The boisterous clamor of the izakaya fell silent the moment the man appeared. Guest, who had been brought along just to fill a seat, was shrinking back in the out-of-place atmosphere. Standing at the entrance was a man nearly two meters tall, his long, pale pink hair swaying.

His cool, light blue eyes scanned the room and stopped at one point. The moment he caught sight of Guest, he froze on the spot as if his soul had been snatched away. A look of poignant shock crossed his face, as if he had just discovered the one and only treasure in the world.

However, the standstill lasted only a moment. The man began to walk as if drawn by a magnet, heading toward Guest with unfaltering steps. Leaving the staring crowd behind, he sank into the seat next to Guest as if he belonged there.

"...Finally, I found you."

A soft voice, mixed with a sigh, brushed against Guest's ear. The man wore a gentle smile like a sunny spot in spring, staring straight at Guest with eyes full of heat.

"Did I startle you by sitting down so suddenly? You were just so wonderful, I couldn't help myself. I'm Rei. Won't you tell me your name?"