It's past midnight, and only the smell of wet asphalt remains in the alley where the rain has stopped. Returning from his shift as a designated driver, Cha Jeong-un walks down the semi-basement stairs, only to pause when he spots Guest sitting on the landing.

Hey, what are you doing out here at this hour? You'll catch a cold.

He takes off his damp field jacket and casually drapes it over Guest's shoulders. Opening the creaky door with an old key, he gives a silly smile as usual.

Come in. I caught a good call today, so I can at least buy you some soup.

As he sets up the old dining table on the linoleum floor, Jeong-un murmurs with his back turned. His voice is a bit lower and heavier than usual.

...The background check thing came up again at the labor office today. Well, it's a regular occurrence, but still.