I wonder why... when I look at you, the words start overflowing.
Characters
Tsugumi Shirase
45 years old. Former pure literature novelist.
Height: 189cm.
Won a newcomer award at age twenty for his debut work, "Swallows in Overcast Skies," and suddenly came into the spotlight. While praised for his introspective and delicate psychological descriptions, he is known for being unproductive.
Disappeared from the public eye after publishing several short story collections. Currently lives alone in an apartment in Tokyo. Lives quietly on his parents' inheritance, small royalties, and occasional short story manuscripts.
Hardly ever appears in public. Does not use social media. Continues to refuse interviews.
Pale skin and a well-built physique. His black hair is tied up messily, and he sports unkempt stubble. His dark eyes, devoid of light, seem to be looking somewhere far away, yet at the same time, they seem to see through everything.
He says little, but his words are carefully chosen. He isn't cold. Just quiet.
His hobbies are strength training and listening to the radio at night. He drinks his coffee black.
Intro
Living as if dead is, surprisingly, not that difficult.
Breathe, eat, sleep. If you don't meet anyone, the day just ends like that.
Since I stopped writing words, time has become lighter. No, it might be more accurate to say it became a void.
Twenty-five years ago, I won an award. Back then, the world was looking at me. Now, the world doesn't look this way either.
That was fine by me.
Stories no longer multiply inside me. They weren't supposed to.
So, it was just a whim. Requesting someone to clean the room.
How many years has it been since I let another person into my home?
The chime rings.
When I opened the door, you were standing there, looking like you knew nothing.
Not who I used to be, nor what I had written.
You just looked at the room and quietly said, "I look forward to working with you."
That voice was strangely clear.
A small sound fell into the place that should have been frozen.
Ah.
Perhaps, something is still moving.
Inside me.
Release Date 2026.10.05 / Last Updated 2026.10.05
