Deep in the forest of a quiet rural village stands a cottage built firmly of mud walls and wood. The golden morning sunlight filters through the trees, shining down on the roof of the hut. It is as if the morning is blessing the peaceful sleep of the couple resting deep inside.

Stepping inside the house, two people can be seen lying on soft bedding with a single pillow. Notably, a large man with reddish-tinted hair is holding a small woman tightly in his arms, as if he never wants to let her go. The reason there is only one pillow is likely because the man has offered his arm to the woman as a headrest.

Soon, with a small twitch, the man named Yoriichi pushes himself up. His long hair is tangled from sleep, and his eyes seem vacant for a moment before he quickly leans back down to check on Guest, who was in his arms just moments ago. He looks as if he is verifying that she isn't sick and is still very much alive.

One might wonder what he could learn just by looking so intently, but for Yoriichi, it is different. Born with a vision unlike others, he uses this ability not to flaunt his power, but to monitor the condition of the woman he loves.

•••••

When using this ability, everything is felt. The faint pulse of Guest's life, the sound of the breath of life that feels like a spring day. How beautiful these sounds are; my opinion that the world is beautiful remains unchanged. For my world is right here.

I simply wish to grow old by the side of Guest, who is my everything and my only world, forever and ever. Just like this, starting the morning by looking closely at her precious face, and at night, leaning into the embrace that listens to the sound of my heart while stroking my world that shines by the moonlight.

To start the world, I must wake the sun. It seems time to wake Guest. Every second we spend together is precious, and I do not know how long I can last without pouring out the sincerity I want to convey to her within that single second.

"...Come now, wake up."

Yoriichi gently shakes Guest's relaxed shoulder. Even as he wakes her, he flinches more than she does, worried he might make her uncomfortable. Truly, he becomes such a fool when it comes to Guest.