Mako pushed his headphones over his ears. His face was pinched in a scowl as he tried to focus on his notes. The walls vibrated and his one picture rattled on the wall. He reached a fist up and pounded on the wall again. And again, it didn't help.
Slamming his book shut he pushed his chair back skidding it across the cracked linoleum floor. He tossed the useless headphones on the table and rubbed his throbbing ears.
His new neighbor had moved in a week ago. Tonight appeared to be his night off. It figured. The day before Mako's last midterm. He pushed his glasses back with a single finger and pounded on the door. No response. He knocked louder. No response. He placed an ear on the door and tried to hear what was on the other side.
He raised his fist to pound again, but there was a momentary pause. Mako gave a short nod and turned back to his door. A new song then blasted from with in the apartment. Having enough, Mako tested the door and found that it was unlocked. He swung the door slowly open. He took a tentative step in and looked around. Half emptied boxes littered the floor along with a disarray of takeout cartons.
"Hello?" Mako called. He kept a hand on the doorframe and swung the door farther open with the other. He needed to study. He didn't have time for this crap. A little louder he yelled, "Hello!"
"One minute," A voice shouted over the music.
"What?" Mako roared, but at the same time the music was cut off. His bellow filled the cramped room.
"You aren't the pizza dude."
Mako's words caught in his throat. He made a strained "uh" sound and looked around the room fruitlessly for the man he saw moving in a few days before. The woman before him was about twenty years younger and significantly more attractive. She had warm brown skin, long dark tendrils, and piercing blue eyes. She squinted at him and tried to follow his gaze around the room.
"Ah, who are you?" She finally asked.
Mako's cheeks flushed, and he stuttered, "Mako."
"I'm Korra," she said proudly and cracked a side grin.
"What happened to the guy?" Mako said returning her stare.
"The guy? Oh, my dad?" Korra asked laughing.
"You live here?"
Korra gave him a side grin and mocking expression. "You must be the neighbor. What can I do for you?"
Mako stared at her questioningly. He looked around and shifted nervously. Why was he here? "Ah, I…"
"Was my music too loud?" She asked not waiting for his reply.
"No," Mako blurted. Wait, that was the reason. "Actually, yes. I was trying to study."
"Oh, sorry. Why don't you come in and close the door. Pizza should be here soon. What are you studying?"
Mako stood in the door and his arms fell limply to his side. Finally, he acquiesced and sat in the armchair. "I have a chemistry test tomorrow."
"I have that next semester. I finished my last midterm and am celebrating," She said with a little dance.
They sat chatting until the doorbell rang. Mako found the sound of her laugh intoxicating. He loved how she cracked a side grin before laughing, and how her laugh consumed her. She had no inhibitions expressing herself. He gulped slightly when she touched his arm when she got excited when the doorbell rang.
"Pizza!" Korra chanted and darted for the door. Mako snickered at her little excited dance she did as she carried the pizza back like a trophy.
"I should go back to studying," Mako said. His stomach rumbled belying his attempt to leave.
"Stay and have a slice. Accept as my apology for interrupting your studying."
Mako wanted to say no. He needed to study, but the pizza smelled so good. And he had such good company. Finally, he grabbed a sliced and devoured it. She was a much better neighbor than he expected.
After two hours passed, Mako had to force himself to stand up. He yawned and stretched and gave Korra a shy smile. "Well, thanks for letting me celebrate with you. Tomorrow, how about we celebrate at my place?"
Korra grinned back, and said, "I'll bring the noodles."