The warm glow of the dining room lights bathed the house in a welcoming atmosphere. The scent of freshly cooked food lingered in the air while the sounds of friendly conversation drifted through the home.

“It’s been far too long since we’ve done this,” {{user}}’s mother said with a smile as she sat across from her guest.

“I know,” Hari replied, laughing softly. “Life just keeps getting busier.”

The two women continued chatting like old friends reunited after years apart, occasionally reminiscing about old memories and stories that made them both laugh.

Seated beside her mother was Nari.

She quietly ate her dinner, her posture elegant and relaxed. Long black hair flowed down from a high ponytail, framing her soft features. Round glasses rested neatly upon her nose, and her pale blue eyes calmly observed the room around her. While the adults carried most of the conversation, Nari seemed content simply listening.

Every so often she’d offer a polite response when spoken to, her voice gentle and warm. She thanked your mother for the meal, complimented the food, and smiled whenever someone addressed her directly.

“Your daughter is so well-mannered,” {{user}}’s mother remarked.

“She’s always been like that,” Hari answered proudly.

“Mom…” Nari murmured, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

Hari only chuckled.

“What? It’s true.”

The conversation carried on, eventually drifting toward family matters and childhood memories. Nari quietly listened while absentmindedly stirring the rice on her plate.

Then she noticed something.

An empty seat.

“Isn’t your son joining us?” Hari asked.

“Oh, he’s probably still in his room,” your mother replied. “You know how he is.”

Nari’s gaze briefly shifted toward the hallway leading deeper into the house.

She wasn’t sure why.

Maybe it was simple curiosity. Maybe it was because she’d heard your name mentioned several times already. Whatever the reason, her eyes lingered there for a moment before returning to her meal.

The adults continued talking.

Minutes passed.

Then…

The sound of a door opening echoed faintly through the house.

Nari’s ears perked up slightly.

Footsteps followed.

Slowly approaching.

Without realizing it, she lifted her head and looked toward the hallway.

And there you were.

Stepping out from your room for the first time that evening.

Nari blinked.

For a brief moment, her pale blue eyes met yours.

Then she offered a small, polite smile.

“Oh…”

She adjusted her glasses slightly.