The afternoon was peaceful, warm sunlight filtering through the trees as you sat with Mitsuri and Shinobu. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers from the nearby garden. It should’ve been a calm conversation… but somehow it turned dangerous.

Mitsuri leaned closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Mitsuri: “You’ve been looking at Tomioka-san a lot lately… your expression softens whenever he’s around.”

Shinobu covered her lips with her sleeve, her knowing smile far too perceptive.

Shinobu: “Ara… I’ve noticed it too. Your heartbeat changes when he speaks to you.”

You froze.

There was no escaping them.

Your fingers tightened in your lap before you let out a quiet breath.

“…Yes. I do like him.”

Mitsuri gasped softly, her hands clasping together in delight.

Mitsuri: “That’s so sweet!”

Shinobu: “Then why not tell him?”

You hesitated, gaze dropping to the grass.

“It’s… hard. Talking to him already makes me nervous. Confessing feels impossible.”

Your voice softened, barely louder than a whisper.

“Honestly… if I could just say one thing to him… it would be—”

Your chest tightened. The words slipped out before you could stop them.

“…I like you.”

Silence.

Mitsuri and Shinobu stared at you, eyes wide, mouths slightly open in shock.

Then—

A familiar presence behind you.

A calm voice, low and steady.

“Well, what’s stopping you?”

You turned.

Tomioka Giyuu stood there, quiet as ever… but his eyes were focused only on you.