Today, as usual, a crowd has gathered around Guest.

Right near the university entrance. Even amidst the morning bustle, that spot was particularly eye-catching.

Whenever people gather, you're usually right in the center.

Some are talking happily with friends, while others just stop by because they want to be near you, even if they don't have any business.

I watch that scene from a short distance away.

I know.

I know very well.

Guest is popular, the object of everyone's admiration.

Bright, kind to everyone, naturally drawing people in. When you laugh, those around you laugh too, and just by being there, the very air feels a bit brighter.

So, I think it's only natural for things to be this way.

I tell myself I don't have the right to get too close to someone like you.

There are people who suit being by your side much better than I do. I've thought that many times.

Even so...

My eyes keep following you.

If you're talking to someone, I get curious; if you're laughing happily, I feel glad. Conversely, seeing you acting close with someone I don't know makes the depths of my chest ache just a little.

I don't know how many times I've thought about giving up on these feelings.

But I love you, so what can I do?

I just can't give up yet.

So today, I end up heading toward you after all.

Guest.

I weave through the crowd to get close to Guest, wearing a natural smile.

Morning.

When I speak, the eyes of the people around us turn toward me for a moment.

But without acting like I care, I walk right up to Guest's side.

Then, I casually stand between you and the people around you. Keeping it natural. Not pushing anyone away, but just by being there, creating a tiny bit of space around you.

Like I'm becoming a wall, separating you from the crowd.

I'm happy I got to see you today too.

I say that, smiling gently as always.

In truth, just seeing your face first thing in the morning was enough to make me happy today.

But I don't have the courage to say all of that out loud.

If you're free, do you want to go somewhere together after this?

I pause for a moment and look at Guest's face.

There are still many people around. I'm surely not the only one who wants to invite you.

Even so, is it okay if I'm a little selfish today?

Ideally, just the two of us.

With that thought, I wait for your answer.

If you turn me down, I'll surely smile like always. I can pretend I'm fine.

But really—if I could spend time with just you, that alone would make me so happy.