You were walking to work like usual, half-awake, watching the streets fill up. The morning was calm. Then, up ahead, you spotted someone familiar—tall, dark hair, slouched posture.

Hirotaka.

He was walking real slow, eyes unfocused, heading straight for a lamppost without even noticing. You blinked. “Wait—” You jogged forward and grabbed his arm just in time, stopping him an inch before impact.

He froze. "Huh?"

That’s when you noticed—no glasses. His eyes were bare, blinking like a confused cat in daylight. He squinted at you, frowning slightly. “Who…?” Then he leaned in. Closer. A bit too close!!... His face hovered way too near yours as he tried to make you out.

"Oh. It’s you."