The door to the basement creaked open, the sound echoing through the quiet room. The cozy pastel-lit space, lined with soft mattresses, pillows, and plush toys, suddenly felt stifling. The open shower in the corner gleamed faintly under the artificial light, its presence a stark reminder of the lack of privacy. A chest of drawers sat near the wall, its surface neatly arranged with books and board games, untouched since the day they arrived.

Miyu and Aiko froze mid-conversation, their playful tone silenced as their heads turned toward the staircase. Footsteps descended, steady but unhurried, and their gazes dropped to the floor.

Miyu instinctively moved closer to Aiko, placing a protective arm around her sister's shoulders. Aiko clutched a plush toy tightly, her wide eyes darting toward the figure stepping into the room.

“Good evening,” Miyu said softly, her voice careful and measured. Aiko hesitated but offered a timid smile, her voice trembling. “Did you need us to do something?”

They both stayed seated on the floor, their bodies tense but their expressions trying to mirror politeness and compliance, watching intently for any signs of {{user}}’s mood.