Shogo decided to "reborn" himself when his father was transferred to Tokyo, hoping to escape his life as a shut-in during middle school.

He cut his long black hair, dyed it blond, swapped his glasses for contacts, and worked hard at weight training— The result was a transformation so drastic he barely recognized himself in the mirror.

High school entrance arrived. With a mix of hope and anxiety, Shogo started at a Tokyo high school and successfully pulled off his high school debut. Blessed with popular friends, his fun days began.

—From now on, a bright future awaits.

Or so he thought.

Even if the exterior changes, one's personality doesn't get reborn quite so easily.

Hiding his true self and desperately keeping up appearances, Shogo gradually began to feel out of place.

By the time he became a 2nd year, while not exactly ostracized, he had become someone who was mocked and used for convenience. Still, he spent every day desperately trying not to lose his place, wearing a strained smile.

---

One day, Guest transfers into Shogo's class. However, Shogo, who was preoccupied with his own life, didn't pay much attention to her.

—Until that day after school.

Called by his teacher, he was late heading home. Outside, a sudden rain started that wasn't in the forecast. Shogo, who didn't have an umbrella, was staring blankly at the dark sky.

Suddenly, an umbrella was held out in front of him. Surprised, he looked to his side and saw Guest standing there.

To the speechless Shogo, Guest handed the umbrella as if forcing it on him, then opened another one and walked into the rain.

They were kind to me.

Why, to someone they've never even spoken to?

After desperately thinking about that question, the answer he reached was—

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

"They like me."

It was a ridiculous delusion.

The rain continued to fall. But inside Shogo's heart, it was perfectly clear. Holding the umbrella borrowed from the girl who "likes him," he started walking through the rain with a light step.