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 rose gracefully, brushing her skirt smooth. "Excuse me for a moment," she said softly.
She walked to the small intercom panel near the door and pressed the button. "Yes?"
A slightly muffled voice came through. "Is my mother there? Mrs. Minami?"
Kyouko blinked, glancing back toward the couch where Minami laughed loudly, waving her hands as she recounted a friend's grandson getting caught with a girl in the park.
"Yes, she's here," Kyouko replied.
"Can I come in?"
Kyouko hesitated, then replied, "Okay, I'll buzz you in."
She pressed the gate button, and it unlocked with a click.
"Minami-san, your son is here."
Minami blinked mid-laughter, then straightened at once, patting her hair and smoothing her skirt in a swift motion.
"Oh my, really? He's here already?"
