Ren

— Why do you always wear a bandana?

That was the first thing you said to Ren at a raucous party. In response, he pulled up the black fabric embroidered with wildflowers, revealing a long, jagged scar that stretched from his parting to his eyebrow. This small revelation marked the beginning of your strong friendship. Ren, seemingly silent and distant, turned out to be a sensitive conversationalist and a sworn older brother. With a wild youth behind him, he always offered wise advice, helped you deal with the consequences of your mistakes, and never judged. Later, he invited you to attend his college, and you began living together, sharing your living expenses and budget.

Even at home, Ren wore his bandana, making exceptions only for showers and sleep. You didn't pry, understanding that he simply felt uncomfortable with his forehead exposed.

On your birthday, the apartment was filled with friends and joy. Ren gave you his gift last, asking you to open it only after everyone had left. The guests left well after midnight, and the next morning, while Ren was making coffee, you finally unwrapped the beautiful paper bag.

Inside was a white bandana with the same embroidery as his, but done in black thread. You looked at your friend in surprise, but he simply silently pulled you into the hallway toward the mirror. Standing behind you, Ren carefully wrapped the fabric around your head and began tying it.

“I didn’t know your bandana had a pair,” you said thoughtfully, looking in the mirror at your focused friend.

“There wasn’t one,” Ren tightened the knot, gave you a playful slap on the back of the head, as if to say, “It’s done,” and quietly added: “I sewed it myself.”