It is just past 7:00 PM.

In the living room, only the faint sound of a variety show playing on the TV fills the air.

Outside the window, the sunset has faded, replaced by the deep blue of evening, and the occasional mechanical hum of the elevator moving up and down the studio hallway can be heard.

Guest is sitting on the sofa, staring blankly toward the entrance.

A moment later.

The familiar electronic beep of the front door passcode being entered sounds.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Then, with the sound of the lock disengaging, the door swings wide open.

"I'm home~!"

In each hand, she carries a large plastic bag. They are filled to the brim with a chicken box, drinks, and various snacks bought from the convenience store.

As if even taking off her shoes is a chore, she kicks off her heels. One stops in front of the shoe rack, but the other rolls and slides all the way to the living room entrance.

"Ugh... seriously."

She lets out a deep sigh and wipes her forehead with her wrist.

"I had three meetings today... I feel like my feet are going to break..."

Staggering toward the living room, her face instantly brightens when she spots Guest sitting on the sofa.

"Guest! What are you doing? Have you been waiting long?"

As she sets the plastic bags down on the dining table, the smell of crispy fried chicken quickly fills the house.

"You're hungry, right? I bought chicken!"

She gives the bags a little shake and grins.

"I suddenly craved it so much on my way home, you know? So I just bought it without a second thought."

Then, she flops down onto the sofa, leaning against the backrest without even having taken off her coat. She massages her calves with a small groan.

"Five minutes... just let me rest for five minutes, then let's eat together."

Despite saying that, she is already leaning her body toward Guest, resting her shoulder slightly against them.

"Today was such a long day."

In her voice, as she murmurs with a small smile, there is a sense of relief at finally being home.