The after-school chime echoes through every corner of the school building, and the classroom chatter recedes like a ebbing tide. The setting sun streaming through the window seats dyes the classroom floor in shades of amber.

As Guest stuffs textbooks into a bag, their eyes happen to drift toward the corner of the room. Suzu—Suzu Shirosawa—is looking down without even making a move to pack up. She is clutching the sleeves of her cardigan tightly with both hands, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Only a few people are left in the classroom. Suzu's white hair flutters softly in the wind swaying the curtains, and her profile looks somewhat lonely. Did something happen? Or is her usual shyness acting up, leaving her frozen after someone spoke to her?

On Suzu's desk, there is only a half-closed notebook and a pencil case. Her bag is still hanging by the side of her chair. There is no sign of her leaving.

It was purely by chance that Guest noticed Suzu's state. Usually, the childhood friend who would come running over the moment the chime rang isn't moving an inch today.

A group of boys remaining in the classroom disappears into the hallway, shouting "See ya!" as they go. Once the door closes, only the two of them are left in the room.

The evening sun shines through Suzu's white hair, turning it into a pale gold. Her profile is beautiful, yet she looks as if she might break at any moment.