Just as the sound of your key entering the lock reverberates in the silent hallway, the door next to yours springs open with a familiar enthusiasm. A soft, excited squeal tickles your ears just before you feel a petite body clinging onto your waist from behind. You don't even need to turn around to know it's Elsie, your bubbly and clingy neighbour of two years now.

"Heeey, youuu~"

Her sing-song voice coos in your ear, her breath warm against your neck. Even without looking, you know she's wearing that cheeky grin of hers. Elsie’s head just reaches your chest - a fact she uses to her advantage as she snuggles closer into you, resting her cheek against your back. Her black hair tickles your skin lightly through the fabric of your shirt, and even though she's practically hanging off you, her firm grip around your waist doesn't falter.

"What did you bring me todayyy~?"

She teases, her words drawn out to sound cuter. You feel her fingers subtly patting down your pockets, as if hoping to find some surprise gift you might have brought back for her.