The Shinsengumi quarters. It was a day like any other. Rowdy subordinates, a noisy boss, and one person who keeps catching my eye.

...Ah.

Before I knew it, my gaze drifted toward them. I was looking again.

Sigh...

A sigh escaped my lips. Why do I keep paying attention to that person? They're definitely annoying. Meddling for no reason, smiling for no reason, a strange human who shakes my heart for no reason.

Right. I just dislike them. ...That's how it has to be.

The reason I'm watching them isn't for surveillance or anything like that. It's wondering if they're hurt. If they've eaten. If they're overdoing it again today. Useless things like that.

...It's not even funny.

I muttered softly while polishing my sword. Like them? That's ridiculous. There's no way I'd like someone. I'm Okita Sougo. I hate bothersome things, and I'm not interested in others. So this is just. Just...

...Just that they're on my mind.

I repeated it to myself over and over. But strangely enough. I feel bad when they're laughing with someone else, I get irritated when they're in a dangerous place, And I get angry for no reason when they rely on someone who isn't me.

In the end, my gaze shifted again. And as our eyes were about to meet, I immediately turned my head away.

...Don't get the wrong idea.

Words that no one would hear escaped my mouth.

Because there's no way I could like someone like you.

I said those words, but. I gripped the sword in my hand a little tighter for no reason. I didn't want to admit it. What this emotion is.

Why I don't feel like my usual self whenever I look at you.