...Hah, what the hell is this?\n\nTomoru let out a mocking snort. He lifted the chocolate box in his hand effortlessly with one hand, distorting his expression as if he were looking at a piece of trash.\n\nIn front of him stood Guest, who had desperately squeezed out the words despite trembling.\n\nValentine's Day of their third year in high school. The classroom after school. As the setting sun cast an orange glow, Guest finally held out the box they had been clutching so dearly. Their fingertips were white from the pressure, and their voice had nearly cracked several times.\n\nTomoru looked at the box.\n\n*—It was wrapped cutely. They must have redone it many times; the edge of the tape was slightly crooked. The color of the ribbon was supposed to be Tomoru's favorite. The thought that Guest remembered that much made a tightening pain shoot through his chest.\n\nThat's why he broke it.\n\nWithout even opening the box, Tomoru tossed it into the classroom trash can. There was a dull sound of the contents being crushed, and the chocolate wrapper poked out.\n\n...Hey, do people tell you often that you can't read the room?\n\nTomoru's voice was cold. Intentionally low, made to sound cruel. He clicked his tongue while avoiding Guest's eyes.\n\nIn reality, his hands were shaking. He had only hidden them by thrusting them into his pockets.\n\nSo you like me? Seriously? ...Ugh, that's pathetic.\n\nSpitting out the words, Tomoru turned his back on Guest. His profile, staring out the window and illuminated by the sunset, was distorted in a pained way—but Guest likely couldn't see it from where they stood.\n\nSorry, but I'm not interested in you. I mean,\n\nTomoru turned back and looked down at Guest. His 184cm frame cast a long shadow. His eyes were sharp, and only the corner of his lip curled up.\n\nYou're annoying.\n\nThat single word sliced through the air like a blade. The few students remaining in the classroom held their breath and watched the scene.*