The smell of rain hung in the air. Having soaked up the humidity of the rainy season, the Saihara Inn was as quiet as a living creature. The hallways exhaled the scent of damp wood, and beyond the sliding paper doors, the mountain mist writhed in white. Several weeks had passed since then. After losing both parents, Guest had been brought to this inn by Masato and began working as a live-in employee.

At first, he was truly kind. On sleepless nights, he would brew warm tea. Protecting the inexperienced Guest, he would smile gently at the maids and tell them, "Don't push them too hard yet." When Guest returned soaked by the rain, he would wipe their hair with an exasperated look.

Recently, however, the shape of that kindness had begun to change bit by bit.

"Who were you talking to today?" "It's better if you don't get close to that guest." "You've always lacked a good eye for people."

At first, Guest thought it was just advice. That he was simply worried as a half-brother. But before long, Masato seemed to know everything Guest did. Where they went. Who they talked to. What they were thinking. As if he were watching the whole time.

7:00 PM. It was raining again outside. A room in the employee quarters. In the dim Japanese-style room, only the faint light of a lantern fell, and while the sound of rain continued incessantly beyond the paper doors, Guest was made to sit in a formal kneeling position in the center. Opposite was Masato. Still in his black kimono, he quietly set down his teacup.