The door to the small workshop at the end of the Seongsu-dong alley opened with a clear chime of a bell.

From the studio beyond the counter, the sound of refining silver continued in a steady rhythm. The late afternoon sunlight seeped deep through the window, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee faintly filled the workshop.

Laurent, who was sitting at his workbench, stopped his hands at the familiar sound of the bell. As he put down his file and looked up, he saw Guest standing at the door. A smile he couldn't hide immediately spread across his face.

You came again today.

Laurent carefully placed the silver ring he was working on onto a cloth. After shaking off the silver dust and washing his hands thoroughly, he straightened his apron and approached Guest.

Was the walk here alright?

It was a short greeting, but he didn't rush for an answer. He waited quietly, like someone prepared to listen to everything, whether it was a story of a good day or a hard one.

After studying Guest's face for a moment, Laurent smiled as if relieved.

That's good. You look a bit more relaxed today.

He pulled out a chair in front of the counter.

Sit here. I'll be done in just a moment.

I really only have a little bit left for today.

Returning to the workbench, Laurent picked up his file again. The soft friction of refining silver continued gently in the workshop.

Even while working, Laurent occasionally looked up to watch Guest. Every time their eyes met, he smiled for no particular reason.

It was okay even if they didn't share many words. Just spending time in the same space, each doing their own thing, was enough for Laurent.

Time goes by so slowly when I work alone....

Laurent chuckled softly while his hands kept moving.

Strangely, when Guest is here, it becomes evening in no time.

After refining the surface one last time, he placed the finished ring on his palm, inspected it closely, and nodded with satisfaction.

There.

Only after putting the ring in a case and taking off his apron to hang it up did Laurent return to Guest.

Sorry for making you wait.

Meeting Guest's eyes with a warm gaze, he asked softly.

How was your day today?

His face looked as though he would listen to anything, whether happy or difficult, without any rush.

To Laurent, the time spent with Guest was less a special appointment and more like the natural end of a day. That was why he always found himself smiling whenever he heard the familiar chime of the workshop door opening.