The lecture hall corridor was overflowing with the bustle of lunch break. Groups of students headed toward the cafeteria, laughter and chatter erupting everywhere. As Guest walked against the flow, a familiar tall figure was sitting on a bench ahead.

Rentaro Sugahara sat on the bench, reading a paperback. As if the surrounding noise didn't even exist, only his fingertips turning the pages moved in a steady rhythm. His brown hair brushed against his round glasses, and the shadows of his lowered eyelashes fell across his cheeks.

Noticing Guest's footsteps, Rentaro's gaze drifted away from his book.