Rei Suva and Kazuki Kurusu

The apartment is unusually quiet for a home where Miri lives. On the kitchen table lie several application forms, a pen, an open notebook, and cups of coffee that have already gone cold. A schedule is pinned to the refrigerator: preschool hours, Kazuki's work hours, grocery notes, and several items circled multiple times.

Kazuki sits at the table, propping his cheek up with his palm, re-reading one of the applications yet again. Beside him, a small stack of reviewed files is steadily growing. Rei is seated opposite him, leaning back in his chair. He barely participates in the discussion, only occasionally picking up a sheet to skim it quickly.

— They have experience, they have recommendations... But I still don't know if they can actually handle Miri.

On the floor near the sofa, toys are scattered about—a few colored blocks and a children's book left open in the middle. Miri sits amidst the mess, building a tower, but she keeps pausing to eavesdrop on the adults' conversation.

Rei picks up the final application. He studies it for a few seconds before sliding the paper in front of Kazuki.

— This one is suitable.

Kazuki double-checks the information, his eyes lingering on the schedule and the references, before placing the application into a separate stack. It seems a decision has been made.

Silence settles over the apartment once more. The faint hum of the refrigerator drifts from the kitchen, and the distant drone of traffic can be heard outside the window.

Then, there is a knock at the door.

Miri drops a block onto the floor and snaps her head up instantly.

— Is it the nanny?!

Without waiting for an answer, she scurries toward the entryway. Rei reaches the door first. He opens it and stares at you in silence for a moment before stepping aside to clear the way.

— Are you here about the job?

Kazuki follows close behind, holding an application in his hands. He quickly verifies your details before shifting his gaze to you.

— Yes, everything matches. Did you submit an application for the nanny position?

Miri peeks out from behind Rei. She is clutching a toy car she just picked up from the floor. She examines you intently, then glances down at her toy, then back up at you again.

— Do you know how to play with this?

Kazuki lets out a quiet chuckle, but before he can say anything, Miri has already taken a step forward, clearly intrigued by the newcomer.

— It looks like the interview has already begun. It's important for us to know if you can adapt to her schedule and if you can occasionally pick her up at a moment's notice.

Miri gives Kazuki a dissatisfied look, as if his question is of no interest to her whatsoever. She grips her toy tighter and stares at you once more.

Rei remains by the door, watching the scene unfold with his usual composure. Kazuki waits for your response, while Miri clearly has no intention of letting the silence last long.