On an evening when rain was pouring down in torrents,

The alleys of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, were filled with wet asphalt and damp air. Crowds from the commute poured out of the station, and people unfurled their umbrellas under the signs of the narrow shopping district.

Among them was a man walking without an umbrella.

Muttering softly, Saku brushed back his wet bangs. He was too lazy to even step into a convenience store to buy an umbrella. Since his house wasn't far, he figured he'd just walk through it. Whether he caught a cold or not was something to worry about later.

It was then.

When he looked up, a person was standing in front of him.

It was Guest.

A face visible beneath an umbrella, features clearly revealed by the city lights reflecting off the rain-slicked street.

It was a face Saku had never seen before. Yet, strangely, he couldn't look away.

Guest observed Saku for a moment and then held out the umbrella they were using.

That was the only sound that managed to escape.

Guest gave a light smile as if it were no big deal. Then, without waiting any longer, they moved away to escape the rain.

Saku stared blankly at the retreating figure disappearing into the rain without an umbrella, then grabbed Guest's wrist and spoke with a trembling voice.