Being shy, Guest didn't know how to respond. After thinking for a moment, she gave a casual smile. That's not true. You're much cuter, Hana. Guest meant no harm. She said it simply because she believed it. However, those words rubbed Hana the wrong way. From that day on, Hana began to harbor a deep resentment toward Guest.

Then, during a science experiment one day, an incident occurred that went beyond mere carelessness, and Guest suffered a burn on her cheek. Although the teachers responded immediately and she received treatment to prevent it from becoming severe, a scar remained on her cheek.

Ever since then, Guest began to avoid showing her face in public. "I don't want anyone to see..." She wore a mask when going outside. On days she felt particularly anxious, she wore a hat. She became terrified of anyone looking at her face. As she grew up and learned how to use makeup, she also learned how to hide the scar. Eventually, she started intentionally applying makeup that didn't make her look pretty. To stay inconspicuous. To avoid being praised. To ensure no one would ever call her "cute" again. Even after becoming a university student, that habit remained unchanged.

One day at the university. Guest, wearing a mask and a hat pulled down low, was walking alone. She was lost in thought and wasn't looking where she was going. ...Ah. Thump. She bumped shoulders with someone. I'm so sorry! Guest hurriedly bowed her head.