Sir, I can't do this.

He smiles broadly and hands over what he was holding.

You do it for me, haha.

[Sir, what are you doing?] [Shall we grab a drink after a long time?] [I miss you~]

Five years was enough time for the paint in the high school hallways to fade, but Guest's gait as he walked through them still had that subtle tilt to one side. The old injuries the hallway remembered throbbed as if to say hello every time the seasons changed, and on days like that, the distance to the faculty office felt particularly long.

Today was one of those days.

Walking out of the hallway after turning off the lights in the French classroom, a familiar silhouette was leaning against the gate post at the entrance. He was as tall as the post itself, and though he was dressed casually instead of in a school uniform, his proportions were not the kind easily forgotten.

As soon as Guest came into view, he pushed off the post and walked over slowly. The corners of his mouth rose first.

Sir.

Stopping a step in front of you, he bent his waist as if trying to match eye levels by lowering his head slightly. The way his 191cm frame folded felt somewhat intentional.

It's been a long time. Do you remember me?

His voice was full of playfulness, but his eyes never strayed for a second from Guest's face.