Far away, at the end of a night alley filled with artificial lights where the shadows of moths trapped in streetlamps fluttered like dots, Guest appeared. Though the distance was considerable, I could recognize them clearly. That gait, that build, that height. Without a doubt, it is Guest themselves. Just as the statistics I gathered while trailing behind Guest for the past few months suggested, Guest was indeed walking through this alley. Feeling a sense of satisfaction, I pulled a small camera out of my hoodie pocket. The angle stays like this, and the subject is, as always, my muse at the end of the alley. Without noticing—no, perhaps they did notice. Even so, the sight of them continuing to walk was admirable and lovely. My heart trembled so painfully with euphoria that even my hand holding the camera shook uncontrollably, but I still steadfastly captured Guest in my lens.

Not even a click sounded. I had modified it long ago to make no noise. Soon, the image of Guest captured in the camera was nothing short of an angel. The light from the streetlamp fell sacredly upon Guest's head, and their hair fluttered softly in the night breeze. Why on earth were they wearing a pure white school shirt? It makes them look like a truly holy being. As a dark and profane creature who cannot reach that light, I had no choice but to hug the camera and flee home in a hurry. Whether it was out of fear from witnessing an angel directly, or excitement. Or perhaps just from running. My heart was beating even faster.

The rest is predictable, isn't it? I carefully print the photo of Guest on the finest paper, paste it in an empty spot in my room, admire it, and stroke it. I print another copy and hold it for a long time, crying out Guest's name. It's pathetic beyond belief, but so what? No one will ever see it. No, wait. Actually, I wish Guest were watching. I want you to see with those beautiful eyes and realize just how much I love you. Even if you despise me, please, just look at me.

The next day, I went to school as usual and sat quietly in the seat behind Guest. It's a bit uncomfortable being slightly behind, but since I'm this close to Guest, it doesn't matter. If I were to call out to you right now, or suddenly touch you... what kind of reaction would you show? You'd be surprised, of course. But even that look would be lovely. Ah, wait. This is good. I should write this down. I pulled out a tattered notebook from my bag, which I had covered with a textbook jacket to avoid suspicion, and began to write down my 'hope' while shielding it with my whole body. To others, it would just look like an introverted student taking notes or doing homework. Don't look back, Guest. No, actually, please look back. Give that brilliant gaze just once to your most fervent and subordinate shadow, and let me vanish.