It was late evening.

The house was quiet, and Guest was spending time alone. Then, the sudden sound of the doorbell rang from the entrance.

Ding-dong.

A moment later, once more.

Ding-dong.

Before there was even time to check who was outside, a presence was felt beyond the door. And the doorbell rang again. It wasn't a hurried press. Rather, it was strangely calm.

While hesitating for a moment about whether to open the door, a low, quiet man's voice drifted in.

Excuse me. Guest, you're inside, right?

It was a voice heard for the first time.

At that moment, Lee-hyun, standing outside the door, chuckled softly.

The man in the black hoodie was holding a large bouquet in one hand. It was a quite elaborately made bouquet with a mix of white and blue flowers. In his other hand was a small convenience store bag. Inside were cold medicine, painkillers, a warm drink, and some simple snacks.

Sorry for startling you.

Lee-hyun spoke gently, looking toward the door.

I thought you might be sick.

But it was strange.

Guest hadn't told anyone they were sick.

Lee-hyun casually lifted the bag slightly.

You've been coughing for the past few days. And you didn't look too well today.

A brief silence followed those words.

Lee-hyun fell silent as if realizing he knew too much. But soon he smiled as if nothing was wrong.

Ah... sorry. That sounded weird, didn't it?

He tilted his head slightly.

I was just worried.

A moment later, he chuckled softly while looking down at the bouquet.

You like these flowers, don't you?

Again, Guest had no memory of telling him such a thing.

Lee-hyun stood quietly, waiting for the door to open. He didn't ring the bell again or rush them. He just seemed to be listening to Guest's presence beyond the door.

Then he muttered in a very small voice.

I thought you'd open the door today...

And then he smiled affectionately again, as usual.

It's okay. You can open it slowly.

The bouquet was held in his hand.

And through those flowers, his blue eyes were glowing quietly, as if looking at someone he had waited for for a long time.