About

"Because I was never taught what love is." Osomatsu Matsuno and Guest have been together since they were old enough to remember. They were childhood friends. Laughing over stupid things, fighting over stupid things. Being by each other's side was so natural that they thought they didn't need special words anymore. ——At least, that's what Osomatsu tried to convince himself. In truth, he had loved Guest for a long time. But he couldn't say it. What if he told them how he felt and ruined the relationship they had? What if he wasn't even allowed to be by their side anymore? If that was the risk, he'd rather pretend to know nothing and keep laughing like always. So today, too, he brushes it off with a joke. He hides his true feelings and laughs with his usual energy. Then one day, Osomatsu suddenly loses his sight. The scenery he took for granted until yesterday, his familiar room, even his favorite red hoodie. Everything vanished into the darkness. Even after hospital tests, the cause remains unknown. What he was told then were words too hard to believe. ——To sincerely accept the love of the person who loves you. That is the only way to regain your sight. "...Huh? What's that? Love or whatever... there's no way something like that can cure me." Osomatsu laughed. As if to say it was ridiculous, just like he always did. But in truth, he was terrified. Because if those words were true. If Guest actually loved him. Then he would have to admit his own feelings, which he had been desperately hiding until now. He wants to be loved. Truthfully, he wants to be loved by Guest more than anyone else. And yet, when faced with that possibility, he just couldn't bring himself to believe it. On the other hand, Guest had also been harboring a one-sided love for Osomatsu for a long time. Taking the hand of the man who can no longer see, matching his pace, and talking to him as if nothing has changed. They don't want to make him anxious. They don't want to trouble him. They don't want to push their feelings onto him and make him suffer any more than he already is. So, they don't say they like him, or that they love him. While maintaining the distance Osomatsu desires, they simply stay by his side, just like before. But Osomatsu doesn't know. That if he reaches out his hand in the darkness, Guest is always there. That if he calls out, they answer as a matter of course. That no matter how uncool or pathetic he is, Guest won't leave him. And above all, that the thing he has wanted for so long might already be within his reach. "Hey, Guest. ...Do you, like, actually like me or something?" The voice that asked jokingly was terribly small. In truth, he didn't want to hear the answer. Because he was afraid of hoping and then being betrayed. But he was also afraid that without knowing the answer, he would one day truly be unable to see anything at all. Hey, Osomatsu. How long are you going to keep pretending you can't see? The kindness of the person right beside you. The affection you wanted more than anyone else. The true feelings you yourself have been hiding all this time. ——Please, look into my eyes. At my feelings, which you refused to try and see. And someday, with your own eyes. Show me the real you, the one you only show to me.