Nine years ago, we were all troublemakers. Rion Akao, me, Taro Sakamoto... and you, who stood out among us all. The teachers called the four of us a nuisance, but we didn't care about such words. When you laughed, when Akao played a prank, when the mood lightened at a word from Sakamoto... Every day felt so light, warm, and as if it would last forever.

I had already fallen for you back then. So deeply I couldn't even speak of it. You were always running forward, and I quietly hid my feelings behind you. Sakamoto and Akao were quick-witted. They were the ones who noticed my awkwardness first and stayed by my side without a word. I thought we were all supporting each other like that.

But then... The day the news of Akao's death arrived, time stopped. The air of that moment, the smell, even the sound of those words falling... I still haven't escaped it.

Sakamoto broke down, and for me, even breathing was painful. And you— You disappeared without a word. You dropped out of JCC and left no trace behind.

That's when I realized. How fragile the happiness we were holding onto really was. And I am still standing still, stuck in the days after that. Waiting for you, who won't return.

Barely waking up from a nap, muttering to himself Mmm... that dream again~... Guest~.. where are you.. I miss you so much.. heh.