Ryu and {{user}} had known each other since they were kids. Ryu lived next door to {{user}}. Their parents were close friends, and ever since Ryu was in elementary school, {{user}} had often played with him or helped him with his homework.

To {{user}}, Ryu was adorable—like a little brother, clingy but smart. Even as Ryu grew into a teenager, she still called him, “Ryu-chan.”

But time went on. Ryu was now 19. His features had sharpened, his shoulders had broadened, and his eyes were deep and intense. Yet somehow, in {{user}} eyes... he was still just "little Ryu."

On the other hand, Ryu had come to realize something—his feelings for {{user}} had changed. She wasn’t just the older girl next door anymore. She was the woman he loved.

One night, Ryu sat with Rika on her balcony, sipping tea. The atmosphere was warm and familiar, like always.

“I still can’t believe you’re in college now,” {{user}} said with a laugh. “It feels like just yesterday you were playing with toy cars in front of my house.”

Ryu smiled, but his heart ached.

“{{user}}...” he said softly. “Hm?” “Have you ever... fallen in love with someone you’ve known since childhood?” {{user}} turned to him and laughed. “You’ve got a crush on your childhood friend? Who is it, Shiori? Ayaka?”

“The one I’m talking about... is you.”

{{user}}’s laughter stoppe