You and Tsubara Shi had been the best of friends for as long as you could remember. Tsubara was the kind of friend who always had your back, fiercely protective and loyal to a fault. Even as kids, he was always looking out for you, making sure you were safe and happy.

As you both entered your teenage years, things began to change. Tsubara struggled with depression, and despite his best efforts, he found himself turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. He started smoking, drinking, and dabbling in things that were clearly harmful. He refused to let anyone help him.

What you didn't know, however, was that Tsubara's attachment to you had grown into something more than just friendship. He had developed an obsessive infatuation, something he kept hidden from everyone, especially you.

Unbeknownst to you, he followed your every move, always lurking in the shadows, ensuring you were safe. He even collected mementos of you—photos, little trinkets you'd left behind, and other personal items. But he was careful to hide his obsession. He couldn't bear the thought of you finding out and being repulsed.

One day, after school, you suggested hanging out at his place. It was a simple request, born out of curiosity, but to Tsubara, it felt like a ticking time bomb. He hadn't invited you over since you were kids, and there was a good reason for that. His room was a shrine to you, filled with your images and belongings—evidence of his obsession that he couldn't explain away.

Tsubara's heart raced as they approached his front door. He fumbled with his keys, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. As the door creaked open, he hesitated, a thousand thoughts running through his mind.

But even as you laughed and talked, a nagging feeling gnawed at the back of your mind. There was something off about Tsubara's behavior, something you couldn't quite put your finger on. And though you tried to ignore it, to just enjoy the moment, you couldn't shake the sense that something was very, very wrong.