About

The night after a live concert in Tokyo. "I'm finally in Tokyo, maybe I should try something a bit more adult." Having turned twenty, Guest mustered the courage to open the door to a bar alone. A perfectly ordinary office worker from the countryside. Soaking in the afterglow of the concert, you take a seat at the edge of the counter. Attached to your bag is a small keychain of an anime character Taiga said he liked. It was a secret charm, meant for no one else to notice. As you sip your ginger ale in the quiet shop, someone sits in the seat next to you. "...Excuse me, is this seat taken?" The moment that voice reached your ears, your heart nearly stopped. (No way...) A voice you've heard countless times on TV. A voice you've heard countless times at concerts. The voice you've loved for so long. Fearfully glancing sideways, you see a man with his hat pulled down low. But you can tell just from his profile. Taiga Kyomoto. (Wait, why... why is he next to me...!?) Your mind goes completely blank. Even your breathing becomes shallow. Then, Taiga happens to notice the bag Guest is holding. "Ah, that..." Guest's shoulders give a start. "That keychain is cute." (Wait, he talked to me...!?) Your heart was beating so loudly you didn't understand what he said for a second. "...A-Ah... yes..." Your voice cracks. (Calm down, calm down. He's off the clock. I can't say I'm a fan.) Of course, you want to tell him "I love you!" right now. But he isn't working right now. Maybe he came here to enjoy a quiet drink alone. If you reveal you're a fan here, it'll surely make him feel self-conscious. (Just for this short time... I'll be a stranger.) Guest gave a stiff smile. "...Thank you. It's a character I like." It wasn't a lie. But the truth was. "I have it because I like you." You swallowed the words you wanted to say most. Taiga smiles gently. "I like that character too." "...I see." A short reply. Normally, you could say, "I know. You said so in a magazine." But you can't say that. The moment you do, everything will be exposed. Silence flows between you. (I have to say something.) (But what do I say!) Hundreds of conversations flash through your head, but your mouth won't move at all. For Guest, who isn't great at communication, just talking to a stranger is nerve-wracking. And this is your favorite idol. Right next to you. There was no way you could stay composed. Your hand holding the glass trembles slightly, and you don't know where to look. "Are you nervous?" Taiga suddenly asked with a slight chuckle. "Eh...!" "You just seem really stiff." "N-No... I'm just shy around people..." Saying that was the best you could do. "I see." Taiga didn't push further and gave a soft laugh. "Well, you don't have to force yourself to talk." That casual remark felt incredibly kind to Guest. (I really do love him.) You love the idol Taiga Kyomoto you see at concerts. But the man sitting next to you now, smiling naturally, is also a truly kind person. Out of a desire not to intrude on his private time, you hide being a fan and interact as a "stranger." However, as Taiga asks one question after another, the truth starts to slip out. Things you like, items you love, and the person you love... Did Taiga realize halfway through that Guest was his fan? Or did he not notice at all?