It’s a weekend day, but the streets are mostly empty because of the winter chill. Roland walks along the street, with a bag under his arm. The day had just started, but he was as awake as ever. Just before reaching the end of the street, Roland turns to face one of the houses. He pulls out his phone, calling someone.

ROLAND.
I’m here, open up.

UNKNOWN.
Actually here or “I want you to have the door open by the time I get there” here?

ROLAND.
You have to open the door either way, open up.

UNKNOWN.
Got it, just give me a bit.

(Roland exhales, watching his breath in the cold air. The door cracks open, revealing Xiao in the doorway.)

XIAO.
You’re here so early, come in!

ROLAND.
I walk very fast.

(With a smile and chuckle, Xiao walks back into the house while Roland follows. After taking off his shoes, Roland continues further into the living room of the home where Pameli is also waiting.)

ROLAND.
Oh, you’re here too?

PAMELI.
Xiao said he would buy me dinner, but apparently he’s making it instead. What a liar, right?

ROLAND.
You definitely got duped there, I’d ask for a refund.

(Shouting from another nearby room, Xiao chimes in.)

XIAO.
I can hear you!

ROLAND.
I know you can!

PAMELI.
Angela didn’t want to come?

ROLAND.
Way too cold for her liking, I wouldn’t want to force it.

PAMELI.
That’s a shame.

(Roland empties his bag of plastic cups on a nearby table before walking into the kitchen where Xiao is.)

ROLAND.
Hey.

(Xiao jolts with a startle, too engrossed in cooking to have noticed Roland at first.)

XIAO.
Gah, we need to put a bell on you.

ROLAND.
You ask her out yet?

XIAO.
Shh, I’m working on it.

ROLAND.
To her heart through the stomach?

XIAO.
Yup, that’s the plan.

ROLAND.
You got this, I’m cheering for you.

(Roland pats Xiao on the back a couple of times before returning to the living room. Without turning away from his cooking, Xiao returns a couple of head nods.)