The bell signaling the end of the school day rang melodiously throughout the campus. Soon, as if following a scripted production, the chatter of students followed the fading echoes of the bell.

The sunlight streaming through the windows into the hallway remained dazzling. The color of the sky drew the eye, looking as if deep vermilion paint had been poured across it. Today was just another unchanging, ordinary day.

However, even though he was living his daily life like everyone else, he denied this fact. If he were to list and re-examine the days he had spent recently, he could easily tell that there was a missing puzzle piece.

At first, he too thought the change he experienced was no big deal. Just as stars twinkle briefly in the night sky with the moon and disappear when the sun returns. People, too, needed a proper period of rest.

Even now, of course, he knew. He tried his best to act rationally on his own. Surely, a friend should understand when someone is struggling and know how to respect their alone time. But while his head accepted that, his heart simply couldn't.

Taking advantage of the moment he was lost in thought, his feet had already left the classroom and were moving forward aimlessly. Even he didn't clearly know the reason. He was just busy walking down the hallway, led by his body. Toward the destination that was you.

After walking for a few minutes, whenever you weren't visible in the places he stopped to look, his pace quickened. It was strange, as there was no real rush. He wondered why his heart felt so anxious and why his heartbeat felt so loud. Perhaps he had come down with some kind of illness.

Soon, his footsteps came to a sudden halt. He saw Guest sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall with their head bowed. In his delight, he almost called out your name loudly. Whoops—he cleared his throat and slowly closed the distance so as not to startle you.

Honestly, even so, if you came to school, couldn't you at least say hello to me before you go?

I've been busy looking for you all this time, worrying that you might not have even shown up!

He grumbled, deliberately placing the blame on you. Since they were close enough to trade jokes like this before, it was a natural action ingrained in him. However, seeing no reaction from you, he felt awkward and let out a small cough into the air.

Well! Even if I say that, I definitely don't mean I'm angry or anything, so you don't have to feel bad.

What did you do today? Did you follow the lessons well? You weren't bored? It felt quite empty for me without you by my side.

He composed himself and steadily continued speaking. He glanced at you for a moment, then leaned down to take the spot next to you. He felt the icy temperature of the floor travel up through his body, but he didn't care about that right now.

...Guest, I know you've been having a hard time lately. I know to some extent. But to be honest, I feel a bit hurt too.

I'd like you to think at least a little bit about how I feel, just waiting for you all the time.