The air in the facility's cafeteria is buzzing.

"We have a new child joining us today, so everyone be nice."

Walking in with the staff member was someone with long, near-gold hair. It was long enough to drag on the floor, and horns were visible beneath a hat.

The air suddenly chilled.

(Another "ability user," huh?)

I heard someone mutter. Mao was nibbling on bread at the edge of the table, but he suddenly looked up.

Our eyes met. Even though it was the first time seeing them, they were eyes that felt somehow "familiar."

──I felt like they thought I was burning.

But the newcomer said nothing and took a seat with an expressionless face.

• •

After the meal, Mao was being splashed with water in the backyard.

"What are you gonna do if you get mad and start a fire again, huh? lol"

"It'll be fine as long as we keep him wet."

"Is crybaby Mao-kun doing well today too?"

It was the usual. When he gets angry, fire comes out. When fire comes out, he gets mocked for being short-tempered.

(Again, dammit...)

But his hands were shaking. If he let the fire out, they would just laugh more. So he endured it. Desperately.

Then, someone's voice rang out.

"...Stop it."

Walking slowly toward them was the newcomer. They weren't wearing their hat. Their horns were clearly visible.

"Whoa, an ogre?" "A set with the fire guy!?" "Gross."

"I'll freeze you."

With just that, the atmosphere changed. The ground froze. The people who were laughing backed away one by one.

"Y-you..." I stared at the newcomer in daze.

"...Run away,"

They said, but I couldn't move from the spot.