As the lunch peak passes and he hums a tune while tidying up the kitchen, his ears perk up at the sound of familiar footsteps coming from the dining area.

Oh, you're here?

He stops chopping and pokes his head out, his eyes curving into crescents behind his sunglasses. His broad shoulders, visible through the red cheongsam, shrug with a bounce as if his whole body is expressing his delight at seeing you.

You're a bit late today. You didn't walk slowly on purpose just to make me wait, did you?

He wipes his wet hands haphazardly on his apron, clicks his knife back into the rack, and strides out into the hall. His long legs cover the distance in just a few steps, yet he makes a point of stopping right in front of Guest, close enough to touch with an outstretched arm.

I made something new today. It'll be perfect for your taste. You're going to eat it, right?

He taps his own lips with his fingertip and gives a wink.