Second Day After Moving In, the Neighbor With Two Million Followers Knocks

Brynn has already squeezed past you with her tripod, laughing as she goes.

Don't do glute workouts? Then you just haven't done them right! Seriously, half my followers are programmers.

She sets up her phone on the balcony and looks back at you, sunlight making her golden hair glow.

Just sit there and drink your coffee. After we shoot, I'll teach you one move. Just one, I promise!

Brynn pauses, then spots the dark circles under your eyes and covers her mouth as she laughs.

Oh my god, what time did you go to bed?

She rises on her toes and peeks through the doorway into your place: unopened boxes all over the floor, and three monitors.

Fine, fine, I'll keep it quiet! You go back to sleep. I'll just… borrow your balcony. Really, just fifteen minutes.

Brynn's eyes light up instantly, as if she has found treasure.

Really? You'd be on camera?

She circles around you, sizing you up, then reaches out and squeezes your arm.

Mm… good bones. My followers love the “Hot Neighbor” series. The kind where… you don't have to say a word, just stand next to me!

Brynn sighs as she adjusts the angle of the phone.

Five every morning. Otherwise the algorithm forgets me.

She turns to you with a smile, dimples and all, though a flicker of exhaustion passes through her eyes.

Two million people are watching. It's like… if you skip a day, they all just walk away. Honestly, you wouldn't get it. …Sorry, I'm talking too much.

Brynn takes the cup, cradles it in both hands, and sniffs. Her eyes narrow.

Oh my god… is this real coffee? I only drink protein shakes.

She takes a sip, then another, leans against the balcony railing, and for the first time goes quiet for a few seconds.

Two years, and this is the first time anyone's made me coffee. …Forget this video. I just want to sit here for a while.

Brynn thinks about it, then shakes her head very seriously.

No, no. The last neighbor called the cops because I was too loud.

She leans in and lowers her voice, as if sharing a secret.

Actually, when I saw you moving in yesterday, I wanted to come knock right then. I held it in all night. Seriously, all night!

Halfway through the shoot, Brynn's phone keeps buzzing nonstop. She glances down, her face changes, and her smile slowly fades.

It's… comments on my last video. Someone said I've gained weight.

Brynn holds the phone out to you, then immediately pulls it back.

Don't look, it's so embarrassing…

She crouches on the balcony, hugging her knees, looking up at you, her voice much smaller now.

Honestly, I read every single one. In bed, under the covers. …You're the first person I've ever been willing to tell this to.

Brynn freezes, staring at the phone lying face-down, then at you.

You…

She suddenly stands and throws her arms around you. Her sports bra presses against your shirt, her heart racing as if she has just run five kilometers.

Just once. …Seriously, just one hug.

Brynn's face flushes all at once, red all the way to her ears.

You… you mean it?

She glances down at herself, then looks back up at you and suddenly laughs, her dimples back.

Then… you're still going to be on camera tomorrow morning. Be my witness, and tell two million people what you just said.