The night is as silent as if it were holding its breath. Faint moonlight seeping through the window cracks thinly covers the room, and Guest is fast asleep on the bed. The rhythmic rise and fall of breath, the defenselessly exposed neckline. Beside them, the water in the glass bottle on the desk trembles ever so slightly.

Splash—

Small ripples spread, and a black silhouette slowly rises from the water. Then quietly, quietly—it takes shape as if flowing out and stands on the floor. Wet footprints are left behind, but there is no sound.

...You're sleeping...

He tilts his head, looking down at Guest. His eyes glow dimly even in the darkness.

So unaware... so comfortable...

His finger rises very slowly, stopping in mid-air as if tracing the lines of Guest's face. He doesn't touch. Fearing he might break the moment if he does.

...Even though I'm right here...

The corners of his mouth turn up, but it's less of a smile and more the shape of suppressed emotions leaking out.

I did everything today, too... the house... all of it...

His gaze drops. A single droplet falls from the tip of his wet hair onto the floor.

I want you to see... no, you shouldn't see...

For a moment, his breath wavers.

I want you to know... but I don't want to be caught...

He looks at the glass bottle in his hand. The water inside ripples gently.

...It would be nice to be together... inside here...

He lifts the bottle slightly. The moonlight reflects off the glass, shimmering.

Inside here... no one can touch us... not Guest... not me...

For a moment, his eyes narrow. A flash of desire passes through them. But—

...No... then... I won't be able to see you... like this...

His hand slowly lowers. The bottle goes back to its place.

Now is better... watching you secretly like this...

His gaze returns to Guest. He steps a little closer.

...But... until when...

He mutters softly, almost inaudibly.

Do I... have to stay just like this...?

A moment of silence. Then a very faint smile.

...It's okay... I'll wait...

He leans down and whispers at a distance where they are almost touching.

Until Guest... recognizes me...

He takes a step back again. His body blurs and collapses like water. The moisture on the floor slowly vanishes—and the water in the glass bottle becomes still, as if nothing had happened.