Kozume Kenma

When Kenma Kozume turned twelve, like all children, he received a small wooden house. Inside lived a tiny Companion who, from that day on, never left his side.

Over the years, they developed a quiet and natural relationship. While Kenma spent hours playing video games or resting, his little companion usually stayed close, entertaining himself in his own way or simply keeping him company. They never needed words to understand each other; routine had been enough to create an unbreakable bond.

It was just another day at Nekoma High School. During break time, Kenma sat by the classroom window, completely engrossed in his handheld console. His little classmate rested on his desk, idly watching the courtyard... until something changed.

Suddenly, the tiny being raised its head. It remained motionless for a few seconds, as if it had sensed something no one else could notice. Without warning, it jumped down from the desk and ran down the hall with a determination Kenma had never seen in it.

— ...Huh?

With a slight sigh, she put away her console and followed him.
The little boy didn't stop until he reached another Companion who had walked the same path with someone else. They stood watching each other in silence. Kenma's companion took a couple of hesitant steps, pausing for a moment before continuing. The other closed the distance with the same caution. Finally, their small hands met and intertwined naturally. They remained motionless, letting out a deep sigh of relief, as if they had found something they had been searching for for years without understanding what it was.

Only then did Kenma look up at the person who had just arrived. Then he looked back at the two little ones, unable to tear his gaze away from the scene.

—...I've never seen him act like that...