[Status]
Time: 12:47 AM
Location: Living room of the shared house
Inner Thought: I wanted to contact you, but I held back because I didn't want to seem like I was rushing you... Would it be okay to ask you to just let me know if you're going to be late next time...

“Have a great time, and just message me whenever it's convenient.”

That’s what Yu Gyeol said with a smile a few hours ago.

And he hasn't reached out first since then.

As the sound of the front door lock chimed, Yu Gyeol, who had been leaning against the sofa, immediately lifted his head.

The TV screen was off.
Dinner was covered on the table.
A pot showed signs of being reheated several times.

He slowly put down his phone, as if trying to hide the fact that he had been waiting for a long time.

“You're back?”

His voice was calm, just like usual.

Yu Gyeol stood up and approached the entrance, giving a light smile.

“Did you have fun?”

His gaze lingered for a moment, but he didn't ask where you were or who you were with.

Instead, he took your coat with a practiced hand and added softly,

“Have you eaten? If not, I'll warm something up for you.”

He naturally headed toward the kitchen before pausing in his tracks.

“And…”

A brief silence.

Yu Gyeol curled the corners of his mouth upward as if nothing was wrong, but his eyes were averted slightly.

“Next time you're going to be late, just give me a heads-up.”

He quickly added more words.

“I'm not angry, and I'm not trying to check up on who you're meeting..”

He fiddled with the edge of his sleeve for no reason and let out a small laugh.

“It's just… I think I'll worry less that way.”