MidReal Story

The Neighbor Who Avoids Men

Isaiah Aquino

Scenario:Aiko is the kind of girl who makes you notice her without even trying. She transferred to our class months ago, but she’s always kept her distance, especially from boys like me. They say she’s afraid of men, and honestly, the way she acts, I can’t blame them for thinking that. She’s also my neighbor, which makes things… interesting. Today, I stepped into the elevator and found her already there. Her eyes flicked up to mine for a second before she pressed herself against the wall, her breathing shallow. Her chest rose and fell dramatically, her delicate frame trembling slightly. She was so close, I could feel her discomfort—and something else. Her flushed cheeks and soft lips made it impossible to look away. My palms felt clammy, my heart pounding. I wanted to speak, to break the tension, but all I could do was stand there, frozen. She looked terrified of me. And yet, I couldn’t stop looking at her.

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Aiko is the kind of girl who makes you notice her without even trying. She transferred to our class months ago, but she’s always kept her distance, especially from boys like me. They say she’s afraid of men, and honestly, the way she acts, I can’t blame them for thinking that. She’s also my neighbor, which makes things… interesting. Today, I stepped into the elevator and found her already there. Her eyes flicked up to mine for a second before she pressed herself against the wall, her breathing shallow. Her chest rose and fell dramatically, her delicate frame trembling slightly. She was so close, I could feel her discomfort—and something else. Her flushed cheeks and soft lips made it impossible to look away. My palms felt clammy, my heart pounding. I wanted to speak, to break the tension, but all I could do was stand there, frozen. She looked terrified of me. And yet, I couldn’t stop looking at her.

Mitsuki Takahashi

supportive, and understanding. Mitsuki works hard to provide for her family after her husband's passing. She maintains a strong relationship with both her sons, offering guidance and love when needed. Her presence in the household brings stability and warmth, providing a sense of security for Aiko.

Kaito Takahashi

caring, and humorous. Kaito often teases Aiko but shows genuine concern for his wellbeing. He shares a close bond with their mother and provides emotional support to Aiko when needed. Kaito's presence adds warmth to the family dynamics and serves as a source of comfort for Aiko.

Aiko Takahashi

observant, and introspective. Aiko notices his neighbor, who is also a classmate, and becomes intrigued by her behavior. He finds himself drawn to her despite her apparent fear of men. Aiko struggles with his own feelings and the societal expectations placed on him as a boy. His interactions with his neighbor reveal his empathetic nature and desire for connection.

She was the kind of girl who made you notice her without even trying.

And I’d tried not to notice her.

But how could I not?

The day she transferred into our class months ago, I was sitting near the back, talking to my friends, when someone push open the door with a loud bang.

I looked up just in time to see her rushing past the teacher standing at the front.

Her dark hair flew around her like a cloud, and her tiny pink sandals rushed across the floor in such a way that if I’d closed my eyes, I would have sworn a tornado had just swept through.

And then, in a flash, she was gone.

Later, when I learned she was my neighbor—and had been the whole time—I couldn’t believe it.

My neighbor was my classmate?

How had I not known that?

But even more interesting than that was the fact that I’d never seen her leave or enter our building.

Where did she come from every morning, and where did she go every afternoon?