After hanging up, L leaned in with a gossipy grin. "What did your mom say? Is she urging you to find a boyfriend?"


    I rolled my eyes at her. "Boyfriend? Not everyone is like you. Cut it out with the gossip."


    "Hehe, I was just asking," she said with a cheeky smile.


    I sighed, not wanting to continue the topic. "Let''s not talk about this. We''re here. Let''s get out."


    We both got out of the car and went to our respective apartments.


    Turning the key twice, I heard a soft click as I pushed open the door to my new home.


    The faint smell of fresh paint mixed with the woody fragrance of new furniture greeted me. It wasn''t unpleasant. In fact, it gave off a strangelyforting warmth.


    I changed into slippers, rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to clean. Though it was a new ce, it had been unupied for a while, so some dust had settled.


    Just as I picked up a cloth to wipe the coffee table, the doorbell rang.


    "Already?" I muttered, setting the rag down to answer the door. As expected, L stood outside, beaming like a flower in full bloom.


    "Surprise!" She dramatically spread her arms wide, pretending to go in for a hug. I dodged with a smile. "Alright, alright, cut it out. Come in and help already."


    "Aye aye, captain!" She yfully saluted, changed into slippers, and plopped herself onto the couch.


    "Whoa, this couch is sofy! Nope, I need to lie down for a bit first."


    I shook my head helplessly. "Are you here to help or to lounge around?"


    L sprang up from the couch and snatched the rag from my hand. "Of course, I''m


    here to help! I''m a hardworking little bee!"


    Watching her exaggerated performance, I couldn''t help butugh.


    "Why''d youe so early?" I asked.


    "To help you install the surveince camera, of course!" She lifted a shopping bag in her hand. "I also bought a bunch of snacks. We can take our time eating after we finish cleaning."


    I smiled, warmth spreading in my heart. Having a friend like her was truly a blessing.


    With L''s help, we quickly set up the surveince camera and then got to work cleaning. She hummed a tune while wiping the tables while I took care of mopping the floor.


    We made a good team, and before long, the ce was spotless.


    She even brought over some decorations from her own apartment, saying it would make my new ce feel more like home.


    "Phew! Finally done!" L stretched and copsed onto the couch. "I''m exhausted."


    I handed her a drink. "Thank you so much for helping me."


    "No need for thanks between us," she said with a grin, taking the drink. "By the


    way, how did Alex find out you live here?"


    I shrugged. "No idea. Maybe he followed me."


    L frowned. "You don''t think he''s up to something, do you?"


    "He wouldn''t," I said with certainty. "He''s not that kind of person."


    No matter what, I had been around the Hastings family for years, so I knew them well enough.


    "People


    seem,"


    caren''t always who they car said seriously. "Just bet


    If he tries anything, calf the


    police immediately."


    She was only looking out for me, so I didn''t argue. I just nodded in agreement.