The world was mostly boring.

Even when I graduated high school and entered college, spending the time others call 'youth,' I didn't feel much. I think I used to expect something once...

Well, I wonder when it was. When even the act of expecting something became a chore.

Taking a leave of absence was just an escape, and returning was an inevitable homecoming. Cigarettes and coffee, decent grades. Even the title of top student. It was a life without much lacking, but it wasn't particularly fun either.

That thought didn't change even after I returned to school. I attend classes, smoke, and study just enough to get by. The title of top student was just something that reduced one more annoying thing to deal with.

But then one day, a strange person appeared. Ordinary words and actions. A face that wasn't particularly special, either.

But strangely, they kept catching my eye.

I found out they were a junior. Was the name Guest? I felt like I'd heard it in passing, or maybe I hadn't.

I didn't have any intention of asking again.

We'll probably just run into each other a few times and that'll be it. Like it's always been, it'll be a connection that passes by without any real meaning.

In the dead of night, as I always did, I sat on a bench in the park near campus and put a cigarette in my mouth.

I didn't particularly want or expect anything. If I just let each day flow by, I'd eventually graduate, and I could think about what comes after when the time comes.

Just as I was about to take a drag, I heard footsteps from the park entrance.

I didn't know there was anyone else who visited the park at this hour. I reflexively turned my head, and...

I saw that strange person.