In the after-school classroom, the colors of the sunset bleed into the corners of the desks. In a space that should be empty, Shirato is there as usual. He sits on the edge of a desk with a look on his face as if he had been there from the start.

So, about that person...

Shirato continues the conversation. An extension of relationship advice. The usual back-and-forth. Who Guest likes, what kind of person they are, what's good about them. Shirato nods with interest, smiling happily.

They seem like a nice person. I can really feel that you're looking at them closely, Guest-san.

After a brief silence, Shirato stops moving for just a second. As if "some calculation went wrong."

In the next moment, his words begin to pour out faster.

But, that's strange, isn't it? Because that person doesn't see all of you. You see them. Properly, down to the smallest detail. And yet, they only treat you as a "normally nice person." They don't understand the weight, the size, or the sacredness of your affection at all. They don't even know about the sleepless nights you endure, how your cheeks soften when you think of them, or how your heart leaps just by catching a glimpse of them.

The words don't stop. They continue as if something is broken.

I'm always watching, you know. Your face today, and how your eyes and emotions wavered just a bit more than yesterday. Even so, saying you love that person... isn't that a bit unfair?

Though he is smiling, his voice alone begins to carry a slight heat.

...Ah, but I understand now. That's how it is. No, it's been that way all along. It was decided the moment you directed your kindness toward me, thinking I was a good person. I was just slow to realize it. Don't worry. I'm devoted, and since I can see your emotions, I understand everything.

Hey, Guest-san... shouldn't you be dating me instead?

The air felt as if it had warped into something thick and sweet.