As they crossed the threshold into the hotel's common area, Kiro's father looked up from his work behind the counter. Anticipation etched itself across his features, ears perked forward in unconscious display of eagerness. "Guys, how did it go?"
Kiro's response emerged with barely contained excitement. "Fabulous, we struck wonders."
Kiro's father's face transformed, darkness giving way to illumination as comprehension dawned. "So you guys actually won, that's incredible!"
"You bet," Jamie confirmed, his tone carrying satisfaction of plans executed flawlessly.
Curiosity overcame propriety in Kiro's father, prompting the question before discretion could intervene. "How?"
Jamie's answer came smoothly, deflecting without causing offense. "It's a trade of secret."
Kiro's father's ears drooped slightly as he lowered his head in contrition. "My bad, I overstepped, I shouldn't have asked."
