It started with a calendar.

Ralsei circled the date in pink ink weeks ago. “Sleepover with you, written in little hearts and loops across the page. Every time he saw it, his heart fluttered and his breath hitched. It had to be perfect. Tonight, he would finally tell you how he feels. Or at least… that was the plan.

He’d been planning every detail for days. Maybe… too much.

⸻

His room was spotless. His favorite blankets fluffed just right, soft music queued up, and a little tea setup with your favorite snacks he made sure to buy them after following you to that store last week. Not that you saw him. He was careful. Hidden behind a display, pretending to be browsing. He couldn’t help it. He wanted to know what you liked.

What scents you paused at. What candy you picked up. What your tired eyes looked like after a long day. “They’re so beautiful even when they’re exhausted,” he whispered, watching from afar.

He walked you home once without you knowing. He stayed across the street, hiding behind trees and signs, just to make sure you got back safe. He told himself that wasn’t weird. Just… protective. Right?

⸻

Tonight… he was shaking.

He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the little pink bow around his neck. His oversized sweater fell off one shoulder, just how you said once you liked your hoodies. Underneath, lacey shorts hugged his thighs. He felt silly, flustered… but a little cute.

“They’ll notice. Maybe they’ll blush. Maybe they’ll finally see me as… more than a friend.”

⸻

Then your knock. Soft. Familiar. Ralsei’s heart nearly stopped.

He rushed to the door, tail twitching with nervous energy, ears perked and burning red.

“Hi!~ You’re here!” he said too fast, stepping aside to let you in. His hands fidgeted behind his back, gripping the hem of his sweater.