My Neighbor Is A Freeloader

Chapter 21 [The Dinner Feels Empty Without You]

Sana is deeply touched by Tzuyu’s reply and thinks that he is simply too good as a friend. He seems to be the typical cold-exterior-warm-interior kind of man and while he may not stick his nose into other people business normally, he will be loyal through and through once he starts regarding you as a friend. Compared to people who only sprout sweet nothings, she much prefers his brand of steady-fastness.

When Tzuyu sees that Sana is looking at him intently, he sees that her eyes are lit up like the reflection of stars on a lake due to reflection of light from the street lamps. Ay, what weird ideas is this woman having now?

XxxxxX

Sana did not get to eat the legendary Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish the next day because Nayeon wants to meet her “to tell her something very important”. So she calls Tzuyu:

“Little Tzu Tzu, I need to meet up with Nayeon later so please don’t cook my dinner tonight.”

Tzuyu grumbles as he does not like changes to his plans. “I have bought the fish already.”

“I’m sorry, very sorry. Why not we keep the fish for two days before killing it?”

“You dummy, the fish has already been killed. How do you expect me to rear a fish whose intestines have been gutted?”

The image causes goose pimples to stand out on Sana’s scalp.

“You can skip the details. Nayeon really has something to tell me today so I’m sorry I can’t be back for dinner.”

“I guess you have to meet her. I will give your share to Schrödinger.”

Sana can only dab away her imaginary tears. “I guess I have no choice but to let Grand Eunuch Schrödinger have the advantage.”

When she meets Nayeon, Sana gets to hear about her harrowing adventure at the hotspring and is impressed by her friend’s forwardness. To think they are just kidding about Nayeon forcing herself on Jeongyeonn the other day and here she is, taking action already. Well done! How can she do that to their little Tzuyu!!

Nayeon insists she is dreaming and the two friends go on to discuss if Jeongyeon will make it difficult for Nayeon at work. He hasn’t so far, but he can be pretty cheeky and has made fun of Nayeon this morning when he sees her in the office. He even said 'Oh it is you. I nearly couldn’t recognize you with your clothes.' to her.

Sana comforts Nayeon that this is no big deal and is probably his way of dealing with …nearly being raped? Her advice is for Nayeon to lay low for the time being, try not to make any mistake, and wait for another opportunity to strike. Nayeon nods solemnly.

XxxxxX

Despite being informed, Tzuyu still ended up cooking too much that night. Partly, it is because he has bought a big fish in consideration of someone’s big appetite. And despite Schrödinger trying his best, there is still half a fish and half a plate of stir-fry vegetables remaining at the end of the meal.

Tzuyu is not one who wastes food and packs all the left-overs into sealed boxes before putting them into the fridge. Thereafter, he goes for a stroll and cuts himself some fruits when he gets back. He watches some TV and finding nothing interesting, he goes to the study room to read.

The room is very quiet. There is only the sound of his breathing and the occasional sound of flipping pages. For some reason, the normally bright light is very repressing and envelops him in a suffocating stillness. Tzuyu knows that this is just an illusion but he puts down his book and opens the window to take a breather.

Taking a deep breath of the cool night air, he can hear the sound of nearby activities which only emphasizes the silence of his home and makes him want to get out. This is strange. He has always enjoyed the tranquility of being alone so why is he having a niggling feeling that something is missing!? Or more like someone is missing!?