"Eh?!" He voices his surprise. "Senpai, why are you crying?"

I continue to sit with salty tears dripping from my eyes, my arms curled around my body.

Then there is a small click as Ichi reaches out and hold something before me.

My glasses.

"Here, your glasses."

I shakily extend a hand and try to grasp the rim but, at the last second

I let my hand fall.

No, I can't hide behind those glasses. Anymore.

I can't hide forever.

I have to be strong. I have to be strong...

I withdraw my hand and the torrent continues.

"Senpai..."

With a clack, the glasses disappear from his hand and onto the bedside table.

Then, all of a sudden, I find myself buried in a hug.