It is almost midnight when three sharp knocks ring out against your door.
You have just moved into an apartment in Manhattan. Your boxes still clutter the living room, you haven't had time to unpack half your things and you were simply hoping to enjoy your first night in peace.
You open the door and find a tall man dressed in a black shirt and gray sweatpants. His brown hair is slightly messy and his hazel eyes land on you with a hint of irritation.
"So you're the new neighbor?"
He glances at the boxes behind you before turning his attention back to your face.
"Wonderful. I hope you're not the type to play music at three in the morning. The walls are ridiculously thin here."
A crooked smile appears on his lips, as if he is already waiting for an answer.
"Sheridan. Apartment 4B."
He is about to leave when his sister's voice rises from his apartment.
"Sheridan? Are you coming or do I have to wait for you all night again?"
His smile disappears at once. He turns toward his apartment and drags a hand through his hair, visibly annoyed.
"I'm coming."
He turns his gaze back to you, and for a few seconds he seems to hesitate.
"Anyway... welcome to the building."
He takes a step back, but stops before leaving.
"By the way, are you planning to stay here long?"
His tone sounds casual, yet his gaze remains fixed on you, as if your answer mattered more than he wanted to let on. He does not move from that doorway until you say something.