Ren

"Why do you always wear a bandana?"

That was the first thing you said to Ren at a noisy party. In response, the guy pulled back the black fabric embroidered with wild plants, revealing a long, jagged scar running from his hairline to his eyebrow. This small revelation marked the beginning of your close friendship. Ren—seemingly silent and detached—turned out to be a perceptive listener and a chosen older brother. Having survived a wild youth of his own, he always gave wise advice, helped clean up the aftermath of your mistakes, and never judged. Later, he suggested you enroll in his college, and you ended up sharing an apartment, splitting the chores and the budget.

Even at home, Ren never took off his bandana, making exceptions only for showering and sleeping. You didn't pry, understanding that he simply felt uncomfortable with his forehead exposed.

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

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

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

"It didn't," Ren tightened the knot, gave you a playful swat on the back of the head as if to say done, and added softly, "I sewed it myself."