XO, Y/N: Lost on Level Five
Episode 1: mostly introduction to the world of the story, no smut, light flirting, important for the rest of the series
Y/N stepped out of the taxi with a duffel bag slung over one shoulder and a stack of cardboard boxes balanced in his arms. The Seoul air was warm and humid, carrying the faint scent of street food from the corner stalls and the distant rumble of traffic along the main road.
He had chosen this apartment complex after scrolling through listings late at night, drawn by the reasonable price and the promise of independence. No dorms, no roommates, just his own space on the fifth floor of a building known for its young tenants. The landlord had mentioned it casually during the paperwork, but now that he was here the reality felt more immediate.
He pushed through the glass doors into the lobby, the cool air conditioning a relief after the heat outside. The elevator doors stood open, and he stepped inside, shifting the boxes to free one hand so he could press the button for the fifth floor. Before his finger could reach it, a tall figure slipped in at the last second.
She was striking. At 5'8", her long legs were on full display in tight running shorts that hugged her hips and thighs. A cropped tank top clung to her torso, damp with sweat from her morning run, the fabric slightly translucent in places where it stuck to her skin. Blonde hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, strands sticking to her forehead and neck. Her cheeks were flushed, and she breathed a little heavier than normal, but her energy radiated outward like sunlight.
"Ohh, 5th floor? You must be the new tenant. The landlord mentioned something about a guy moving to our floor yesterday," she said with a bright smile, pressing the button herself. "It's not everyday we get a new neighbor. I'm Somi by the way."
Y/N looked up from the boxes, and his gaze lingered. She was beautiful in a way that felt effortless—tall and athletic, with curves that the running clothes accentuated rather than hid. Sweat glistened on her collarbones and trailed down between her breasts, visible where the tank top dipped low. Her legs were toned and smooth, the muscles shifting as she shifted her weight. He couldn't help but stare for a moment longer than polite.
Somi noticed immediately. Her lips curved into a teasing grin. "Caught you looking, newbie. Like what you see?"
Y/N met her eyes without hesitation. "Hard not to when you're standing there looking like you just stepped out of a fitness magazine. The sweat seems to make your skin glow."
She laughed, a clear, energetic sound that filled the small elevator space. "Bold. I like that. Most guys get all shy and stare at the floor. You're moving in today, right? All those boxes scream 'first day chaos.'"
"Yeah, just got the keys this morning," Y/N replied, adjusting his grip on the stack. "Figured I'd get everything up before it gets too late."
"Smart. The elevator can be slow sometimes, especially when everyone's coming back from work or the gym. I'm Somi, by the way—wait, I already said that. Night-shift bartender at Dusk till Dawn in Itaewon-ro. You know the place? Neon signs, loud music, drinks that make you forget your problems until the next morning."
"Heard of it," Y/N said. "Sounds like the kind of spot where the bartenders keep the energy high."
"Exactly. That's me—energetic, flirty, and always ready with a smile. Or a wink if the tip's good." She leaned against the elevator wall, one leg bent slightly, the shorts riding up just enough to show more skin. Sweat ran down her inner thigh, and she didn't seem to mind the way Y/N's eyes followed it. "So, what's your story? College kid? You look about twenty."
"Just admitted to Yonsei University" he answered. "Creative Technology Management. Didn't want the dorm life, so here I am."
"Yonsei, huh? Fancy. Creative tech—sounds like you could build apps or design experiences or something. Bet you'll be busy with projects. But don't forget to have fun. The fifth floor has a reputation for that."
The elevator dinged as it reached the fifth floor. Somi stepped out first, turning to face him with that same teasing expression. "I live in apartment 509. Right down the hall from wherever you're headed. See you around, newbie. I have a feeling you'll enjoy living here. Especially with neighbors like me."
She gave him a playful wink, then turned and walked toward her apartment, her ass swaying in the tight shorts, the fabric clinging to every curve. Sweat made the material darker in spots, outlining the shape of her body as she moved.
Y/N watched her go for a second before heading the other way to his own unit. The hallway was clean, with soft lighting and the faint smell of cleaning products. Doors lined both sides, some with welcome mats or small decorations. He found his apartment, unlocked the door, and stepped inside.
The space was empty except for the basic fixtures—a small kitchenette, a living area, and a bedroom with a bed frame already in place. He spent the next four hours hauling boxes up from the lobby, making multiple trips in the elevator. Each time he passed Somi's door, he wondered if she'd come out again, but the hallway stayed quiet. By the time he finished, sweat of his own dampened his shirt, and his arms ached from the weight. He set the last box down in the living room and took a breath.
Unpacking took another couple of hours. He sorted clothes into the closet, set up his laptop on the small desk, arranged books and tech gadgets on shelves. The apartment started to feel like his—posters on the walls, a few personal items scattered around. When he finally finished, the clock showed early afternoon. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten since breakfast.
Y/N grabbed his keys and headed out, locking the door behind him. The building felt alive with the sounds of other tenants—music from one apartment, laughter from another. He took the elevator down and stepped out into the Seoul streets, the sun still high overhead. He wandered a few blocks, looking for a place to grab lunch, eventually spotting a small diner with a cozy interior and the smell of grilled meat wafting out.
Inside, the diner was half full. He chose a booth near the window and ordered a simple meal—bulgogi with rice and kimchi. While waiting, he glanced around at the other customers. That's when he noticed her.
Hanni sat at the counter, finishing what looked like a pastry and coffee. She had a professional yet approachable look—dark hair tied back neatly, wearing a clean chef's jacket over casual pants. Her posture was relaxed, but there was an air of precision about her, like someone used to working with delicate ingredients. She caught his eye and smiled politely.
"Mind if I join you?" she asked, sliding off the stool and approaching his booth. "The counter's getting crowded, and you look like you're new around here."
Y/N gestured to the seat across from him. "Sure, go ahead."
She sat down, setting her coffee cup on the table. "I'm Hanni. Pastry Chef at the restaurant just around the corner. Off for my lunch break right now. You?"
"Y/N," he said. "Just moved into the apartment complex a few blocks back. Fifth floor."
Hanni's eyebrows rose slightly. "Really? I live on the same floor—apartment 504. Small world. What brings you to Seoul?"
"College," he replied. "Yonsei University. Creative Technology Management."
"Impressive," she said, taking a sip of her coffee. "Creative tech sounds very cutting edge and innovative. Bet you have some interesting projects lined up. I'm more on the food side—pastries, desserts, things that require patience and a steady hand. The restaurant I work at does high-end French-Asian fusion. Lots of delicate plating and unique flavors."
They talked easily. Y/N described his move-in day, the boxes, the elevator ride. Hanni listened with interest, asking questions about his studies and offering tips about the neighborhood—best coffee shops, quiet study spots, places to avoid during rush hour. The conversation flowed naturally, touching on Seoul's vibrant food scene and the mix of old and new that defined the city.
At one point, Somi came up in the chat. Y/N mentioned the tall blonde he'd met in the elevator.
"Yeah? Tall. Blonde. Long legs to die for? Did she also flirt with you?" Hanni asked, a knowing smile on her face.
"As a matter of fact she did," Y/N answered honestly.
Hanni chuckled softly. "I wouldn't get my hopes up, that's just how she is with everyone. She has to be 'extra' friendly at the bar where she works, also serve everyone in sexy outfits. Keeps the tips coming, you know?"
They finished their meals while continuing the pleasant chat. Hanni shared stories from the kitchen—burnt sugar disasters, perfect soufflés, late-night experiments with new recipes. Y/N talked about his expectations for university life, the freedom of living alone, and his plans to explore the city. Time passed quickly, the diner filling with more lunch crowds before thinning out again.
Eventually, Hanni checked her watch. "Break's almost over. I need to head back to the restaurant."
Y/N nodded. "Yeah, I should get back to the apartment too. Still have some unpacking to finish."
They stood up together, paid separately, and stepped out into the street. Hanni gave him a friendly wave. "See you around the building, neighbor."
Y/N watched her walk away before turning in the opposite direction, heading back toward the apartment complex. The sun had shifted slightly, casting longer shadows on the pavement. He reached the building, rode the elevator up to the fifth floor, and unlocked his door once more.
Inside, the apartment felt familiar already. He closed the door behind him, the sounds of the city fading into the background. The boxes were mostly unpacked, but there was still work to do.
He sat down on the edge of the bed, reflecting on the day—the energetic encounter with Somi, the easy conversation with Hanni, the start of something new in this Seoul apartment on the infamous fifth floor.
Episodes air Tuesdays and Saturdays for the first few weeks
💛 Loved this dynamic? Bring your own ideas to life! ✨ My commissions are open. You can request custom settings, specific tropes, or tailored dynamics completely safe-for-work and delivered straight to your inbox or you can just tip me to support my work and help me keep writing.
And remember to contact me here, on tumblr and not in my Ko-fi DMs.
👉 Check out the Masterlist and Commissions links in my bio to grab a slot!