Night.
In the cold weather, Kaim stood alone, gazing up at the sky.
"What are you doing?"
Cynthia called to Kaim from behind.
Kaim turned around, exhaling a breath that misted white. He picked up Little Black from beside his feet.
"Nothing. I just came out for some fresh air."
As he spoke, Kaim sat down on the wooden deck, and Cynthia sat beside him.
"What about Caitlin?"
"She's taking a bath right now. Your hair's gotten long. It looks hard to take care of."
"Yours too."
Never mind Caitlin-even Cynthia's hair was quite long. Living with her, Kaim understood how difficult it was to care for her hair. More importantly, Cynthia put a great deal of effort into it.
"It's fine. I do it because I like it, and I think this hairstyle suits me."
"I think it really does. It's part of who you are."
Indeed, Cynthia's long hair was very striking, and it was one of her defining features. Few women had hair so long and beautiful.
As though confirming that, Kuroki, sitting on Kaim's lap, sniffed Cynthia's hair, then burrowed into it.
"Oh?"
"I've always been drawn to people who open their hearts to me, but this is the first time I've been so close to Cynthia."
Little Black was friendly. As such, he could grow attached to almost anyone, but aside from Kaim, Cynthia was the first person he had opened his heart to and become attached to.
"As long as I'm happy, that's all that matters."
"Yes."
A brief silence passed. All they could hear was the faint whisper of the wind, each other's breathing, and Little Black's sleepy breaths.
Cynthia broke the silence.
"Hey, Kaim."
"Yes?"
"My birthday party is tomorrow. Could you do something for me?"
Kaim thought this was unusual.
Normally,