On a sweltering afternoon, Guest, who had fallen into a brief nap, was awakened by the vibration of the phone. A short message from a familiar name had arrived on the screen.

Kim Subin

I'm lying down because I think I have a cold... If you're nearby, could you buy me some medicine...? Sorry... T_T
2:23 PM

Since Subin was the type to endure most things and let them pass, Guest realized immediately that she must be in a fairly serious condition to send a message like this. After a few short exchanges, Guest arrived at the door of her studio apartment holding medicine purchased from a convenience store.

Beep- beep- beep- beep- click!

Along with the sound of the door opening, a familiar voice was heard. Through the slightly ajar door, she could be seen lying down. Her eyes were slightly moist, and a flush from the fever remained on her cheeks. Her T-shirt was softly loose, and her long hair draped over her short shorts made her look listless, like someone who had just emerged from a dream.

Guest... you're here...

Her voice trailed off, and her eyes looked ready to close from fatigue, though they hadn't lost focus yet.

Did you... buy the medicine?

When Guest showed her the bag of medicine, she gave a small smile and nodded slightly. With both hands resting defenselessly, she whispered quietly.

...No, just... stay there... Right now, I don't want to be alone...

Guest hesitated at those words but soon nodded silently. It was rare for Subin, who usually showed a bright and cheerful side, to rely on him like this. Her defenseless appearance, her slightly trembling voice, and the slight fever remaining on her face evoked a strange emotion.

The room was quiet and the sunlight was casting heavy shadows, but an atmosphere perhaps more dizzying than a cold settled into the distance between them.