The late afternoon sun leaned lazily through the gaps of an old wooden roof.
As Kaelan and Seren stepped onto the creaking porch, the scent of damp wood and faint dust filled the air. The house was small—barely more than a shed—but there was something quietly peaceful about it.
Seren: "So… this is where you live?"
Her tone was soft, curious, yet slightly hesitant.
Kaelan: "Yeah, it's pretty old."
Seren looked around, eyes tracing the walls patched with planks and small leaks.
Seren: "Don't mind me saying this, but it's almost rundown. Why not renovate it?"
Kaelan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
Kaelan: "Nah, it's someone else's property anyway. Even if the landlord agreed, my dad's kinda… stingy. He says this place was perfect because the rent's the lowest around. Why fix it when it's still standing, right?"
Seren crossed her arms, pretending to pout.
Seren: "That's some next level saving. Don't you ever feel like trying to persuade him?"
Kaelan smirked.
Kaelan: "From my years of experience, I'd say it's easier to summon a god from a stone than convince my dad to spend money."
Seren: "So you're just fine with living like this, Mr. Dummy?"
Kaelan: "For now, yeah. It's not like I can do much until I graduate. Once I get a job, maybe I'll fix a few things."
Seren tilted her head teasingly.
Seren: "Your dad's stubborn, and you're a total dummy. I really feel bad for your mom."
Kaelan met her eyes, smirking.
Kaelan: "You know… to make my mom happy, I already brought you home."
Seren blushed immediately and pushed him away.
Seren: "What are you even saying?! Just go in already."
The wooden floor creaked under their feet as they entered.
Kaelan knocked on the inner door, and a moment later, a woman appeared — her beauty shone through the simple, worn out clothes she wore.
Kaelan: "Hi, Mom. I'm back. Grandpa called again—he's been talking a lot about his new songs."
Realizing this was the "grandson" she'd been told to expect, the woman smiled warmly.
Felicia (pretending to be his mother): "Oh, that old man never stops talking about his music. Come in! Oh, you brought a friend too? How lovely, come in quickly."
Seren bowed politely.
Seren: "Thank you, ma'am."
Felicia waved her hands.
Felicia: "No need to be so formal. Make yourself comfortable. I'll bring some snacks."
As she left for the kitchen, Seren looked around, eyes glinting with quiet curiosity.
Seren: "Your mom's really pretty, Kaelan. Is your dad not home?"
Kaelan: "Probably still at work."
Seren's gaze fell on a framed photo near the shelf.
Seren: "Oh wait… is that your dad? Don't mind me, but how did your mom fall for him? She's way out of his league!"
Kaelan grinned.
Kaelan: "Maybe it's the same mystery as you being here with me right now."
Seren hit him lightly on the head, blushing.
Seren: "Seriously! You're too smooth for your own good."
Kaelan: "Ouch. I thought girls liked a little sweetness."
Seren: "You're untamable."
Kaelan: "Then why does the goddess want to tame her worshipper?"
Seren's cheeks flushed pink.
Seren: "Stop it already, Mr. Dummy…"
Seren: "So… what does your father do?"
Before Kaelan could answer, Felicia returned, carrying a small tray with biscuits and steaming tea.
Felicia: "Oh, his father? He's trying to start a pottery workshop. Not much, but it's his dream after saving up for years."
Seren: "That's really nice, ma'am. Let me help you."
She helped set the tray on the small table in the middle of the room. The three of them sat on short wooden stools.
Felicia: "My name is Felicia, by the way. And you must be the young lady my son keeps smiling about?"
Seren: "Ah—no, ma'am! I mean, my name's Seren. We're just classmates in the academy's prep program."
Felicia smiled knowingly.
Felicia: "How lovely. You're his first friend from the new class. Forgive our humble home, dear."
Seren: "No, ma'am. It's cozy—and feels warm. I like it."
They chatted for a long while — about the academy, the prep class, and Seren's plans for the future. By the time they looked at the clock, the evening sun was already dipping low.
Seren: "It's getting late. I should probably head back."
Felicia: "Why don't you stay for dinner? His father will be home soon."
Kaelan: "Yeah, I'll drop you off later."
Seren: "I'd love to, but my parents would worry. I didn't tell them I'd be this late."
Felicia: "Oh, then wait a bit."
She hurried into the kitchen.
Kaelan leaned closer, whispering, "Hey, I think my mom really likes you. Maybe soon she'll want you to stay permanently."
Seren rolled her eyes, laughing.
Seren: "How much do you daydream in a day?"
Kaelan: "Why can't it come true?"
Seren: "Stop looking at me like that."
Felicia returned holding a small box.
Felicia: "Here, dear. Some homemade cookies. Take them with you."
Seren: "Oh no, ma'am, that's too much—"
Felicia: "Take it. It'll make me happy."
Seren: "Then… thank you, ma'am. I won't say no."
Felicia smiled warmly.
Felicia: "Kaelan, please drop your friend off safely."
Seren: "It's okay, it's just a few blocks away—"
Felicia: "No, no, it's getting dark. Go together."
Kaelan: "Yeah, it's not like I'll eat you on the way."
Seren sighed, smiling faintly.
Seren: "Fine, fine. Let's go."
As they reached the door, a man entered — tired eyes, dusty clothes, and a worn smile.
Seren immediately recognized him from the photo.
Seren: "Good afternoon, sir."
Raymond (playing his part): "Oh—uh, hello…"
Kaelan: "Hi, Dad! Grandpa said you should call him later."
Raymond blinked, realizing the situation.
Raymond: "Ah, right. Thanks for reminding me, son. And you must be his classmate?"
Seren: "Yes, sir. Seren Valen."
Raymond: "It's nice to meet you. Why not stay for dinner?"
Seren: "Maybe next time, sir. My parents might be worried."
Raymond: "Alright then. Son, walk her home safely."
As Kaelan and Seren stepped out into the quiet street, the evening breeze whispered between the old planks of the little house.
Seren looked back once and smiled softly.
Despite its cracks and worn walls, that small home had a strange warmth… and a piece of her heart stayed behind in it.