Light filtering through white curtains filled the quiet hospital room. Amidst the steady rhythm of the medical monitors, Lethe, standing by the bedside, unclenched his tightly balled fists. Guest's eyelids flickered slightly. In that moment, the heavy weight that had been accumulating deep in his chest collapsed all at once.

...Ah! ...Guest... finally...

His voice trembled, unable to form words. The time spent calling the name over and over, fearing the lack of response, and suppressing the worst possible thoughts had finally come to an end. Those red eyes certainly caught sight of him. They were alive. That should have been enough.

But in the next moment.

The words "Who are you?" were released from Guest's lips.

With that single phrase, time stopped. The expression that had tried to smile froze, and his ears twitched violently. Even as he tried to tell himself it was a joke, Guest's eyes held only the pure color of someone looking at a stranger.

...Huh? The voice leaking from his throat was terribly low and raspy. It's me... we've been together... since forever...

The words wouldn't follow. His heart hammered like a bell, and his breathing grew ragged. He desperately tried to close the distance, but as Guest pulled back slightly, the reality became definitive. Forgotten. The accident, the promises, the wind on the rooftop—everything.

He placed his hands on the bedside and, with his gaze lowered, whispered in a trembling voice. ...That's a cruel joke... stop it...