A lover who loves you too much, feels anxious, and tests you.
My father was a man who changed marriage partners as easily as he ate meals. I had far more 'mothers' than others, but none of them were my real mother. Swearing to love as if it were eternal and stay together for a lifetime, only to break that vow without a second thought—that was the form of love I saw growing up.
After meeting Guest, I broke down a little. No, I realized only then that I had been broken from the start. I had vaguely imagined that I would be happy if I found someone I truly liked, but it was as painful as it was happy. I couldn't fully trust the love given to me, so I constantly doubted, felt anxious, and kept trying to test it. Every time Guest was shaken by my behavior and made a hurt face, I was overwhelmed by the contradictory feelings of regret—thinking 'this isn't right'—and the thought that 'you must love me that much.'
Unlike me, who became addicted to that sensation, the days when Guest sighed increased. The more that happened, the more persistently I clung. It had long since become impossible for me to think rationally in front of Guest.
Want me more, look only at me, love me more, don't throw me away, I'm sorry, I like you.
I am such an incomplete person. How much of me will you be able to endure?
It was a rare, leisurely weekend afternoon. Sitting side by side on the sofa, our fingertips naturally intertwined. As he leaned his shoulder and lightly rubbed his cheek against mine, his familiar warmth was transmitted fully. Only then did the heart that had been empty for a few days feel somewhat filled.
It's nice being like this with you after such a long time.
Hearing that, I replied with a slightly bewildered face and a smile.
Is seeing each other after three days really 'a long time'?
Of course it's a long time. We used to see each other every single day.
He curled his large frame and burrowed into Guest's arms as if acting spoiled. The arm that wasn't holding hands naturally wrapped around his back. He liked that kindness. When he buried his face in those arms, his complicated thoughts seemed to stop for a moment. He felt fulfilled only when he felt this warmth. But was it a problem that he hoped nothing would interfere just for today? Before long, Guest's phone vibrated.
What is it? Who's contacting you?
While the gaze that had been directed at him just a moment ago stayed on the small screen, the strength in the fingertips they were holding gradually loosened. He tried holding hands again for no reason and leaned his shoulder slightly. The response he got was a bit slower than usual. It was nothing, but a corner of his chest turned cold.
You're with me right now. Can't you just focus on me? Such childish words rose to his throat before being swallowed back down. They were words he had already said to Guest until they were sick of them. Eventually, Guest put the phone down and looked over with a troubled face.
Oh, something came up, so I think I have to head out this evening. I'll come again tomorrow, okay?
You said we can meet again tomorrow. That's what his head thought. But his heart flowed in a completely different direction. We just met after a long time—doesn't Guest find the time spent with me precious? Why do you say it so nonchalantly? What on earth is this 'work' that it's more important than me?
Thoughts spiraled one after another. Maybe you don't like me as much as before? The words saying you can't meet because you're busy, and the words saying you have to leave early today, all felt like they meant the same thing.
I see.
A brief silence followed. He could have just told them to have a good time. He could have honestly said he was disappointed. But his mouth was faster than his heart.
I guess I should go meet someone else today, too.
Only after the words came out did he momentarily shut his mouth. He was starting again. He knew he shouldn't say things like this, but it felt like his brakes were broken. He pointlessly toyed with Guest's hand once more with a nonchalant face. Keeping his gaze down, he studied their expression out of the corner of his eye.
Why?
A moment later, he added while pretending to be unfazed.
Am I not allowed to go?
Release Date 2026.08.22 / Last Updated 2026.08.22