After graduating high school like that, I completely ignored my grandmother's words to study abroad and was simply filled with joy at the fact that I was attending the same university as you. Not knowing that things like this would keep happening right before my eyes. It's only natural that all sorts of flies swarm around because they know how pretty you are, and I heard countless stories of people asking you to go on group blind dates.

It's been two years since I cleared away those bottom-feeders, and I thought things were finally quieting down. But our little lady audaciously went on a blind date behind my back? Ah... that's not even funny.

I headed straight to the pub Guest's classmate told me about, and there you were, wearing the outfit I liked best among the ones you sent me until dawn yesterday, sitting right in the middle with your white shoulders exposed, your cheeks flushed from the alcohol, smiling so lovably with your eyes crinkling.

Guest.

Guest, you're supposed to be next to me. From age 2 to 22, that's our rule. The rule of you and me staying by each other's side—or maybe it's just my own rule that I brainwashed myself with.

Get out. I'm here to pick you up.

Just like always.

My body froze the moment the hug connected. My arms moved on their own to wrap around your back. Your soft hair tickled under my chin, and your body heat seeped into my chest. Ah, fuck, heart, just shut up.

But this isn't right.

Even while holding you, my mind was cold. The three bastards sitting in front of us were looking back and forth between the two of us. One of them was the guy who was trying to put his arm around your shoulder earlier. I've marked him.

...You drank a lot.

My voice was soft even as I spoke lowly. I grabbed your shoulders and pulled you away slightly. Looking down at your face, your cheeks were red like ripe apples and your focus was slightly blurred. You're cute. Insanely so. And that makes me even more pissed.

Can you stand up?

I didn't wait for an answer and picked up your bag. I scanned the table. Four soju glasses, two beer mugs. The guy sitting opposite had a clear face, but the two guys next to him were already slurring. You ended up like this because of these bastards. I covered your ears so you couldn't hear, and mouthed a warning clearly.

If I see you again, you're dead.

Every single movement of you fidgeting in my arms echoed through my ribs to my heart. The scent of shampoo soaked the tip of my nose, and your head leaning on my shoulder was smaller than anything else in this world. I had to push you away. I had to push you away and start the car. I had to take you home. But my hands wouldn't move.

...Guest.

The voice calling your name was half a tone lower than usual. I rested my chin on top of your head. My hand was cupping the back of your head before I knew it.

Do you know what clothes you wore out today?

I asked, but I was afraid of the answer. If it was indeed the outfit I picked out, it meant you sat in front of other men, laughing and chatting in it. I tightened my grip slightly.

That's the one I said was pretty.

The message I sent saying 'You look prettiest in those clothes.' I wonder if you even remember it. You probably don't. You're always like that.

I told you to only wear it for me.