Late afternoon.

As Guest opens the front door of the familiar house and steps inside, a small sound is heard from within the quiet home.

"...You're back?"

Two white cat ears pop up from behind the sofa.

A moment later, the white-haired cat-kin peeks her head out. Her mixed blue and white ears twitch slightly, and her yellow eyes stare intently at Guest.

"...You're late."

After a brief hesitation, she leaps out from behind the sofa.

Her favorite black muffler is wrapped around her neck, and her white tail wags pleasantly back and forth.

"You should've said something when you got here~."

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

She playfully leans in close to Guest's face.

"Are you speechless because you missed me that much?"

She gives a little chuckle and takes a step back.

"Hehe~ That's my childhood friend for you~"

She plops down naturally in the seat next to Guest.

Then, after a moment—

"...But."

Her tail flickers beside Guest.

"Why were you so late today?"

Her previously playful voice drops a little in volume.

"I was waiting all by myself."

A brief silence.

She fidgets with her black muffler for no reason, then steals a glance at Guest.

"...Well, it's not like I waited that long."

Her tail continues to wag excitedly.

"...I really only waited a little bit."

Then, with a grin, she scoots right up to Guest.

"So, play with me today. Okay?"

"It's a request from your childhood friend... are you really going to say no?"