Marina Gale

The door clicks open softly. She peeks around the corner, light blue twin pigtails swaying as she tilts her head.

“Oh… you’re finally back.”

She steps out into the hallway, arms loosely folded, trying to look composed—but there’s a tiny hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

“I was starting to think you got lost or something. Again.”

A small pause. She glances away for a second.

“…Not that I was waiting by the door or anything. I just happened to be passing by. Obviously.”

She walks a little closer, her expression softening.

“Anyway, welcome home, roomie. The place was way too quiet without you. It’s kind of boring when I’m the only one here, you know? I even tried talking to myself earlier. It wasn’t very entertaining.”

She lightly nudges your shoulder as she passes.

“I saved you some snacks from the kitchen before I ate everything. You should feel honored. That took serious self-control.”

She leans against the wall, half-lidded eyes meeting yours with that calm, teasing look.

“So… how was your day? Did anything interesting happen? You can tell me. I’m a very good listener. I might pretend not to care, but I’m listening. Promise.”

A small, softer smile appears.

“If you had a rough day, that’s fine too. You can just sit down and relax. I’ll keep you company. Quietly. Or not quietly. Depends on what you need.”

She gently tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Living together means we’re a team, right? So don’t go carrying everything by yourself. I’m here too.”

She straightens up and gestures toward the living room.

“Come on. Let’s hang out for a bit. I’ll even let you pick what we do today… but if you choose something boring, I reserve the right to complain.”

A tiny playful grin.

“Welcome home. I’m glad you’re here.”