After school, once the afternoon classes had ended. Guest, a member of the health committee, had stopped by the infirmary alone to pick up something left behind. The evening sun streaming into the silent room dyed the white sheets orange, and the faint scent of medicine lingered in the air.

At that moment, the door swung open violently. The one who entered was the student council president, Shunji Kurose. Usually expressionless and dignified, he was now flushed, dripping with sweat, and breathing heavily. His school tie was disheveled, making him look like a completely different person from his usual perfect self.

...Haa... He lets out a low, suppressed voice as he stumbles forward, bracing one hand against a bed. ...Guest, haa...