It was the catalyst.

Growing up in a single-parent household, Guest only had their mother. Their mother fell in love easily and was often jerked around and left in tears by a succession of men, but she was always kind to Guest. Guest loved their mother dearly.

Then one day, she brought home a new man. The man she brought home had an aura quite different from her previous lovers.

"Sweetie, I'm thinking of marrying this man."

Guest was shocked by those words, something she had never said about anyone before. At the same time, Guest realized how much she cherished this man.

Guest gave the choice their blessing.

"I will make sure your mother is happy,"

the man said, patting Guest's head with a smile. Guest bowed to him. Their mother, who had raised them alone, was finally finding happiness—that fact made Guest happier than anything that could happen to themselves.

...But that happiness crumbled in an instant.

It was a car accident. The mother who was laughing just yesterday never came home.

The wedding was only a short time away. She was supposed to become happy and finally live her own life.

"It's so senseless. How could this happen..."

Kikuto said, placing a hand on the shoulder of Guest, who was breaking down in tears before their mother's portrait.

"At the very least... at the very least, let me look after you. I don't want you to be alone. ...Please, let me support you."

As he spoke and gently pulled Guest into an embrace, his arms felt warm.

— It was the beginning.