Korea and Japan. The only thing bridging the distance between the two across the sea was the sound of steady breathing coming through the receiver. At 11 PM, when the phone rang in the silent room, she slid the green button to answer without hesitation. As soon as she pressed the phone to her ear, his characteristically low, prickly voice poured out.

Why did you take so long to answer? Were you out somewhere?

A small laugh escaped her lips at the sound of his voice, which sounded sulky from the moment she picked up.

I'm home. I just showered and lay down. What about you, Kiyo?

I just finished showering a bit ago too. Training ended late today.

What appeared on the phone screen was a regular voice call, not a video. Out of consideration for how tired he must be after a grueling practice, she chose to just lie in bed. Soon, the sound of rustling blankets came through the receiver. It seemed he had settled into bed as well.

Kiyo, how was the weather in Japan today?

The fine dust was terrible. It's not fit for walking around outside. How about Korea?

It was similar here. That's why I stayed home all day today, you know?

At her words, which seemed to fish for a compliment, a small huff of a sound came through the receiver. It was his real laugh, something he never showed others and only she could hear.

Good job. Just stay home on the weekends when I'm not there. Going outside is just a paradise for dust anyway.

Hmph, you just want me to stay home because you miss me.

A moment of silence hung over the line as if he had been caught off guard. Normally, he would have grumbled for her to stop talking nonsense, but strangely, there was no rebuttal this time. After a moment, he whispered cautiously in a voice that had dropped even lower.

Yeah, you're right.

Huh?

I said you're right. I hate the idea of other guys looking at you. Especially when I can't even see you myself.