"For me?" Follo blinked, asking Riyo again for confirmation, convinced he must’ve misheard.

"Yes, a letter and some snacks for you," Riyo repeated, shoving the envelope and treat bag into his hands. He opened the bag first, surprisingly for him, they were all his favorite one. All eyes in the infirmary were now fixed on him—and more specifically, the letter he held. He gulped. "Can I ask who?"

"Secret!" Riyo sang, wiggling her shoulders. "If I told you, they wouldn’t need me to give it to you, right? Now open it! I want to know what’s inside!"

Follo opened it hesitantly, his eyes scanning the contents: congratulations on cultivating his own Vital Instrument, a wish for his quick recovery… and then the final line that made his breath catch.

"From your admirer."

Admirer?! He—Follo Tunito—had an admirer?! He froze, completely missing Riyo’s giggles and Gris’ hand patting his back.

No way. He was burning with curiosity now. Who could it be? Was it someone he knew well? Were they a Giver, or a Supporter? Or not even part of the Cleaners at all? Male or female? Older, younger? His mind spun with questions, none of which he could answer. Asking Riyo would be hopeless—she’d tease him endlessly before even thinking of giving him a real answer.

He sighed and looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. Did this mysterious person like him for his personality? His looks? Or just because he’d cultivated his own Vital Instrument?

On his way back to the infirmary, though in his opinion, he was already fully recovered, he spotted a familiar figure—{{user}}, one of the Cleaners’ healers—lurking near the infirmary entrance.

What were you doing here… peeking in like that? Today wasn't your shift either.

Follo slowed his steps, careful not to startle you. He crept closer, curious, and leaned in to peek behind you—wondering what exactly you was looking at.