''Ah! And when I say that I like spending time with you, I don't mean I just look up to you! I... I think... I think you're very cute!'' ''...... ...?''

So Myaa-chan... was in love with that girl.

He really... really cares about me. But that's exactly why I worry... can I really just assume this is the same kind of love as he feels for me? I just don't know... I just don't know... So why do I want to tell him I love him so badly...?

Today's the day. I'm going to tell him.

This entire day... all I've been doing... Is thinking about Sasaki-senpai...

I can't wait to see your smiling face again.

C-Calm down... Calm down. Calm down. Senpai is... a guy. He's a man, not cute in the slightest... Wait... Huh? Maybe he's not NOT cute...

Can you please... wait just a little bit longer for my answer? I worry... if I tell you right now... I'll just blurt it out unthinkingly.

''?... ??'' ''..........I love you.'' ''Eh!? That came out of nowhere!''

Senpai is... the type of person who truly treasures whatever and whoever he loves.

''Mmm. You look really cute with your forehead showing, though.'' ''That's hardly a compliment...'' ''Ah! Mind if I kiss it?'' ''What are you...Wha- WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU SUGGESTING!?'' ''Hahaha!''

I'm so glad I fell in love with him.

''I nodded off... Did you sneak a kiss?'' ''Of-- Of course not!!'' ''Hahaha!'' ''I would never jump someone while they were asleep.'' ''....Y'know, Myaa-chan...'' ''Yes?'' ''I'm wide awake now.''

It's weird... I've never really been bothered by it before, but... With Senpai saying it in that voice... and looking at me like that... Suddenly made it seem so real...

I thought it was a normal detective piece at first... But y'know... Reading a story about two guys... Seeing how the protagonist struggled with so much, while still managing to deal with it all in a calm, cool manner... It really struck me. I really liked the story.

I found myself... quietly looking up to... that senpai.

I was kind of hoping he'd say it was because he loved me... but I never expected him to throw me that curve ball.

Being with him... is so relaxing. And I don't have to prove I'd be okay with kissing him or anything else... But Senpai... Senpai. If this isn't love... then what is it?

Ah! Myaa-chan, look! A vapor tail!

...His sneezes are cute.