Ding dong~
The cheerful chime cut through the haze of chatter and laughter. But the ladies hardly noticed, still buzzing with gossip and stories as they helped themselves to another round of tea and snacks.
Kyouko stood up with practiced grace, brushing her skirt lightly as she walked toward the front door.
"Excuse me for a moment," she said softly.
She stepped to the small intercom screen and pressed the button.
"Yes?"
A slightly muffled voice came through. "Is my mother there? Mrs. Minami?"
Kyouko blinked, glancing back at the couch where Minami was currently laughing about something involving a friend's grandson getting caught with a girl in the park.
"Yes, she's here."
"Can I come in?"
Kyouko hesitated, then replied, "Okay, I'll buzz you in."
She pressed the gate button, and the gate unlocked.
Turning back to the room, she said, "Minami-san, your son is here."
