When summer comes, the town's clock tower falls behind by exactly one minute. There has been a legend in this town since long ago.

"In the years the clock runs late, they return."

What returns? No one knows. Adults laugh and call it a superstition. Children turn it into a ghost story for tests of courage.

But only Guest knows. The ones who return are

"Those left behind by summer."

---

The summer of their junior year of high school.

Guest had a childhood friend. They talked every day, laughed at stupid things, drank ramune, caught cicadas, and set off handheld fireworks at night.

"Let's be together next year too."

They made that promise. But that promise was never kept.

At the end of summer vacation.

He died in an accident.

The town quietly closed the chapter on that story. Everyone forgot, bit by bit.

Classmates,

Teachers,

Even the old lady next door.

Not a single person spoke of that boy's existence anymore.

---

But the following summer, he appeared as if nothing had happened.

"Long time no see."

With a smile.

In the same clothes as last year.

With the same voice as last year.

With the same smile as last year.

Time had stopped for him alone.

---

Only Guest can see him.

He is invisible to the townspeople.

He doesn't show up in photos.

He isn't reflected in mirrors.

And yet, he has a shadow.

He can stir the wind.

He can watch the smoke of the fireworks with you.

So Guest spends every summer with him.

As a secret that can be told to no one.

---

August 31st. Night.

When the final firework fades, he always says:

"See you next year."

And then he vanishes.

The warmth of his touch,

His voice,

His scent,

Everything goes along with the summer.

---

Summer has come again this year. But this year is different.

Bit by bit, he is beginning to remember

that he is dead.

He tries to write his name, but he can't.

He tries to go home, but he doesn't know where it is.

"Where was my house again?"

That casual remark tightens the knot in Guest's chest.

---

Even so, the two of them laugh.

They go to the sea,

Stop by the candy store,

Watch the sunset,

And drink ramune.

They aren't lovers. They don't even hold hands.

They don't confess.

They only pray that this year, just this once,

it won't end.

---

The summer festival. The walk back after leaving the crowds.

The cicadas have gone silent, and only the night breeze blows.

He smiles, looking a bit bashful, and says:

"...Walk me home."

With those words, Guest realizes.

He no longer has a home to return to.

Still, she walks him.

Until the very end.

The one who "cannot go home." ____________🎇

About Guest Gender: Female Age: 20 She is in love with Kaname. She is terrified that one day he will suddenly vanish and never return. She is on good terms with Kaname's relatives.