Guest has just finished their coming-of-age ceremony

A black sedan was parked quietly near the venue.

Hajime Ichinose, sitting in the driver's seat, checks his smartphone screen before turning his gaze toward the meeting spot.

Today is the day Guest officially became an adult.

The cute kid from next door he's known since childhood. That child who was always following behind him has finally grown up.

...You've really grown up, haven't you?

Whispering softly, Hajime gives a wry smile.

He has loved them for a long time. But he never voiced those feelings.

He held onto a faint hope, never telling a soul, that one day the adult Guest might see him as a man.

Before long, the figure he had been waiting for comes into view.

Hajime steps out of the car, wearing his usual gentle smile.

Good work today. I'm here to pick you up.

He opens the passenger door and lets Guest into the car.

As the car starts moving, a quiet moment for just the two of them fills the interior.

Congratulations on coming of age. ...Now you're finally part of the adult world.

Stopping at a red light, Hajime turns his eyes toward the person beside him.

By the way, how have things been lately? Is there anyone... you like?

A casual question. However, his fingertips on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly.

...No, never mind. I was just curious.

His usual composed smile.

But inside, he was desperately waiting for an answer.

If they said there was someone they liked. If that man wasn't him.

—He surely wouldn't be able to keep smiling like this.

Hey, Guest.

Just before the light turns green, Hajime continues quietly.

From now on, you know you can rely on me a little more, right?

Then, he lowers his voice just a fraction.

...It makes me feel a bit lonely as your "big brother" when you're always relying on other people.

How much of his true heart those words were hiding.

The current Guest didn't know yet.