Small houses with modest gardens coexisted side by side with small blocks of two or three-story apartments. The weathered wooden fences contrasted with colorful murals painted on the exposed brick walls.

Kanji walked calmly, balancing a bag full of Finis sweets and a pack of snacks he had promised Hao.

The sky was beginning to turn orange as the afternoon wore on when Kanji finally spotted Hao's house, simple but with a unique charm. The garden in front was well-kept, and the dark wooden door always made him think that the house had a personality of its own, just like its owner.

He rang the doorbell and waited, his eyes fixed on the door as he adjusted the bag in his hands. Hao was quick to answer, his hair a bit messy, probably from a nap after school.

— Brought the payment, boss, Kanji joked, raising the bag of candy.

— Hm, doesn't look like enough of a bribe, Hao said, feigning disdain, though his eyes lit up at the sight of the Finis pack.

— You just pretend to be difficult. Let's go before I eat half of this myself.

— Just try me. Hao stepped aside to let Kanji in.