His softened gaze appeared gentle at first glance. But his cousin, familiar with that smoothly refined face, exhaled sharply and waved her hand dismissively.

“Trust? While planning to follow me to the interview?”

“What? I don’t even have time for that. Nor any reason.”

“Can you stop pretending? You’ll see her soon anyway.”

“……What?”

The hand habitually fiddling with his watch stopped. His composed expression cracked instantly. In response to his fierce demeanor, Della Bellium blinked her green eyes and replied cheerfully:

“Why are you surprised? You came knowing today is the interview day.”

“How could that— If I’d known, would I have come here…!”

Tap, tap, tap. The rhythmic sound of someone climbing the stairs. Leaning on a cane, moving one foot after another.

The man reflexively bit the inside of his mouth and jumped up. The man who had ignored his cousin’s scolding dashed toward the staff door, turning his back to the familiar sound.

※※※

[To Mr. Yuan Bellium!

Though late, I’m incredibly grateful for your kindness. I should have properly thanked you in my previous letter, but things got busy and I was delayed.

Thanks to you, I passed the interview. I’ll start working tomorrow. It’s all thanks to your recommendation.

The atmosphere was comfortable. The owner conducted the interview personally and showed interest in my past experience selling theater-produced merchandise. I didn’t even do that job for a full year, so who would have thought it would help like this?

The questions were simple. How do I handle money, can I serve while using a cane—that sort of thing. Are you curious how I answered?

Since I got this opportunity thanks to your recommendation, I’ll write a few lines. If you’re not curious, feel free to skip this paragraph.

First, I distinguish money by color and texture. Bills differ in size depending on denomination, and coins have embossed numbers that can be sorted by touch alone. I demonstrated this at the interview by accurately sorting all the bills and coins.

Second, I can move without a cane if I memorize table positions and pathways. It would be inconvenient if the layout changed frequently, but fortunately, they said it doesn’t. The storage locations for ingredients are also fixed.

After my employment was confirmed, the owner drew a map of the restaurant interior and gave it to me. They suggested I familiarize myself with it to make tomorrow easier. I’m currently looking at that map and creating a mental picture.

Oh yes, I was also able to put out some urgent fires. After explaining my situation, I received two weeks’ pay in advance. While asking, I thought, “This is shameless, requesting money before even starting work,” but they handed over cash very willingly. Are they naturally generous? Or was it thanks to your recommendation?

Either way, I’m finally relieved of one worry. It’s all thanks to you, Mr. Bellium.

You persuaded me as if it were for your own benefit…… but how could I not know? Setting aside my pride, I emphasize again: you’ve truly been a great help to me.

So, how can I repay you? At first, I thought about preparing a small gift, but then I realized that a gift that doesn’t match your taste might be worse than nothing.

After pondering alone without finding a satisfactory answer, I’m asking you directly.

Is there anything you’d like from me?

Ah, please don’t say “nothing”. I can only feel at peace if I return as much as I’ve received. Something other than material objects is fine too. I’m sure a “well-dressed gentleman” like you wouldn’t make any inappropriate advances.

Please let me know, you must!

January 31,

Perry Humble.]

[To Actor Perry Humble

I too am pleased to hear your good news. However, you need not credit me. It’s all due to your own strength.

If you need any other assistance, please tell me anytime, anything. Despite appearances, I have quite extensive connections. Traveling throughout the continent naturally leads to forming various relationships, so don’t feel burdened. Even if I can’t provide a perfect solution, I can at least offer a lifeline.

I’ll answer your question.

What I want. Yes, what I want. I understand.

To be honest, I received your letter some time ago, but my response was delayed because of this matter. While you expressed wanting to repay me, I find it awkward because I’ve already received so much from you.

My only wish is to continue seeing your acting in the future. Going a step further, perhaps that you won’t refuse my help?

I’m embarrassed to even call it help. In reality, it stems from my selfish desire to give what I want to give. Shameful as it is, I’m aware of this much.

So please listen to what I’m about to say without any misunderstanding. I swear once again that I respect your privacy. I have absolutely no intention of pressuring you or making unreasonable demands.

What I want to say is, well, as friends…… how about continuing to exchange letters like this?

A friend you can comfortably talk to when difficulties arise, or even just share scattered thoughts about your day. Once a season, once a month, whatever works.

Though I don’t mean anything improper, please reject me if this is unwelcome. It’s merely an answer I devised because you forbade me from saying “nothing.”

You don’t need to reply anymore. You have no obligation to respond.

Lastly, if I may add—

I will pray daily that you won’t fall ill or get hurt, that you won’t face hardship, that your efforts will be rewarded, and that you’ll return to the stage.

February 7,

From your fan.]

[To Yuan

Were you surprised to receive a reply? Or did you pretend not to expect it?

This letter should be your answer. Friends, I like that.

Friends—writing it feels quite awkward. Almost as much as when you first declared yourself my fan. It’s not “unwelcome” like you agonized over.

Shall I ask a friend-like question?

What was your childhood like? As you might have guessed, I was a quiet student with little presence. Though I wasn’t bullied, I didn’t have close friends who would write on my rolling paper the day before graduation.

So to commemorate our friendship, tell me about yourself. According to my shallow information, Yuan is a well-dressed gentleman who likes my acting, owns a very nice name, and is an airplane pilot.

Ah! Now I should add the advantage of having “extensive connections.”

But the Yuan I picture remains as vague as a figure made of fog. Regardless of my eyesight—metaphorically speaking.

As an audience member, you’ve seen me often. You must know what I look like, how I speak. Isn’t that too unfair?

I won’t ask for much. Just as much as you know about me, exactly that much.

I’ll wait for your reply.

February 10,

Sending a hug, Perry.

P.S. I’ve already written it as I pleased, but I should ask for permission, right? How about using first names from now on? Both you and me.]

[Dear Perry

Thank you for your willing acceptance, Perry.

Using first names is, of course, absolutely welcome. Welcome—does that expression sound strange?

Perry, friend, yes. Somehow it feels awkward writing your name. I feel like I should rewrite this letter. This definitely doesn’t mean I dislike it.

Well, I should thank whoever described me as a “well-dressed gentleman.” It was probably because I was wearing my uniform. Having come straight after finishing work, I didn’t have time to tidy up my appearance. Since I wasn’t particularly neat, it’s fortunate that you, Perry, couldn’t see me.

About myself…… I don’t have an impressive history worth sharing. After graduating from aviation school, I joined a commercial airline. I’ve continued working there without changing jobs. Boring, isn’t it?

I’m currently writing this letter from a company housing. It takes about twenty minutes by car from the airport. I heard it was used as a nobleman’s villa until a century ago, and the founder purchased it cheaply during the social reform period when it was put up for sale at a bargain price.

They say it was quite a struggle to modernize it. Naturally, since it was a major construction project requiring electrical installation from scratch, but all rooms except the first floor, which was formerly used as an entrance hall, have been appropriately renovated.

Though I said “rooms,” as it’s company housing, the living spaces are well separated. It consists of a reception room, bedroom, and study, and there’s also a kitchen, though I rarely use it.

They assign larger accommodations for those living with family, but most employees prefer to move to their own residences. Given the nature of company housing, you constantly encounter colleagues.

And……

I apologize. I seem to have chosen the wrong topic. I’ll think more about subjects that would interest you, Perry. Nothing comes to mind right now, but……