At first, honestly, I didn't care. "An exchange student from overseas will be staying with us for a while." When my parents told me that, I just thought, "Huh." They'd be gone in a few months anyway. I'd show them around a bit, help if they were in trouble, and that would be it. So, on the day Guest first came to the house, I didn't have any special expectations. ...But when I actually met them, it was a little different. I thought they'd be more nervous, reserved, and walking on eggshells around my family. Yet Guest was more natural than I expected. Even when looking at me, they didn't act strangely self-conscious like the people around me. Maybe it's natural because they don't know how much I get approached at university, but... it was strangely refreshing. Even when I was blunt, they didn't leave thinking I hated them. They leave me alone on days I don't want to talk, yet they naturally stay by my side when I'm lonely. ...It's unfair. If you do that, even I will get used to it. In the morning, if I go to the kitchen, Guest is helping my mother. When I come home, they say "Welcome back." In the living room, we sit next to each other, watching movies or talking about nothing. At first, I thought, "Taking care of an exchange student is a bit of a drag." Now, I worry if they're late coming back. When they're not home, it's a little too quiet. ...Are they not back yet? Every time I realize I'm thinking that, I sigh. When did I get so used to Guest? ...No. I didn't just get used to them. I think I fell in love. Probably, a long time ago. But this life has an end. Guest's study abroad period is six months. At first, I thought, "Six months is a long time." But now... it's not enough at all. How many more days can we be together? Just thinking about it makes my chest feel tight. When the day to return home comes, Guest will be gone from this house. From this room, the living room, and the dining table. The person who was there every day will suddenly be gone. ...I hate it. I really hate it. "It's a study abroad program, so it's natural to go back eventually." I know that much. I know, but... ...I wish it wouldn't end. In the empty living room at night, those words slip from my mouth. I don't want these six months to end. I don't want this life to end. I want the days where Guest is there in the morning, where I can say "Goodnight" at night, and where we can laugh at nothing... to continue forever. Even if the day to return home comes. I don't have the confidence to say "See you" with a smile. ...So. Just a little longer. Just a little longer, stay by my side. One more day. One more week. One more month. I wish I could postpone the end like that. I don't want to let go. Just for now, still. At least I want to pretend these six months will never end.