pharmacy before I go to sleep.

27th December

So… I've returned home from the hospital…

That was… EMBARRASSING!!!

When I went out the other night, apparently I collapsed at my neighbour's door! How stupid of me!

I can't remember anything from that night! The last thing I saw was my door, and the next time I woke up, I was already in the hospital! I've only seen that kind of thing in dramas or books! I'd never thought that I would experience it personally!

Still, my neighbour, Desir… Turns out he wasn't that bad of a guy.

Without asking for payment, he found me lying unconscious, brought me to the hospital and checked me into the ER. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that he'd saved my life. He'd even spoken to my mother and agreed to look after me.

Even today, after bringing me home, he made Chicken Abalone Porridge for me. It was quite delicious as well.

Maybe I judged him too quickly. He seems like a nice guy.

31st December

It's New Year's Eve… Yippie!

Hah… I'm not going to lie; it hasn't been a good year for me. That 'incident,' the pandemic, and to top it all off, my parents are unable to return. If the next year is anything like this one…

Argh, let's not think about the negatives… Focus on the good things!

Desir made a lovely New Year's dinner for us. Honestly, why the hell is he a programmer and not a chef? With skills like that, he could easily open a restaurant. Also, it turns out that he's only twenty-six! I was almost certain that the man was in his thirties.

The more I learn about him, the more I don't understand that enigma.

Well, anyway… Since he'd saved my life, it's only natural that I try to pay him back. But what presents would a man in his mid-twenties like?

Hargh, whatever! I'll just go to the supermarket and figure it out.

6th January

It has been over a week since our little arrangement began. In the beginning, I'd thought that my neighbour was joking around about that deal, but I was quickly corrected. Every single day, Desir would make delicious meals for me and every single day, he would deliver them to my doorstep.

I have to admit, I'd thought that Desir might have some ulterior motives when he'd requested to cook for me, but so far… He hasn't even asked for a single cent of compensation.

Compensation… Now that I think about it, the food he makes can't be cheap, right? I shouldn't mooch off him forever…

10th January

Jjajangmyeon! To think that Desir could make that as well! Seriously, is there anything that he can't make? Seriously, is this the difference in experience? He's only five years older than me, and Desir seems like he can do anything.

He cooks… He cleans… He exercises every day… He has a good job that allows him to work from home…

Hah… I'm really just a kid compared to him.

15th January

I disconnected from the WiFi again! Urgh, stupid internet! I just want to attend my lectures in peace. Is that too hard to ask?

Fortunately, Desir said that I could connect to his WiFi anytime I wanted now. And as if by magic, all of my connectivity issues disappeared. While it was still quite slow when I connected from my apartment, at least it doesn't disconnect randomly anymore.

Seriously, my debts to him just keep on increasing...

19th January

An adult should drink coffee, right?! At least, that was what I'd thought.

Desir had only been drinking tea all day, so I'd questioned him about it. As a dare, he bought a can from the vending machine for me to try. And as expected…

It was disgusting. Why would anyone drink this bitter thing?!

Desir was laughing as he watched me suffer as well. To think that I'd shown him my vulnerable side… Now, that wasn't fair, was it?

Luckily for me, I was able to watch Desir drink the remainder of the coffee can. And seriously… what a sight it was! Hehe, to think a big, strong man like himself would grimace in pain. Ah, I should have taken a picture!

23rd January

It was a snowy day today. Back when I stayed with grandma, she would always make Sukiyaki on days like this. So you could imagine my surprise when Desir suggested Sukiyaki for dinner!

It was almost as delicious as grandma's, but something was missing. I wasn't a connoisseur, so I couldn't tell what. It was still delicious, though!

But for some reason, after Desir heard my story, he promised to make me Sukiyaki whenever I wanted. Honestly, that man is an enigma…

And perhaps it was my imagination, but… After he said that, the Sukiyaki tasted as good as my grandma's.

1st February

Althea you… YOU'RE SUCH AN IDIOT!!!

Urgh!!! You were supposed to take Desir out for a good time, so why are you the one getting drunk?! You even made him foot the bill and the cab home!

Gosh, I'm so stupid!!!

I must have shown him an unsightly sight, right?! Why did I even order so many bottles of Soju in the first place? I'm such a moron…

He even made me a hangover soup… Compared to him, I really am a child...

7th February

Desir told me to stay home today. Apparently, his best friend was coming over, and he didn't want to expose our relationship to him. While I didn't mind, it seemed to bother Desir.

So… for the first time in a month, I'm eating dinner alone.

Eating alone… come to think of it, I'd done it countless times before. Yet, for some reason… Something's off.

It just… feels different.

8th February

Grace is coming to visit! After two long months, Grace was finally able to come over!

Although, I don't know who is more excited, Grace or Desir. Grace had been asking to meet Desir for quite some time now, and when I told Desir that she was coming, he started to ask random questions about her.

It's nice that the two of them would get along, but… I don't want them to get too close...

10th February

Ah… Ah… AHHHH!!!!

I confessed everything to Desir! Why did I do that? W-What just happened?! I don't know what has gotten into me!

Urghhh, it's all Grace's fault! Why did she have to mention Paul? Otherwise, why would I have acted that way?! Stupid… I'm so stupid!

But… Desir is really not like the other guys I've met. He's intelligent, funny, dependable… Desir is really different.

And his chest… It's so broad. Desir said that men and women are fundamentally the same, but his body was so… comfortable. I felt so safe in his arms.

I wonder… if he would let me hug him again…

Ah… ARGHHH!!!

What am I thinking?! How could I take advantage of him?!

Stupid… I'm so…

… stupid.