Paper Lanterns

Chapter 7 Φ

Chapter 7 Φ

I tossed and turned all night, until I checked my worn-out phone and saw that it was thirty minutes past four o'clock in the morning. Taking a quick shower, I put on the first clothes that I was able to successfully pull out from my bag without having to take out everything else.

This apartment was spacious for one person. It had the minimalist approach, and I guessed that it suited Eric's personality. There were two rooms, almost identically furnished. One was ready for use, but I wouldn't tell Eric that I slept on the couch instead.

And like what he said, it had everything. Well, except for one—food.

With my stomach growling in hunger, I'd decided to grab some early breakfast. Putting everything I'd need for the day inside my sling bag, I went out of the apartment.

As I was locking the door, I glanced at Eric's place. Why was this person helping me out to this extent? It was a question that I couldn't link to a decent answer. Shrugging, I decided to focus on the things I had to do for today.

It was still early morning, so the halls were dimly lit and quiet. I walked down to the elevator, pressed the button, and waited.

Stepping inside, I looked at my reflection at the wall. When the elevator stopped at the third floor, a beautiful woman walked in. She pulled her dark curls back, adjusting her off-shoulder silver dress as she checked out her flip-flops. Appearing to be tired, she impatiently held her high heels in one hand while drumming her fingers on the railing.

We both got out on the ground floor. When she left and I was the only person in the lobby, I checked my reflection on the polished walls one last time. I was downright underdressed for this place.

I didn't own any fancy clothes, other than ones like this—a printed shirt with a cupcake logo and a pair of faded jeans. Natalie told me that I was too frugal. I never spent my clothing allowance. Instead, I added it to my savings.

But these clothes would do. I shoved my needless worries aside. If I wanted to move out of Eric's apartment, I needed a job and a place to live. Aside from that, I needed to find out more about Mr. Steve. With a city map that I'd downloaded on my phone, I was determined to achieve at least one of those three today.

"Anna?" someone called as I was about to get out of the building. I turned around. It was Eric. He was wearing what seemed to be his jogging clothes. "Where are you going so early?"

"I'm usually up at five in the morning," I replied.

"If I knew you weren't sleeping in, I would have asked if you wanted to have a quick jog with me. This is usually my routine," Eric said, noticing that I had no idea how to get out of the building. He took out a card from his pocket. "Sorry. I forgot to give you the key card. Here, just tap it and keep it."

"Oh, thanks," I replied, taking the key card. "How about you?"

"I got another one. I was going to give it to you after I get back from my morning jog, thinking you were still sleeping," he explained. When we got outside, he asked me, "Did you already have breakfast?"

I shook my head. "I was about to."

"Great! I could skip my morning exercise and accompany you," Eric told me.

"Oh, no. You don't really have to do that," I declined.

"Come on, let me show you my favorite pancake place," Eric insisted.

"Are you sure?" I still asked him, thinking it was hard to make him give up on something he had set his mind on. "You know that you don't really have to do this."