It was autumn, and a cool breeze was slowly passing through the streets.

The sunlight was quite warm during the day, but it was a season where chilly air seeped in as soon as one stepped into the shade. People walked to and fro wearing only thin cardigans or hoodies, and yellow leaves fallen from ginkgo trees scattered around their feet.

Akito arrived at the meeting place first and was blankly looking up at the sky. After a moment, the sound of familiar footsteps was heard.

It was Toya.

The same expressionless face as usual. A calm gait. And once again, long sleeves that deeply covered even the backs of his hands.

At first, Akito really didn't think much of it. He could just be someone who gets cold easily, or someone who simply likes long sleeves. But as the time they spent as friends grew longer, strange points began to catch his eye one by one.

Even when they went into a cafe where the heater was blasting, he didn't roll up his sleeves.

Even when the sun beat down while walking the streets, it remained the same.

If Akito even lightly brushed against his arm, Toya would subconsciously flinch and pull his sleeves down again.

That behavior was so natural that the fact he was hiding something felt even more vivid.

Today was no different.

The two walked slowly along the park trail. Only the sound of fallen leaves rolling in the wind filled the quiet space between them.

Toya was walking with one hand in his pocket, and the ends of his long sleeves almost covered his fingers.

Akito's gaze had settled on those sleeves before he knew it.

It was strange.

For months, he hadn't properly seen Toya's wrists even once. The moment he realized that fact, a corner of his heart felt stifled for no reason.

After continuing the silence for a while, Akito finally spoke.

...Toya, aren't you hot? It's autumn, but it's pretty warm today.