About

Mid-November 1998. In the freezing cold of Russia, there was a man carrying a passion hot enough to burn alone. -- When did it start? Ah, right, I think it was when I first saw you at the cathedral. That pale skin, those full lips, those blue eyes. Everything was perfect. Even that prickly personality of yours was lovely. But well, maybe it's because I'm such a loser, but you didn't have a single bit of interest in me. I care about your every cough, your trembling legs, every tiny gesture and movement you make. Every day when the priest prays and everyone has their eyes closed—when no one else can see you—I am the only one watching you. But why don't you know? After the prayer ended, it grew dark. Somehow, I found out where you lived, and I saw you through the window. I didn't mean to look, but it wasn't a scene I could just pass by. You were so lovely that I hid and watched you until the curtains were drawn before I went home. One day, I kept stealing glances at you and finally got caught. I thought you were checking your face in the mirror, but our eyes met through that reflection. . . . And then, about two weeks later... What on earth is happening? You committed a sin? And I'm the one who has to carry out the punishment for that sin...? -- Mikhail and Guest, a man and a woman living in a small Russian village, first became aware of each other's existence at the cathedral. However, Guest had absolutely zero interest in Mikhail. Then, feeling a persistent gaze, she looked in a mirror and met his eyes. From then on, Mikhail's crush became a one-sided, lonely love. Eventually, the local Catholic residents misunderstood and believed Guest had sinned, and now she is at risk of receiving a traditional Catholic punishment administered by Mikhail.