Mr.Neighbour || Hendery of NCT FF

Chapter 1: Finding a new place

Hendery sat at a corner table in the university cafeteria, the vibrant buzz of conversations swirling around him like the aromas of fresh coffee and baked goods. He leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen between his fingers, a habit he'd developed over the years. Across from him, Xiaoting smiled as she absentmindedly pushed her salad around her plate.

"You're really serious about this, huh?" his best friend, Jun, interjected, leaning forward with an intrigued expression. "You want to move out?"

"Yeah," Hendery replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I've been living with my uncle since the incident, and it's been great, but... I think it's time for me to find my own space."

Xiaoting looked up from her salad, her eyebrows slightly raised. "It'll be a big change. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Hendery nodded, though a part of him felt uncertain. "I mean, I'm at university now, right? I need to start being independent. Plus, I think having my own place will help me focus better on my studies."

Jun chuckled, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Or it'll just mean more parties, more distractions. You do know how to throw a good gathering, Hendery."

"Shut up," Hendery laughed, feeling the warmth of camaraderie ease his nerves. "I'm just looking for a quiet space to study. No parties. At least not on school nights."

Xiaoting smiled softly, and he couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for her. "I think it's a good idea. Just make sure to find a place that's safe. I worry about you living alone."

Her concern touched him, and he reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be careful, I promise."

As lunch wound down, the cafeteria began to empty out, the clatter of trays and chatter of students fading away. Hendery felt a sense of resolve settling over him. After exchanging laughter and stories with Jun and Xiaoting, he was convinced that moving out was the right decision.

"Alright, we should probably head to class," Jun said, glancing at his watch. "I've got a meeting with the study group, and you two need to get to that lecture on developmental psychology."

With reluctant nods, they all stood up. Hendery grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. "See you guys later?" he called after them as they turned to leave.

"Of course!" Xiaoting replied, her smile lingering as she waved goodbye.

As he walked out of the cafeteria alone, Hendery felt a twinge of loneliness. The bustling university life continued around him, but his mind was consumed with thoughts of finding a place to call home.

He sighed as he made his way down the familiar path. "A better place to stay," he murmured to himself, his breath fogging in the crisp air. The weight of the past still lingered, but he held onto the hope that finding his own apartment would help him start fresh.

Just then, something caught his eye on the ground. He stopped and bent down to pick up a piece of paper, noticing it was a brightly colored flyer. Squinting at the text, he read: "Affordable Rooms for Rent: Close to Campus! Call for details!"

His heart raced as he scanned the rest of the flyer. The price was lower than he had anticipated, and the location was ideal—just a few blocks away from the university. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This could be exactly what he was looking for.

He quickly took a picture of the flyer with his phone, already imagining how a space of his own might feel. The anxiety and loneliness that had clouded his mind began to dissipate, replaced by the tantalizing prospect of independence.

With renewed determination, Hendery continued his walk home, the flyer clutched tightly in his hand. Maybe this was the sign he had been waiting for—a step toward a new chapter, one where he could carve out a life filled with hope, friendship, and perhaps, even the love of his girlfriend. As he walked, he found himself smiling, ready to make the call and see where this opportunity might lead him.