Saturday morning started with Zhen slowly sitting up in her bed, taking in her surroundings. Kirakira was whimpering by the door, in desperate need of a walk, which was the only reason Zhen had woken up. It was only seven. She climbed out of bed and started towards the door, letting Kirakira out to run to the apartment door.

Mallory was already in the kitchen with a cutting board in front of her, various fruits, vegetables and other ingredients grouped around her, humming to herself as she sliced an apple in half. “Morning,” She said lightly. 

“You must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.” Zhen yawned. It was too early for Mallory to be this happy.

Mallory walked to Zhen’s side, and Zhen was acutely aware of the fact that Mallory wasn’t wearing pants. It wasn’t uncommon in the apartment. Mallory would get hot, especially during the summer when the air conditioning unit was on the fritz, and would therefore roam around her house pantless. She handed Zhen one half of the green apple and pointed to her eye. “You may want to get your contacts in soon. I’ve got good news.”

Zhen took a bite of the apple. “What’s the news?” She asked, starting towards the door and taking Kirakira’s leash from the basket beside the door.

“Jaspar is coming again. Next month he’ll be here,” She sliced the apple half into quarters. “But he’s bringing Nadine.”

Zhen laughed, hooking Kirakira’s collar to her leash. “So that kills it, I guess.”

“Murders it.” Mallory corrected.

Zhen nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right back.” She said, opening the door and moving out into the hall. She strode to the elevator and pressed the lobby button. When the doors opened and she and Kirakira strode out, the manager perked up from behind the lobby desk. “Good morning Mr. Kim.”

“Good morning Ms. An. Your costumes were very interesting last night.” He said, smiling. “I liked your friend’s Sailor Moon. Spot on.”

“Thanks Mr. Kim. Have a nice morning.” Zhen said, hurrying out of the building and towards the small park across the street. Kirakira was quick to do her business and then try to climb Zhen’s leg to get into her arms. Zhen scooped her up and moved back towards the apartment building. She gave a simple wave to Mr. Kim as she went.

When she made it back into the apartment, she found Mallory piling things into a basket. Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, small snacks she had engendered that morning, and even a few drinks. “I figured you can’t have too much food on your day out.” She said, shrugging her shoulders.

Jaspar picked a good day to call and tell her he was coming to visit. Zhen thought. She was always bubbly and easy going after talking to her brother, especially when he decided to visit. “So Jungkook should be here around ten.”

Mallory nodded. “Sounds good.” She turned, starting back into the kitchen. “I have my first call this morning at nine. I don’t know if I’ll be done by then, but I’ll say hello.” She smiled, sweeping all of the cutting boards, knives and fruit peels into the sink. “I think that-” The high pitched squeal of her work mobile cut her off, and a small frown formed on her lips. “I guess I’m starting early then.” She strode towards her ringing. She read the caller ID and then made a face at Zhen. “Allô?”

Zhen had changed during Mallory’s second business call, into a gray shirt, which she tucked into her high black shorts, which had sheer black tights beneath, and a blue and white flannel. She paired the outfit with a pair of black combat boots, and did her hair in a messy ponytail. She then retired to sit on the couch, reading a book about some girl who fell in love with her murderous neighbor. It made her wonder why Mallory would read such a book, since it was borrowed from her bookshelf.

There was a knock on the door, and before Zhen could move from the couch, the still pantless Mallory sprinted from the terrace to the door, still on the phone. She opened the door and Zhen could hear her sigh. “Je vais vous parler plus tard.” She said, ending the call.

Mallory leaned against the door, with her hand stretched across the threshold so whoever was on the other side couldn’t get in. “What is this?” She asked, eyeing the group in front of her.

Jungkook winced. “Sorry Mallory, they just kind of tagged along.”

Mallory reached forward, grabbing Jungkook by the front of his shirt. She pulled him into the apartment and then put her arm out again. “Please put your shoes in that cabinet,” Mallory said, pointing to the wall installation beside the door. It was a small carveout with two doors, where all the guests kept their shoes. “I’m not entirely sure what to do with the rest of you.”

Jungkook, who had taken off his shoes and was starting towards Zhen, looked confused. “Why isn’t she wearing pants?” He asked quietly, coming to a stop beside her.

Zhen patted the couch, motioning for him to sit down. He did, at the far end away from Zhen, which she was grateful for. “Her air conditioner broke.”

“We couldn’t really leave him alone with random girls,” Jin joked. “I mean, we don’t even know you girls, and you expect us to leave our treasured maknae with you?”

Mallory shot a glare in his direction and he quieted down. “The six of you need to leave.” She said, moving to point towards the elevator. In the process of her wide swept arm, she nearly stabbed Rap Monster in the eye, but he moved back, throwing up his arm to block her assault. She frowned. “Fine, Raptaro is allowed in.”

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