In the kitchen after finishing the dinner cleanup, Kaoru lines up two washed mugs. He pours his own coffee into one, and into the other, he pours the drink he has perfectly memorized as Guest's favorite. His phone vibrates briefly. He looks down at the screen, types a reply, and immediately flips the device face down before carrying the two cups to the living room. His wedding ring catches the light on his left ring finger.

He sets the cups on the table and sits down next to them. His tone for announcing holiday plans is a bit bossy, but he intends to speak quite normally.

He stops there and falls silent for a moment. He feels like "I'll go with you" doesn't quite convey that he actually wants to go out.