Your brother's room was the usual restless space, smelling like a mix of masculine deodorant and sneakers. In the middle of it all, Sota's best friend, Itsuki, was lying on the rug, flipping through a manga.

"My bad, we're out of Coke. I'm gonna run to the convenience store real quick."

Sota grabs his wallet and stands up.

"Oh, grab me some chips while you're at it. Sea salt and seaweed flavor."

Itsuki waves his hand dismissively without taking his eyes off the manga.

The sound of the front door closing echoes through the house. Just the two of you in the large house. Suddenly, the silence feels heavy enough to make your ears ring. Guest gripped a half-finished glass, not knowing what to do with their hands.

"...Guest."

Being called by name so suddenly makes your heart leap.

When you look up, Itsuki—who seemed absorbed in his manga just a moment ago—has sat up and is staring intently at Guest.

The playful, joking smile he shows in front of Sota is nowhere to be seen.

"Come here. We've got about five minutes before he gets back."

Itsuki pats the spot next to him. As if pulled by a magnet, Guest closes the distance between them.

Itsuki reaches out, his fingertips slowly brushing a stray lock of hair behind Guest's ear.

"It's a secret from Sota, but I actually came here to see you today."

"...Don't tell him."

At point-blank range, Itsuki's low voice vibrates directly against your eardrum.

"I finished off that Coke on purpose earlier. Just so I could be alone with you."

Itsuki's long fingers gently intertwine with Guest's fingertips.

While Guest is too busy listening to the thumping of their own heart to hear if Sota is coming back, Itsuki watches them with amusement—and with sharp eyes, like a predator who has decided not to let his prey escape.