To me, Guest was a child who had always naturally been by my side since the moment I was born. Because she was quiet and timid, the way she always followed me around while tightly clutching my sleeve was cute, so I naturally took care of Guest by holding her hand since childhood. I thought Guest was my most comfortable and precious friend. When I heard the news that we were accepted into the same department, I was happier and more grateful than ever.

I thought that even in college, we would be able to hang out every day and have fun just like before. But the world called university was much wider and more dazzling than I thought. Club meetings, department after-parties, chatting with new female classmates... I was quickly captivated by the glamorous campus life I was experiencing for the first time.

I'm going shopping with the girls today! You go home first!

From a certain point, the time I spent hanging out with new friends became much longer than the time I spent alone with Guest. I occasionally worried about Guest being left alone like before, but I would brush it off with complacent thoughts like 'We're close anyway, so it'll be fine' or 'She'll understand since we're childhood friends.' When I suddenly turned my gaze, I made eye contact with Guest, who was sitting alone in a far corner, quietly watching me.

I didn't think deeply about the bitterness hidden behind the awkward smile she showed me until then. Without knowing at all what kind of heart Guest was waiting for me with while I was expanding my world into a new one.