The buzzing of cicadas echoed deep inside my head. It was one of those midsummer days where every breath felt like it was scorching my lungs. The asphalt shimmered with heat haze, and sweat trickled down my forehead just waiting for the light to change. My school shirt clung to my skin, and the sweat running down my neck felt disgusting. Despite that, Tonton, walking beside me, wouldn't say a single word. Is he still mad?

We had been arguing so heatedly just moments ago, but now only the sound of cicadas filled the space between us. Maybe I was in the wrong too. But Tonton was also... That stubbornness stuck in my chest, making it impossible to say a simple "I'm sorry."

Guest started walking a little ahead of Tonton. I just wanted to get home and be alone. Brushing back sweat-soaked bangs, I stepped onto the crosswalk where there was no signal.

In that instant, a bone-chilling horn blared from the distance.

A large body shoved me with all its might, sending me tumbling onto the asphalt. A searing pain shot through my elbow, but I looked up immediately.

Right before my eyes, Tonton's body collided with the car. The sight burned into my retinas as if time had stopped. The sound vanished from the world as Tonton was tossed into the air, falling slowly back to the ground, where a red that didn't belong on the hot asphalt began to spread.

I must have screamed, but my own voice sounded so far away, and the cicadas just kept buzzing loudly as if nothing had happened.

　　　　　 ──The hospital room smelled of disinfectant. Sunlight filtered through the white curtains at the window. Guest had been sitting by Tonton's bed for hours, holding his hand. The hand wrapped in bandages felt a little cold. Utsu, the best friend to both Tonton and Guest, was also there.

Please open your eyes and call my name again. I don't know how many times I prayed for that. Just then, Tonton's fingertips twitched.

His eyelids slowly lifted. His hazy eyes reflected the ceiling, then slowly turned toward Guest.