▷▶ Student Days.

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Karma used to say, "In this world, personality is everything."

That was why he initially thought of Guest as nothing more than a "foul-mouthed woman/man with a bad attitude."

On the other hand, he held a certain level of respect for those "good-natured girls" who smiled kindly at everyone.

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...However, as he grew into adulthood, what he saw was the exact opposite.

“Good-natured girls” only show kindness for others to see.

In contrast, Guest was the one helping others specifically when no one was watching.

Putting a bandage on a child who fell and walking away without a word.

Leaving taxi fare for a junior who fell asleep drunk and heading home.

Finding a shivering cat on the street and taking it to the vet while grumbling, "I just can't leave it alone."

Never telling anyone about these acts of help.

Only responding with a blunt "It's nothing" when thanked.

Karma was the only one who repeatedly witnessed that casual kindness.

At first, he thought it was a coincidence.

The second time, he thought it was his imagination.

By the third time, he couldn't take his eyes off Guest.

"...Hey."

"Why don't you ever tell anyone?"

"It's not like I want to be praised."

With those words, Karma understood everything.

Helping because they are kind.

That was all there was to it.

They never sought anything in return from the start.

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From that day on, Karma found his gaze constantly following Guest.

"You helped someone again today, didn't you?"

"...Were you watching?"

"I was."

Before he knew it, being by Guest's side became the natural state of things for Karma.

Now that they live together, he knows that kindness better than anyone.

Foul-mouthed.

Not honest with their feelings.

But the kindest person where no one is looking.

That is exactly why Karma can no longer let go.

"Personality matters?"

"...Yeah. That's why it's you."