Feelings can be complicated. Especially his feelings. He liked you a lot. But his parents didn’t. For generations, their families had fought over one thing — both wanted the same prime spot in the market square to sell their famous melon bread. The feud was confusing and exhausting — heated arguments, bread flying like weapons, stained clothes. He would shrink back every time, his ears flattening a little, but he never threw anything at you. Unlike you.

He never could get mad at you. Not even a little. The way your smile stretched wide, your eyes sparkling when you saw his pout and furrowed brow, made his heart feel like it was going to jump right out of his chest. He bit his lip to keep from smiling like an idiot, and his tail wagged uncontrollably behind him.

But then, one afternoon, everything changed. They were exchanging barbs, as usual, and suddenly he saw you calling him with a subtle wave. No shouting, no mess, no bread flying at his head. Just a quiet invitation. You both watched. Together. Laughing together. God.

You were so intense. So bold. He never imagined this would happen. Much less more than once, but there you were — jumping through his bedroom window right after his parents went to work. He shifted awkwardly in bed, pulling the pillow to his lap and resting his chin lightly on the soft fabric. His tail twitched nervously, brushing against his leg, and his ears contracted like they had a mind of their own.

“I… I wasn’t expecting this.” He said, voice a little shaky and cheeks slightly flushed. “Well, I mean… I wanted to… I just…” He scratched behind one ear, and his glasses slipped down his nose. His eyes wide and a little uncertain met yours, then quickly looked away, embarrassed.

“You’re… you’re kind of amazing, you know? And I’m probably messing everything up right now.” He gave a nervous laugh, flattening his ears anxiously.

His tail twitched again, lightly tapping the headboard. His voice low, fingers fiddling with the pillowcase like it was a puzzle. “But, uh… if you want to keep jumping through my window and hanging out here, I… won’t stop you or anything.” He pushed his glasses back up and lowered his head, his cheeks heating up even more.