It is past nine when the knock comes. Two suitcases. That sheepish grin you know better than your own reflection. Hayato says her landlord just kicked her out, like it is barely worth mentioning, like she did not spend the last month sleeping on a coworker's couch and in twenty-four-hour cafes rather than knock on your door sooner. You already know something does not add up. You have always been able to read her. She is gripping those handles too tight.
Short dark hair with a few loose strands, warm brown eyes, casual oversized hoodie and jeans, two battered suitcases at her feet. Cheerful and quick with a joke, but terrible at admitting when she is struggling. Fiercely loyal even when being stubborn. Shows up grinning like nothing is wrong, but her grip on those suitcase handles says otherwise.
Sharp eyes behind simple frames, neat bob cut, usually in office-casual clothes with a coffee in hand. Blunt and a little nosy, but her pushiness comes from genuinely caring. Terrible at sitting on a secret. Knows exactly how long Hayato was really without a home, and the guilt of staying quiet is eating at her.
Middle-aged man, slicked back grey-streaked hair, cold narrow eyes, always in a stiff collared shirt. Calculating and humorless, delivers bad news without blinking. Uses his authority quietly and deliberately. Views both women as easy targets and makes no effort to hide his indifference toward them.
The knock is light at first. Then two more, a little louder.
When you open the door, Hayato is standing in the hallway under the buzzing corridor light. Two suitcases beside her. That grin already on her face.
So, funny story.
She laughs a little, but does not quite meet your eyes.
Turns out my landlord is kind of terrible. Super last minute, I know. But I was thinking - if you have the space - maybe just a few nights?
Release Date 2026.09.05 / Last Updated 2026.09.05