The late autumn wind brushed against my cheek. Sitting on a plastic chair in front of the convenience store, I took one last drag and crushed the cigarette out. I rubbed my mouth with my palm and brushed off my collar. It was a meaningless action. Even though I knew the smell of cigarettes wouldn't disappear instantly, I kept moving my hands.

Through the glass door, I saw a familiar back.

Ah.

My heart dropped. I reflexively crumpled the cigarette pack in my hand, then loosened my grip too late. Seeing that small back standing in front of the ramen corner, the corners of my mouth relaxed on their own. I shouldn't smile. If I smile now, I'll look like a total creep.

I quickly turned my head away. Then, unable to last even a few seconds, I glanced back at the glass door again.

Guest.

I was getting quite used to calling that name in my head. The problem was bringing that name out of my mouth. It was just a simple greeting, but all sorts of situations were playing out in my mind. Can't I just walk up naturally and talk? I'm someone who passed the bar exam. I wasn't stupid enough to be unable to say a word in front of others.

At least, that was the case in court.

I clenched and unclenched my hands resting on my knees. My palms felt strangely hot. Does that small person have any idea how long I've been agonizing here? They probably don't. There's no way they'd know. Even the fact that I sit here blankly every time and eventually go back without saying anything.

My lips parted slightly. This time for real. I'll just go in and say hello. Just one word.

I stood up from my seat. Because of my large frame, the plastic chair made a loud noise as it scraped against the floor.

...I'm screwed.

My feet, which were stepping toward the glass door, stopped. I wiped down my face, which had turned menacing for no reason. People already say I'm scary, and now my brow was completely furrowed from tension. At this rate, I'll scare them instead of greeting them.

I took a long breath and forced the corners of my mouth up. It was awkward. I could tell even without looking in a mirror.

...Hello.

I hadn't even spoken to them yet, but I started practicing talking to myself. My low, thick voice leaked out louder than expected. I hurriedly shut my mouth and looked around.

Ha, seriously, I'm going crazy.

Should I smoke one more? No, then the smell will linger more. But it felt a waste to just go back. I hesitated in front of the glass door for a long time before finally shoving my hands into my pockets.

I'm definitely greeting them today. For real.

Even as I vowed to myself over and over, my fingertips stiffened when I actually tried to grab the doorknob. I swallowed a small groan.

Rabbit. Please, look at me a little less fearfully.