The Ease of Social Climbing [jinsoo]

prologue

     Jin didn't do much moving around in his life, for he was always comfortable with the same place that he was in. Yet, when the sudden urge to become a novelist had rushed over him, his entire philosophy had changed. He immediately packed up all his stuff and moved towards the city— the only place that would let him flourish with his craft.

     But, he didn't expect misfortune to strike him the moment he entered his new, modest apartment building.

     At first, he thought he was using the key wrong, but after several attempts of him stabbing it into the lock, he quickly realized that it wasn't him that was causing the problem. He let out a tired sigh and shoved it back into his jacket pocket.

     Jabbing his finger on the buzzer, Jin leaned against the wall while waiting for someone to buzz him in. He was quite an impatient man, and with his added weariness, it only frustrated him further when he had to wait several minutes for someone to open the door.

     Right at the moment when he was ready to punch the door open, the ringer let out a long buzz and he quickly opened it, rolling his luggage along as he rushed inside.

     That is until, out of nowhere, he bumped into someone and let out a grunt.

     With a scowl present on his face, Jin looked up and jumped at the sight of a disheveled woman standing scandalously in the hallway, with only a mere oversized t-shirt adorning her small body. Her bed-hair poked in several different directions and her eyes were half-open as she stared at him wearily.

     "Uh, did you buzz me in?" He asked, looking away awkwardly, since he had some sort of decency to not sneak a glance at the no-pants lady.

     She yawned. "Yes, I did. I could hear the buzzing from upstairs while I was sleeping. I thought I might as well wake up and open the door for you. You know how it is on workdays."

     "Well, thank-"

     The girl cut him off, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "You're the new tenant, right?"

     He nodded, dismissing the fact that she interrupted him, since she did let him in after all. "Yeah, I am. I'm sorry you had to come all the way here to open the door, they probably forgot to give me the lobby key."

     "It's fine! I usually forget my lobby keys too and they really are a pain..." She said and began approaching the stairs. By the way she swayed side-to-side, Jin had trouble determining whether or not she was just plain sleepy or drunk. He quickly followed behind with his suitcase, remaining cautious in case of an unfortunate slip of the foot.

     She looked over her shoulder and stared as he struggled to grip all of his belongings at once, watching the way he dragged the luggage begrudgingly about the stairs. Truly, some help would be appreciated, but he was absolutely dumbstruck as she looked back forward, in complete oblivion, and began rambling about random grievances.

     "You know, they are considering installing an elevator so it'll be easier for new tenants to move in easier. Like you! But, I couldn't bare to lose these stairs, y'know? This is the only way I can burn so much fat and still maintain my diet. That elevator will only tempt me and before I even know it, I'll be riding it as faithfully as those girls ride, over at Signal's."

     Jin looked at her incredulously. "Signal's? Is that your type of scene?"

     "No, it's not." She said simply. "Anyway, can I ask what apartment you are in?" She hiccuped, while clutching onto the railing for support.

     "Sure. It's 3B. How about-"

     The girl gasped audibly and whipped her body to face him, her face appearing fruitfully awake. She grabbed his shoulders and shook them excitingly, as Jin tried his best not to fall down an entire flight of stairs.

      "Isn't it such a coincidence? We are neighbors! Oh, how funny!" She exclaimed, and then whipped her head back forward— her hair slapping Jin across the cheek.

     He laughed awkwardly. "Yes... so funny..."

     They arrived at the third floor with Jin's arms already feeling sore, and admittedly, he was a bit bitter that his neighbor didn't help him out. Instead of continuing the crazed small talk, like he expected she would do, she immediately walked to her apartment and gave a small wave.

     "I'll see you later, Adam!" She exclaimed and proceeded to waltz in, slamming the door behind her.

     He stared at her front door, wearily.

     "It's Jin..."