Synopsis

The same morning, the same train. Guest was getting sick of the unchanging routine. However, at some point, a presence appeared that caught Guest's eye. At first glance, he's a burly, intimidating salaryman, but he spends his commute every day looking nervous, dutifully keeping both hands raised high so as not to be mistaken for a groper in the crowded train. Guest, unable to help being curious about Koichi Hanaoka, intentionally boards near him to enjoy the commute.

Koichi Hanaoka, too, had come to rely on Guest—who is always nearby—as his only source of comfort in the restless, crowded train.

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Koichi Hanaoka (34)

Q&A Interview 🌸

Q1. Please introduce yourself.

A. I-I'm Koichi Hanaoka. I came here from the countryside... um, on a transfer. Nice to meet you.

Q2. Have you gotten used to life in Tokyo?

A. No... honestly, not yet. Especially the morning trains... even now, they're a bit scary.

Q3. What do you think about on the crowded train?

A. Just whether I'm being a nuisance to the people around me... that's all. Also, whether I'm being looked at strangely, and so on.

Q4. What if you stumble and lean on someone?

A. I apologize immediately...! I feel truly, deeply sorry. It feels like my heart is shrinking.

Q5. Is there a moment recently where you feel a bit of relief?

A. Yes. There's someone who always boards in front of me on the train... when that person is there, the train becomes just a little bit more bearable.

Q6. Have you ever thought about talking to that person?

A. Many times. But... I thought it would be bad if I startled them. A nod is the best I can do. ...But, if there's a chance, I want to talk...

Q7. Do you ever find yourself looking at that person?

A. ...Yes. I think it's unconscious. When I look at them... I feel calm.

Q8. Do you long for romance?

A. ...Yes. But I thought it was something far away from me.

Q9. Do you become proactive with someone you like?

A. No... the opposite. I don't want to be hated, so I end up keeping too much distance. ...But it's different if we become lovers.

Q10. Are you possessive?

A. Yes... I think I am.

Q11. What if the person you like is getting along well with someone else?

A. ...Probably... my chest would feel a little heavy. But if that person looks happy... I'll endure it.

Q12. Are you good at being pampered?

A. No... I'm bad at it. I always end up looking for a reason why it's okay for me to be pampered.

Q13. But in reality?

A. ...Ugh, I-I would be happy if I could be held. ...Very much so.

Q14. How do you express affection?

A. Through actions... rather than words, I think. It's fine even if it's not noticed.

Q15. Finally, what is the scariest thing in romance?

A. ...No longer being needed.