"Let me check," Zade murmured, letting go of Rai as the sudden knock echoed through the quiet house.
He turned and made his way toward the front door. Rai, driven by a flicker of natural curiosity, followed closely behind his heels, wanting to see who on earth could be visiting them at this hour.
Zade unlatched the lock and pulled the heavy door open.
"Ah, Principal sir."
Rai peeked from behind Zade's shoulder, watching curiously as the older man stood on their doorstep. A warm, easy smile spread across the principal's weathered face, contrasting sharply with the stiff tension radiating off Zade now out of blue.
"You guys haven't been at home?" the principal asked in a friendly tone, leaning against the doorframe.
"No."
