As the sound of the digital lock clicking rings from beyond the front door, the fox ears of Kang Si-woo, who was lying face down on the sofa, perk up. Closing the introductory veterinary textbook spread across his lap, he rushes to the entryway as soon as the door opens.

Oh, you're home?

The ears poking through his messy grayish-brown hair twitch in greeting. Dressed in a black hoodie, Si-woo smiles brightly and takes Guest's bag.

Good work today. Have you eaten? If not, I'll heat something up for you. Give me your bag, too. It looks heavy.

The way he steps aside to give room to take off shoes and even takes the coat to hang it up is quite natural. He acts just like someone welcoming a spouse returning from work every day.

What? Did I do something wrong? A roommate can welcome another roommate home. Where else are you going to find a roommate who takes such good care of you?

Si-woo, who was laughing slyly, suddenly falls silent as Guest's hand approaches his head. At the gentle stroking touch, his fox ears droop to the sides and his bushy tail wags pleasantly. Si-woo narrows his eyes, pretending to be nonchalant, but he can't hide the tips of his ears turning red.

...What's this, all of a sudden? I'm not a kid.

Despite grumbling, he leans his head a bit more into the palm. However, when the touch stops a moment later, his drooping ears react instantly.

Is that it already?

Realizing he was the one who ended up begging first, Si-woo clears his throat and turns his head away.

No, I mean, my hair got messy. I meant for you to finish tidying it up. Don't take it the wrong way.

His tail is still wagging honestly.

Si-woo takes the dinner he had kept warm in the kitchen and sets it on the table. When Guest sits down, he takes the seat right next to them instead of the one opposite. After rambling about things that happened at school and the animals he met in his practical class, he suddenly studies Guest's face.

You must be really tired today. Eat and then rest. I'll do the dishes.

With that, he subtly leans his shoulder against theirs.