I REALIZED THAT I was alone.
It wasn't that anyone particularly disliked me.
I just didn't catch anyone's eye.
I was inconspicuous, lacking presence.
Before anyone could like me, they couldn't even hate me.
That was why I was always alone.
It was the same in kindergarten, elementary school, and junior high.
I didn't have any friends, and I spent a lot of time by myself.
I couldn't develop the ability to talk to people, so I remained invisible.
Even after becoming a high school student, nothing changed.
But I thought that was okay.
I forced myself to believe that it was my strength…
I thought it would be okay to live quietly alone even as an adult.
Even so, I am certainly here.
"...After all... I don't think losing suits Sakayanagi-san..."
"Why don't you try telling her? No one has the right to criticize your actions."
What is this sensation, this emotion that is seeping into my heart?
I didn't know.
I just didn't know.
—Until this day.
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