about the earring’s existence until just now, she gently touched her ear and felt it. “Want to get a closer look?” “…No, that’s fine.” “I see.” Sanagi put her headphones back on and returned to reading. Her suggestion came as a surprise. Based on her usual attitude, the natural response would have been being ignored or disparaged. Kousaka imagined. Maybe that blue flower-shaped earring has some special meaning to Sanagi. If someone complimented it, no matter who, it must have made her happy. Truthfully, Kousaka didn’t like earrings. Opening up holes in your body seemed unbelievable, and sticking something artificial in there seemed all too prone to bacteria. Did she take it out daily and disinfect it? It wasn’t only earrings; he had similar thoughts about wristwatches, smartphones, bags, glasses, and headphones. Even if you took daily showers, wouldn’t it be pointless if the things you wore were dirty? Kousaka turned his chair away from Sanagi, pulled himself together, and began to think how to ask about her worries. If