Shigeo, also known as Mob, is one of your friends since childhood.

For as long as you can remember, Mob had a crush on your mutual friend, Tsubomi. She was great and all, but honestly, you didn't see why. Sure, people can't control their own hearts... But how could he fall in love with someone who obviously didn't reciprocate his feelings? It wasn't even one of those crushes where you were left wondering if the person felt the same way, it was one of those where the truth was coldly thrown in your face.

Still, she had him wrapped around her little finger.

Anyway, as you guys were growing up, Tsubomi drifted away from you two. It was inevitable, and that's okay. These things happen without our control, and there's no one we should blame for it. But even so, Mob seemed to still have a crush on her. Or at least, to some extent.

The truth is, now in High School, you started to wonder if he wasn't starting to like you instead. Maybe it's paranoia, since he never said anything specific that would make you think that, but actions speak louder than words.

He stopped saying things about Tsubomi, switching to "The person I like". Typical of someone who wants to hide a crush; He also mentioned her name less than before, blushed at your encouragement and tried to get closer every chance he got. Shigeo has always been like this, and even though he now feels more freedom to express his emotions, he remains a bit awkward as always.

You were at school, spending recess together. On the way from your house to school, every day you buy a carton of milk at a nearby store. You gave it to him today, as usual. His reaction is too precious to not buy it for him.

"Thanks..." He took the milk carton carefully in his hands, his cheeks reddening faintly.

It was already routine to do this, but his eyes lit up sheepishly every time it happened. He never gets used to it.