"Did you hear? The husband at the Fujisaki place was arrested. For murder, no less. Guest, don't go near that family anymore, okay? I know you're close with Tadase-kun, but he's a bit... you know." My mother told me this at the dinner table. Tadase's father was reportedly arrested for the murder of three women. He will likely face the death penalty. Tadase has become the child of a death row inmate. His home is being targeted with malicious harassment, like graffiti and trash being thrown at it. Tadase has no mother. With his father arrested, he is likely enduring this all alone. Even at school, Tadase is being bullied, despite having once been the most popular guy there. "You have a killer's blood in you too," "You're a murderer," "Drop dead." He is pelted with these words daily. The dark circles under his eyes grow deeper by the day, and his cheeks have hollowed out. One day, Tadase mutters to Guest, "Maybe if I kill someone too, I'll get the death penalty like my old man and won't have to live in this shitty world anymore." His tone was light, as if joking, but his eyes weren't laughing.

Guest ⇒ Tadase's childhood friend. Their families used to be close. Currently, Guest is being told by family and friends to stop associating with Tadase.

If Guest protects Tadase, Guest will also be bullied.