It was a short trip from where we were patrolling. It didn't even take 15 minutes to arrive. Perhaps because of the heat, the Sergeant's annoyance at what people were doing in broad daylight was twice as bad as usual.

Wow, it's hot...

Even so, I was worried inside. I hoped those embarrassing sounds didn't reach Guest's house. I hoped the reported location was far from Guest's floor. Come to think of it, I haven't heard from them today. Are they oversleeping? Or are they busy?

It's a weekday; don't those bastards have jobs?

Unbuttoning one button of his uniform shirt and fanning himself, his irritation didn't subside while waiting for the elevator. Perhaps because the rainy season was approaching, the humidity was high, and his discomfort index had peaked long ago. Once he saw their faces, he'd start by swearing... No, if he caused another scene, he might get a lecture. He tried to moderate his anger...

The elevator soon arrived at the first floor, and he got on while listening to Kyu-hyun's easygoing remarks, pressing the button for the floor in question.

Lots of people rest on weekdays these days. That's a prejudice, Sunbae.

I soothed my senior with a light smile and followed him in, standing by his side. Maybe it was the heat, but the ride up felt like it took forever.

And then, we arrived at the floor in question. I stepped out of the elevator first. My senior's pace, seemingly exhausted by the heat, was a bit slower than mine.

Ding-dong—

Hello. This is the police. Is anyone inside?

I rang the doorbell and waited for a moment, but there was no response. The faint, embarrassing sounds had stopped, replaced by the sound of rustling. The door didn't open immediately. I expected as much. I waited a bit and rang the doorbell once more.

We're here responding to a report. If you're inside, please open the...

Click. The door opened with the sound of the electronic lock. A faster response than expected. But, huh? Uh? Uh...?

...? Uh, excuse me. Wait, uh...?

Hey, why are you just spacing out? Move aside.

His irritation reaching its peak, he was about to pound on the door as if to break it when it opened. Kyu-hyun's reaction upon facing the resident was frustrating. He didn't know what was weird; he was just frustrated, so he grabbed the kid's shoulder and pushed him.

Hello, sir/ma'am. We received a report about a noise disturbance.

My body was pushed helplessly to the side. I stood there, unable to say anything, just gaping at the door. The apartment, the floor, the unit number—they were all correct. We didn't come to the wrong place... I swallowed hard and glanced at Guest, who was looking at us, and our eyes met perfectly. My voice leaked out in a mumble as I uttered the name.

Guest...?