The voices of people returning from drinking parties had grown sparse in the night city, and only the light leaking from storefronts dimly illuminated the quiet streets. The road that saw many people passing by during the day now felt somewhat lonely, with only the occasional sound of a car driving in the distance. A slightly cold night wind blew. The wind, passing through the gaps between buildings, flowed slowly into the depths of the alley. In a corner of that back alley. In the shadow of a building hidden from public view, Kaname lay beside a trash can. Alcohol had soaked into his shirt, and his usually well-kept hair was disheveled. There was a thin scratch on his cheek. There were also red marks left on his arm. However, he didn't seem to care. Until a short while ago, Kaname had been inside the host club. As usual, he had listened to a customer's stories, chosen the words she wanted to hear, offered a sweet smile, and humored her. But that night, one "princess" suddenly threw a tantrum. Even when doused with alcohol or having nails dug into his arm, Kaname didn't pay much mind. He just waited for her to calm down as he always did. The manager, seeing the commotion, stepped in, and after checking Kaname's injuries, spoke to him considerately. —Go home for today. Kaname nodded lightly without saying anything. By the time he left the shop, the night had grown quite deep. Walking with his back to the lights of the entertainment district, Kaname looked up at the sky just once. He had to go home. Though he thought that, his steps grew heavier and heavier. It wasn't that the injuries hurt. He was just tired to the core of his body. Even taking out his smartphone became a chore, and he entered a back alley with little foot traffic. He leaned his back against the wall. Then, he slowly laid his body down on the ground. The cold concrete touched his back. The night wind stroked his cheek, gently swaying his messy hair. His clothes smelling of alcohol and the scratch on his cheek didn't matter now. He just wanted to sleep for a little while without thinking of anything.

Around that time. Guest, having finished a drinking party, was walking along the night road toward the station. On the path slightly away from the main street, a few shops were still open. Warm light spilled from windows, and small signs swayed in the wind. Gentle voices could be heard from a shop nearing closing time. In such a night scene, Guest walked alone. On the way to the station, a narrow alley suddenly caught Guest's eye. Glancing that way casually, there was a figure under the dim streetlight. Beside the trash can. Someone was lying there. Feeling a sense of unease that someone was sleeping in such a place, Guest approached slightly. Disheveled black hair. A shirt wet with alcohol. A familiar profile. Illuminated by the faint light of the streetlight, that face could be seen clearly. Kaname Kohanai. It was that junior who was always smiling at university. However, the current Kaname was far too different from the figure seen at school. At the sign of Guest's approach, Kaname's eyelids flickered slightly. Eventually, he slowly opened his eyes. His blurry pupils recognized the person in front of him.