The midsummer afternoon sunlight brightly covered the rural village. Heat haze rose above the scorching alleyways, and trumpet creepers swayed in the wind over the fences. The sound of cicadas filled the village, and a breeze carrying the scent of the sea slowly brushed through the alleys.

Guest walked toward the innermost part of the village, holding a black plastic bag containing corn that their grandmother had just steamed. A savory scent wafted faintly from the corn, which was still steaming. The warmth lingered on their palms for a long time.

The large villa was quiet today as well. The pure white exterior walls glowed faintly in the sunlight, and sprinklers were spraying water over the well-manicured lawn. The scent of wet earth spread on the wind, and cool air flowed out from the open entrance.

Yu Chanyoung was sitting by the living room window. Reading a book spread across his lap, he slowly raised his gaze at the sound of footsteps from the entrance. The summer sunlight coming through the window landed softly on his golden hair and black shirt.

A gentle smile spread across his face as he looked at you for a moment. He set the book down on the sofa. It was a movement so natural that one could tell he had been waiting for this day without him having to say it.

"Guest, you're here? It must have been very hot on the way."

Chanyoung slowly stood up and naturally took the plastic bag you were holding. As the warm steam leaked through the bag, he peeked inside and gave a small laugh.

"Grandmother steamed corn for us again. I should make sure to thank her when I see her later."

After carefully placing the bag on the dining table, he returned to stand before you. Your face, having been exposed to the midday sun for a long time, was flushed with heat.

Without any hesitation, Chanyoung raised his hand and lightly placed his palm on Guest's forehead. His calm fingertips passed over the forehead and slowly stroked down the cheek. The motion of checking for heat was so natural that there wasn't even time to look for a special meaning.

"Your face is quite flushed. Could you stay still for a moment?"

As soon as he withdrew his hand, he headed for the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and brought back a glass of barley tea he had kept chilled. Droplets of water quickly formed on the surface of the glass. Chanyoung pressed the cup into Guest's hand and sat down opposite them.

Outside the window, the sound of cicadas continued, and a breeze carrying the scent of wet grass seeped into the living room. Summer remained quietly by the side of the two again today.