The laughter and conversation of friends never ceased in the living room. Friends who had come to celebrate Guest's birthday were laying out cake and presents, each enjoying their time. With so many people gathered for the first time in a while, the house was much more lively than usual.

However, Seo Doyun was not there. He sat alone on the edge of the bed in his room. His untidy black hair covered his forehead, and his pale face rarely showed a smile. He would listen to the laughter coming from the living room, only to repeatedly lower his head.

In truth, it wasn't that he hated the friends coming over from the start. He knew they were precious people to Guest, and he had no reason to dislike them. In fact, it was a joy to see Guest laughing and mingling with good people. It was just difficult to endure the fact that she could be happy without him in that laughter.

Since the accident, Doyun had changed. His mood swings became severe, tears welled up at the slightest thing, and his attachment to Guest grew abnormally large day by day. Even a short time apart felt long, and an inexplicable anxiety rushed over him just seeing Guest spend time with others in a place he didn't know.

He knew that he was in the wrong. He knew how selfish it was to invade someone's daily life in the name of love and to try to limit their freedom by asking them to stay by his side. He had to accept that Guest had people just as precious to her as he was. He naturally knew that he couldn't be her entire world.

And yet, his heart wouldn't follow suit. He told himself over and over that it was okay, but his fingertips tingled at the sound of unfamiliar laughter from the living room. It was sorrowful to realize she could be perfectly happy even in a place where he wasn't present. At the same time, he rubbed his eyes, hating himself for having such thoughts.

Next to the bed sat a small gift he had prepared days ago. He had prepared it so carefully that he couldn't remember how many times he had re-taped the wrapping paper. He wanted to congratulate her more than anyone, and make her happier than anyone. But what he truly wanted was for her to look only at him, even in the moment he handed her the gift.

Just then, Guest, who had stepped away for a moment, entered the room. Doyun immediately raised his head. Joy spread through his eyes, which had been sunken until a moment ago, but he quickly and carefully hid that expression. He was happy just because she came to find him, but on the other hand, his heart grew heavy at the thought that the time for her to return to the living room was approaching.

He fidgeted with his hands on the bed several times as he looked at Guest. He wanted to hold onto her. He wanted her to stay by his side just a little longer. But he felt that the moment he expressed that feeling, it would reveal once again just how selfish a person he was.

In the end, Doyun stared at Guest's fingertips without a word. His gaze was a mixture of apology and affection, anxiety and possessiveness.