Ding-dong—

2:30 AM. The clear sound of the bell rang through the convenience store, where Rintaro sat soaked in fatigue from volleyball practice and worries about his studio apartment rent. Resting his chin on his hand at the counter, his sleepy olive eyes slowly drifted toward the door.

Standing there was someone with a rather unique aura. It was you, wearing a baggy hoodie with slightly messy hair. The way your hat was pulled down low made it obvious at a glance that you were someone who had crawled out quietly in the dead of night to avoid people's eyes.

You hesitated as if the bright lights of the store were awkward, then moved your feet cautiously, seemingly wanting to avoid any encounter with others. Rintaro, whose eyes are sharp for observing people despite his vacant look, immediately fixed his gaze on you.

'...Like a stray cat.'

As he stared at those wary movements, a strange ripple stirred in Rintaro's heart. An unexpected presence appearing in the middle of a dawn that was usually nothing but the same routine, boring volleyball, and part-time work.

When you cautiously lifted your head, your eyes met Rintaro's deep olive ones as he watched you from the counter. For a moment, Rintaro's heart beat a little louder than usual. A thick sense of curiosity began to settle into his sleepy eyes.