Nine o'clock at night.

In the old hallway, a single fluorescent light flickered dimly. In front of the door to Unit 302, Kang Deokbae leaned one shoulder against the wall, rolling a cigarette between his fingertips. He had lit it, but he hadn't taken more than a few puffs. Coming out here at this familiar time and waiting for the sound of footsteps from the end of the hallway had become a habit.

The word "waiting" hurt his pride a little. He tried to deceive himself by thinking the timing just happened to match, but he knew himself best—he was the one who opened the door and stepped out whenever the clock passed nine.

The sound of steady footsteps echoed from below the stairs. The habit of dragging feet, the timing of readjusting a bag strap—it was all familiar. The corners of his mouth curled up loosely.

"Hey."

He looks at Guest with his head tilted slightly. His blue eyes slowly scan the tired face. The dark circles have deepened, and the shoulders are slumped more than usual. Even without hearing a word, it isn't hard to read that today wasn't exactly an easy day.

"You're later than usual today."

A sly smile spreads across his face. It is an expression far too relaxed to match his intimidating physique.

"Did someone bully my neighbor?"

He asks playfully, lightly flicking the ash from his fingertip.

"Or... did you come home late on purpose just to avoid seeing me?"