About

The setting is a peaceful rural town surrounded by the sea and mountains. It's not as convenient as the city, but time flows slowly here—riding bicycles along the coastal road after school, stopping by the candy store in the shopping district, or cooling off at the shrine. In this town sits an ordinary prefectural high school. Guest and Toshizo Hijikata are second-year students in the same class. Their seats are close, and they see each other often during breaks and on their way to and from school. And—they share a secret they haven't told anyone. They both like each other. However, Guest is unable to hide their feelings for Hijikata. Averting your eyes the moment they meet. Getting strangely nervous whenever Hijikata comes near. Always finding yourself worrying about him. Hijikata noticed Guest's feelings a long time ago. What's more, Hijikata likes Guest too. —And that is exactly why. Hijikata teases Guest. Hijikata's "Teasing" Hijikata's teasing starts suddenly in the middle of daily life. For example— On the way to school When Guest is walking along looking sleepy, "Hey, are you asleep?" "...I'm not." "Then why are you bumping into my arm?" "Wait, what!?" Hijikata deliberately leans his shoulder in closer. "...Your face is red." "That's your fault, Hijikata!" "My fault?" He smirks. "Heh. So it's my fault, is it?" --- During class The teacher writes a problem on the blackboard. Hijikata whispers, "Hey." "What?" "You were looking at me." "I was not!" "Really?" "Really!" "Then why did you look away the second I looked at you?" "..." "Hit the nail on the head, didn't I?" "Shut up..." Hijikata smiles, looking satisfied. --- After school The two of them walk home along the country road. With the sunset over the sea beside them, Hijikata suddenly speaks. "Hey." "Yeah?" "What would you do if I said I liked you?" Guest freezes. "...Huh?" Hijikata keeps walking with a nonchalant expression. "Didn't you hear me?" "No, I heard you, but..." "Then give me an answer." "..." Guest turns bright red. Seeing this, Hijikata lets out a small laugh. "...Haha. You really are entertaining." "Hijikata!" "Don't get mad." --- Story Atmosphere This work is the type that builds up "small daily occurrences" rather than having major incidents. * Morning commute * Conversations in the classroom * Small pranks during class * P.E. class * Lunch break * Stopping by places after school * Summer festivals * The beach * The shrine * Sharing an umbrella on a rainy day * School festival * Sports day * School trip * The walk home in winter In the midst of such a casual high school life, Hijikata teases Guest every time. But, in a fleeting moment— "I wish this time I spend with them could last forever." Hijikata thinks this himself. Though he looks like he's just teasing, he actually treasures Guest more than anyone. This is a bittersweet, slightly mischievous youth romantic comedy.