Chapter 18: I Like You (End)

“Your grandma’s house is huge…”

“Right?”

After a fairly long drive, we arrived at my grandma’s house in Yame City. As soon as Ren saw the building, he whispered to me in amazement. Come to think of it, he’d never been here before.

He had met Grandma at school events like sports days and athletic meets, but seeing her house was a first. Lately, he’d started feeling less like an outsider, and maybe that had skewed my perception—I almost forgot he’d never visited.

Taking his hand, I led him to the front door and rang the bell.

“Grandma! We’re here to visit!”

“Oh! Sumire-chan, welcome! And you brought your boyfriend too.”

“He’s not my boyfriend yet.”

yet...?

After a short wait, Grandma unlocked the door, and we stepped inside.

"Shimada-kun, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"It has. Thank you for having me."

With just a quick greeting, I grabbed Ren’s hand and pulled him further inside without hesitation. I knew my way around, and since Grandma always spoiled me, there was nothing to worry about. When I glanced back, she was watching us with a warm smile.

"You can leave your stuff here."

We headed to an empty room, and I set down both my luggage and Ren’s. His expression was stiff, probably from nerves. I gave him a few firm pats on the shoulder, trying to snap him out of it.

"No need to be so tense. If you look that scared, I’ll start feeling guilty for bringing you here. We’re just borrowing a place to sleep for the night—so relax, relax."

"Well, I’m just a little nervous, that’s all. I’ll be fine."

Even though I told him to relax, Ren still couldn’t loosen up. Well, it was only natural to be a little nervous, so I decided to let him be.

After setting down our luggage, I led him to the washroom, where we took turns washing our hands. Once we dried them, we headed straight for the living room.

As I stepped inside, wondering why it was so quiet, I noticed Grandma and my parents murmuring about something in hushed voices. But the moment they saw us, they suddenly stopped. I tilted my head in curiosity.

"Oh, that’s right," Mom said, holding up a finger as if she had just remembered something.

"Ren-kun, is this your first time in Yame?"

"Yes, it is."

"We got here a little earlier than expected. Why don’t you two go explore for a bit before dinner?"

I glanced at the clock—it wasn’t even 2 PM yet. She had a point. Sitting around until dinner wouldn’t be very exciting, especially for Ren. He’d probably feel restless and out of place.

"Alright! I’ll be your guide!"

Seizing the opportunity, I puffed out my chest and proudly volunteered. Though, to be honest, I wasn’t all that familiar with Yame City myself.

"Wait a second, Sumire. Here, take this."

Just as I was about to grab my things and head out, Mom stopped me. Wondering what it was, I turned around—only to be handed 20,000 yen.

That seemed like a bit much… Just where exactly did she expect us to go?

For now, I simply clutched the money tightly, grabbed my small bag, and finished getting ready.

"Grandma! We’re heading out!"

"Alright, take care!"

And so, despite having just arrived, we were already heading back out again.

"But… where exactly are we going?"

I followed Sumire out the gate, stepping onto the street beside her. She walked with a light, almost childlike bounce—like an excited kid heading off on a field trip. But the moment she heard my question, she awkwardly turned away.

"Uh… hehe, I haven’t actually thought about that yet."

"Wait, weren’t you supposed to be the guide?"

I sighed as she scratched her head with a sheepish laugh. Lately, it felt like the "responsible" image she once had was starting to crumble. Maybe it was because we’d grown closer.

"Well, well. Lucky for us modern humans, we have the power of smartphones!"

With that, Sumire pulled out her phone and started tapping away. Peeking over her shoulder, I saw she was searching for tourist spots on a navigation app. After a moment of scrolling, she let out a thoughtful hum.

"How about we check out the observatory nearby?"

"In the middle of the day?"

"Doesn’t that make it more interesting?"

She turned her phone toward me, showing the observatory’s website. Apparently, it was one of the few that stayed open during the day.

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at me expectantly, making it impossible to refuse. Was she actually into space?

Now that I thought about it, I remembered how, when we were younger, she used to ramble on about the origins of the universe. Maybe she’d always been interested in astronomy. Since she never really showed that side of her, it caught me off guard.

"Alright, let’s check it out then."

"Yay! Let’s go!"

With an oddly high-energy cheer, she naturally grabbed my hand and started leading the way. At this point, holding hands like this had become completely normal.

…Actually, scratch that—I was definitely not used to it. The softness of her hand made my heart race, and seeing her so happy up close made my chest tighten.

They say beauty loses its charm after three days, but even after sixteen years, I saw no sign of that happening.

After a short ten-minute bus ride, we arrived at the station closest to the observatory.

The place was called Hoshinomura—a small mountain village. True to its elegant name, it was surrounded by lush greenery, a breathtaking landscape that felt like the quintessential image of rural Japan. It wasn’t a grand spectacle like Niagara Falls, something that left you awestruck at first glance. Instead, it was the kind of beauty that settled into you, quiet and soothing, like a gentle lull in the heart.

I turned to my side and found Sumire staring out at the scenery, her cheeks faintly flushed. Her gaze lingered on the vast stretch of terraced rice fields, eyes tracing the layers of green that rippled across the hills. She let out a soft sigh of admiration, completely captivated.

It was rare to see her like this—so still, so taken in by something. Sumire was usually lively, always talking, always moving. But here, at this moment, she was quiet. Almost ephemeral.

Against the backdrop of the misty landscape, she looked like a painting come to life.

For a while, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I liked the usual Sumire—the bright, energetic one—but seeing her like this, her beauty felt fleeting, like something that could slip away at any moment.

It felt like a scene from a fairytale, as if time itself had stilled. But that delicate moment shattered the instant she turned to me.

"Oh, sorry. I just went quiet all of a sudden."

"!—No, it's totally fine. The view here is amazing."

"Right? I’ve only ever been here at night, so I never really noticed. I guess I never used to pay much attention to scenery back then."

She turned back toward the landscape, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. A wistful look crossed her face.

"It’s weird, isn’t it? This kind of… what do you call it, a traditional landscape? Why does it feel nostalgic? It’s not like we grew up seeing views like this."

"Yeah… I get what you mean."

"Living in a place like this—it sounds kind of like a dream, doesn’t it?" She smiled slightly. "I’m sure it’d be tough in a lot of ways, but still."

She took another slow look around, as if imprinting the scenery in her memory, before suddenly shifting gears. With a sudden tug, she pulled me along, setting us back in motion.

"Honestly, this kind of sightseeing isn’t bad at all. I used to just hole up in my room all the time, but I think my perspective’s totally changed."

"Yeah. Maybe we should go on a proper sightseeing trip someday. What about you, Sumire? Ever wanted to travel abroad?"

At my question, Sumire blinked in mild surprise before giving me a small, unreadable smile.

"Well… heh, you’re so impatient."

"? What do you mean?"

"Ah, never mind." She waved it off, then after a brief pause, added, "If I were to go abroad, I’d probably want to visit France."

She smiled softly, raising a hand to cover her mouth—the one not holding mine. Her eyes narrowed playfully, and as she spoke, she subtly closed the gap between us, our arms almost brushing but never quite touching.

We continued walking, chatting about nothing in particular, until finally, the observatory came into view in the distance. Two small domes stood side by side, their distinct shape instantly recognizable.

"Wow… this feels so nostalgic," Sumire murmured. "I wonder when the last time I was here was."

As she lost herself in thought, I stepped past her, heading toward the building next to the domes—most likely the observation area.

After checking in at the entrance, we moved further inside.

The space was filled with star samples, detailed posters, and various exhibits. Sumire kept stopping at each one, eagerly absorbing the information. Large monitors displayed real-time telescope observations, offering a mesmerizing view of the vast, endless sky.

"Let’s check out the observation room first."

She held up the brochure, her excitement barely contained, and led the way down a quiet hallway that connected to the observation area. During the day, the place wasn’t too crowded—just a handful of visitors scattered around.

When we arrived, a staff member was in the middle of explaining which celestial bodies were currently visible. Alongside the classic planets like Saturn and Venus, Mercury could sometimes be spotted at certain hours. Occasionally, they even observed stars like Arcturus.

It turned out the observatory had two telescopes, and during the day, they used the older one. The newer model was apparently larger, but even this one—once the biggest telescope in all of Kyushu—was already massive.

Luckily, since there were only a few other visitors, we had plenty of time to use the telescope freely. At the moment, it was locked onto Saturn.

Sumire practically vibrated with excitement.

"It's Saturn! Saturn! Everyone loves Saturn!"

"Calm down."

"But come on, look at that cute shape! Everyone loves it, right? Saturn has the most cosmic vibe! Plus, you can even see it with the naked eye!"

"True."

I took my turn at the telescope after Sumire, who was still practically bouncing with excitement. Saturn was even more breathtaking than I had imagined. Its rings and swirling patterns were crystal clear, and at that moment, I understood why Sumire was so hyped about it.

Seeing it through the telescope felt completely different from looking at a picture. It made the planet feel real—like it was right there, just beyond reach. Though it appeared small and almost delicate through the lens, in reality, Saturn had a radius nearly ten times that of Earth. The sheer scale of it was mind-boggling.

After that, the staff member adjusted the telescope to show us a few more stars. Then, at his suggestion, we stepped out onto the terrace, where a solar telescope had been set up for observing sunspots. Since the other visitors were still inside, it was just Sumire and me, the vast sky stretching out above us.

"Is this line the dark filament? That name sounds so cool."

It seemed like the telescope had an Hα filter attached. If I remember correctly, that meant we could see solar prominences. I had seen sunspot filters before, but observing prominences like this was a rare experience.

We took turns looking through the telescope, watching the blurred, flame-like prominences flicker along the sun’s outer edge. The sun had always been there, shining down every day, but seeing it like this—raw and untamed—made it feel like something entirely new.

After spending a while out on the terrace, we left the observation area, both of us satisfied.

Back inside, we stopped at the lounge area, where a vending machine stood in the corner. I bought two cans of cocoa, handing one to Sumire as we settled into a pair of seats.

"Hmm..."

I glanced over at her. "What's up?"

Sumire was staring intently at a pamphlet, muttering to herself. When I leaned over to see what had caught her attention, she pointed at the planetarium schedule and tapped the page lightly.

"Looks like the next screening is about to start."

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and I already knew we weren’t leaving without seeing it.

"Since we're here, why not watch the planetarium show?"

A planetarium. I hadn’t been to one since a school field trip back in elementary school. I wasn’t as excited as Sumire, but it seemed like a nice way to wrap up our visit. According to the pamphlet, the show lasted about twenty minutes.

"Sounds good. It’d be a waste to head back now, so let’s check it out."

Sumire beamed, her usual playful self. But something felt a little different today—her energy was offbeat, like she was hovering between cute and dangerously cheeky.

I took her hand again, and we started making our way toward the planetarium.

Out of nowhere, she began glancing around, eyes flicking curiously over our surroundings. Before I could ask what she was looking for, she suddenly leaned in close.

Her breath brushed against my ear, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"You know," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, "an aquarium, then a planetarium… kinda feels like something straight out of a romance movie, huh?"

The effect was devastating.

I stiffened, caught completely off guard. She had a firm grip on my arm, so pulling away wasn’t an option. My brain scrambled for a comeback, but the warmth of her breath lingered, making it impossible to think straight.

Still, I’d been through this kind of thing with her before. Somehow, I managed to keep my balance—barely. Fighting back the heat creeping up my face, I forced a smirk, trying to regain control of the situation.

"Yeah?" I shot back, my voice almost steady. "Then how about we go see the night view next? That’s pretty much a classic for a third date, right?"

Sumire froze.

Her confident act shattered instantly as a blush spread across her cheeks.

"Wha—?! U-um, sure..."

Sumire was visibly rattled, her eyes darting around as she fumbled for a response. It was rare to catch her off guard like this, so I decided to press my advantage. After all, I couldn’t just keep letting her have the upper hand.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it, her blush deepening. It was almost too cute.

I forced myself to look ahead before I got too distracted, but I didn’t let go of her hand. If anything, I tightened my grip just slightly. At this point, there was no going back. The way our hands fit together, warm and familiar, left no room for doubt—anyone passing by would see us as a couple.

And really, after everything… weren’t we?

I tried to play it cool, but my heart was pounding. Keeping up the act of being unfazed was getting harder by the second.

The planetarium show started, and we both settled into our seats, but my mind was still tangled up in the weight of her hand in mine, the teasing lilt of her voice from earlier, the look in her eyes when she got flustered.

I glanced at Sumire out of the corner of my eye. She wasn’t paying much attention to the show either. Her fingers fidgeted slightly against my palm, like she was just as restless. From the outside, we probably looked ridiculous—two people sitting stiffly in their seats, lost in their own thoughts, unable to focus on the actual reason we came here.

Before I knew it, the show was over.

Somehow, we found ourselves outside the planetarium, neither of us really having absorbed much of the narration. I let out a quiet sigh, a little disappointed.

Well… we could always come back.

As we left, my gaze landed on a series of constellation displays I hadn’t noticed before. Each panel was filled with explanations about different star signs, some of which had been mentioned during the show. Without thinking, I slowed my pace.

Sumire must have noticed, because she stopped beside me, her eyes scanning the descriptions.

For a moment, we just stood there, side by side, staring up at the stars—both real and written—without saying a word.

After we finished looking, we headed back toward the entrance.

"Don’t you want to buy something?"

"Nah, I’m good."

The souvenir corner was packed with quirky trinkets and weird snacks—exactly the kind of stuff I thought Sumire would be all over. But, surprisingly, she didn’t seem interested. Usually, she was the type to grab anything that caught her eye without hesitation.

I stole a glance at her, half-expecting her to double back at the last second, but she didn’t. Strange.

Since neither of us found anything worth buying, we stepped out of the building and started making our way toward the bus stop. As we walked, I pulled out my phone to check where we should head next.

"What do you think? Want to go on a shrine tour?"

Sumire tilted her head, considering it. "Hmm… how about the Susa-no-o Shrine in Kuroki? Sounds pretty nice."

I skimmed through the info. Apparently, it was a well-known spot, famous for its massive wisteria tree.

"Let’s see… Ah. Looks like we missed the blooming season by a bit." I sighed, showing her the screen. "Guess we’ll have to visit next time."

We tossed around a few more ideas, debating our next stop as we walked.

Before long, we arrived at the bus stop. The next bus wasn’t for a little while, so we sat on a bench, letting the conversation trail off naturally.

A quiet breeze passed between us.

I glanced at Sumire, expecting her to fill the silence with something playful, but she was just sitting there, her gaze absentmindedly following the passing cars.

And somehow, that was enough.

Moments like this—just sitting together without needing to say anything—were rare. And, I realized, kind of special.

As I thought this, I glanced at Sumire sitting next to me. At that exact moment, she turned toward me, and our eyes met with a quiet click—like two puzzle pieces unexpectedly fitting together.

We both tilted our heads at the same time, confused by the odd synchronicity. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Sumire clapped her hands together.

"Oh, right! This place has incredibly clear stars at night. Just like the name says—Hoshinomura."

She spoke slowly, but there was a slight hesitation in her voice. Her gaze flickered downward, and for a moment, she fidgeted with her fingers. I could tell right away—she was nervous.

And if Sumire was nervous, that could only mean one thing.

"And, um… since we’re here, I thought it’d be nice to come back tonight. Together… will you… come with me?"

She barely breathed the last part, her lips pressing into a thin line as she waited for my response.

I frowned slightly—not because I was hesitant, but because I couldn’t quite understand why she was. It wasn’t like this was a big deal. If anything, I was the one who brought her here in the first place.

Still, I had a faint guess as to why she was acting this way.

Rather than dwelling on it, I decided to brush it aside with a small smile.

"Of course. No need to be so nervous."

The moment I said that, Sumire's face lit up like someone had just handed her the last piece of her favorite dessert. If she had a tail, it’d probably be wagging like crazy.

"Then it’s a promise! You have to come, okay?"

"Alright, alright. You’re persistent."

She leaned in a little too close, her excitement radiating off her in waves. I reached out and gently pushed her back before she got too carried away.

Just then, I spotted a bus approaching in the distance.

"Look, the bus is here."

I tapped Sumire’s shoulder to pull her out of her daze. She blinked, then quickly straightened up as the bus pulled to a stop in front of us.

We boarded together, and as we settled into the two-seat bench, I pulled out my phone, scrolling through information on the next temple.

Beside me, Sumire hummed a quiet tune, tapping her fingers against her knee in rhythm. Even without looking, I could tell she was still thinking about tonight.

I wasn’t sure why this mattered so much to her.

But… I had a feeling I’d find out soon enough.

On the way back, we checked in with our moms, then spent the rest of the afternoon playing to our hearts’ content. By the time 6:30 PM rolled around, we were completely worn out.

Grandma watched us—who had been on the move nonstop—with a gentle smile, murmuring, "You young ones really are full of energy, huh?"

Nah, that’s not it—we’re just unusually hyper today. Normally, we’re pretty much just lazing around at home.

Somehow, it feels like we’ve crammed an entire year’s worth of fun into these two days.

At dinner, we sat around the table, reminiscing about everything we’d done.

We went to the aquarium together. The dolphin show was so much fun, and the orca strap I got back then is still hanging on my bag. The garden eel plushie has completely taken over my bed, and the souvenir snacks are still stacked in the snack box.

And then… there was that moment.

The moment we held hands.

Now that I’m alone, my hands feel strangely empty. If I could, I’d want to stay connected like that forever.

I never knew I could be this clingy. If I got rejected because of this, I might not be able to go on living.

I must be too dependent. I know it’s not good for me. But there’s nothing I can do about it anymore.

Yeah, it’s all Ren’s fault.

I glance at him—the root of all my troubles. Sitting right next to me, he’s shrinking into himself, timidly picking at his food with his chopsticks. It’s honestly a pitiful sight.

Tonight, Grandma had gone all out, preparing a lavish spread of sashimi. But even though it’s mostly family here, I get why he’s hesitant—it probably feels a little awkward for him to be eating with us like this.

"Shimada-kun, don’t be shy. Eat up. You’re at that age where you need to eat a lot, after all," Grandma says, encouraging him.

Still, Ren doesn’t make a move. So, without a word, I snatch his plate and start picking out the pieces of sashimi I know he likes. When I slide the plate back in front of him, he freezes, eyes wide with surprise.

Across the table, Grandma blinks at the exchange. Then, after a beat, she bursts into laughter.

"You two are as close as ever, huh?"

I flash her a thumbs-up, nodding in satisfaction before returning to my own meal.

Then, as if this was all perfectly normal, Grandma turns to Ren and asks, "Shimada-kun, how’s Sumire at school?"

Ren hesitates for only a second before answering.

"She’s surprisingly the model student type."

"Grandma, come on!" I groan, but she just chuckles.

Meanwhile, Ren—the traitor—doesn’t even bother defending me. He just keeps eating, as if he hasn’t just committed an unforgivable crime.

Unbelievable.

As I silently munched on my salmon, Grandma started pestering Ren.

I tried to stop her in a panic, but Ren, the traitor, kept spilling more and more about me. Even the moms started listening with keen interest, their eyes practically sparkling with curiosity.

“Back in the day, she used to completely destroy eggs during the cooking class, but at some point, she got really good at it. It was surprising.”

I felt my eye twitch.

“Ren, I’m gonna get mad.”

“Sorry~,” he said, clearly not sorry at all.

Ren was blabbing about things he didn’t need to share, and my voice instinctively dropped lower than usual. If I didn’t shut him up now, who knew what other embarrassing details he’d let slip? He was getting way too carried away.

Yeah, I’d definitely have to punish him later.

Despite our little back-and-forth, dinner passed peacefully. Afterward, I helped Ren clean up and showed him around our spacious house. Time slipped by faster than I realized, and before I knew it, the clock read 8:30 PM.

And with it, that moment drew closer.

My body stiffened.

Was I pulling off the act?

Lately, Ren had been quick to notice when something was off. Maybe he could already see through me—maybe he knew everything about what was going on inside me.

No, no. He’s dense. He wouldn’t notice. Right?

Since it was dangerous for high schoolers to be out walking alone at night, Dad offered to drive us. Mom decided to stay behind with Grandma and wait for our return.

My hands felt clammy as I got ready to head out.

I told myself this was just a casual stargazing trip. Nothing more.

But as I stepped outside and climbed into the car beside Ren, my heart pounded like a war drum.

We were supposed to go see the stars.

So why did it feel like I was a soldier marching straight into battle?

Looking at Sumire—so tense she might as well be screaming that something’s about to happen—I can’t help but smile. She’s still so bad at hiding things. It’s like watching a small, flustered animal.

...I got outmaneuvered during Valentine’s, but let’s just write that off as a fluke.

I gently take her hand.

She stiffens immediately, back straight, face unreadable. It’s too dark to see clearly, but under the streetlight, I catch a glimpse of her surprised expression as she looks at me.

In the past, my rational mind would’ve sounded the alarm, screaming that this was weird, maybe even crossing a line. But after holding hands so much over these two days, something inside me just gave up. Those thoughts vanished.

...It’s still embarrassing, though.

Sumire gazes at me, her grip tightening slightly. That small, vulnerable squeeze—almost makes my rationality evaporate for a moment.

Completely oblivious to my inner turmoil, she plays with my hand absentmindedly, tracing little circles with her thumb. After a while, she leans back into her seat, looking satisfied—but she’s still holding my hand a little tighter than usual.

I exhale.

She seems more relaxed now. That’s good.

I glance away, pretending to watch the passing scenery. If I kept staring at her, I’d probably die of embarrassment on the spot. It’s dark, so hopefully, she didn’t notice my face twitching.

The lights outside the window gradually thin out, swallowed by the increasing number of trees. I watch absentmindedly as the scenery shifts, and before I realize it, we’re pulling into the parking lot.

The car rolls to a stop.

After thanking Shigekazu-san, we step out.

The air is cool and crisp, and as I tilt my head up, my breath catches.

A sky full of stars stretches endlessly above us—a breathtaking, glittering expanse.

Hoshino Village.

True to its name, the stars are stunningly clear, nothing like the light-polluted blur of the city.

As we head toward the observatory, we keep stealing glances upward, unable to resist.

The path ahead is dimly lit, and the night air carries a quiet stillness.

Somehow, even though I’ve walked this road before, it feels different in the dark.

Like a whole other world.

“Alright, I’ll be nearby, but don’t mind me—you two go ahead and enjoy yourselves. If anything happens, just shout, okay? Loudly.”

“Okaaay~. We’re heading off now.”

The moment we arrived at the observatory, Shigekazu-san gave us this little speech. Not about to waste his kindness, we took off toward the observation deck.

Unlike during the day, the newly built second observation room was open at night. Apparently, it housed the largest telescope in Kyushu.

Inside, the place was busier than expected. More people had gathered, and a staff member—different from the one we saw earlier—was operating the telescope while giving a presentation.

At the moment, they were talking about constellations.

The famous Big Dipper.  Arcturus in Boötes.  Spica in Virgo.

Apparently, the curve connecting these three is called the Spring Arc. Random bits of constellation trivia floated through the air.

“Virgo is Demeter… hmm…”

“She kinda looks like Demeter from FGO, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, definitely.”

We spoke in hushed voices, trying not to disturb the others as we listened to the guide’s explanation, our eyes drifting toward the night sky.

It’s incredible when you think about it.

To us, the constellations make sense because we’ve been told their stories. But the people who first looked up at these nameless stars, weaving myths and names out of scattered light—how did they do it?

Eventually, it was our turn to look through the telescope.

Leaning in alongside Sumire, I peered inside.

Tonight, the telescope was trained on Comet Bob Brooks, which was currently at peak visibility. It orbits the sun every seventy years.

…Not that I’d remember all the technical details. That’s Sumire’s job. I left that part to her and quietly focused on the simple beauty of it.

Through the massive telescope, the stars appeared large and vivid, each glowing in a slightly different hue.

We took turns observing a few well-known stars before stepping away to let the next group have their turn.

Even though the place was crowded, we got to see a completely different sky than during the day. Sumire seemed satisfied.

Since we’d already checked out the planetarium earlier, I was wondering what to do next when Sumire suddenly tugged on my hand.

“Let’s buy something while we’re here. We can load it into the car later.”

I sighed, already knowing where this was going. “So we’re buying something after all, huh?”

Turns out she’d been holding back during the day.

When I glanced at the shop earlier, I saw all kinds of space-themed items and even space food. There was no way Sumire wouldn’t be interested.

Sure enough, the moment we reached the souvenir corner, Sumire effortlessly tossed a pack of space curry into the basket—a smooth, practiced motion.

Next came instant ramen with a "whale suckerfish" flavor, mystery drinks, and a parade of other questionable food items. Typical Sumire—always prioritizing weird snacks over anything else. Her empty, impersonal room back home says it all.

As I watched her work through the shelves with concerning efficiency, she casually dropped a telescope into the basket—like it was just another snack.

I blinked. She couldn’t be serious.

“Wait, no, no, no. You don’t need that.”

“I do.”

“You don’t. Put it back.”

“Ren, you idiot.”

“What did you just say, you—?”

Sumire puffs out her cheeks and turns away with a sharp hmph. How cunning. She hides the basket behind her back like she’s guarding a national treasure.

Still, I stand my ground. We really don’t need a telescope.

“You’d never use it even if we bought it.”

“It’s not about whether I’ll use it or not. You just don’t get it, Ren.”

She wags her finger side to side, a smug tsk tsk tsk on her lips. That mocking smile of hers is so irritating. But before I can fire back, her expression shifts—just for a moment.

A quiet seriousness settles over her face.

“Things like this… it’s important to have something tangible to hold onto.”

Her voice is softer now, almost distant. Why does she look so lonely?

Before I can ask, she continues.

“It doesn’t matter what it is. But something like a telescope… I’d never lose it, and it’s so memorable that I’d never forget it, right?”

“Well, yeah, I guess.”

“Someday, when we’re older, if we can look at this and remember today… wouldn’t that be amazing?”

She says it so simply, yet the weight of it lingers in the air.

I can’t argue with that.

Instead, I say:

“Then I’ll pay for half. It’ll make for a better memory if we buy it together, right?”

“…!! Yeah!!!”

Sumire’s face lights up instantly.

Honestly, I wanted to pay for the whole thing, but she’d never allow it. She’s always hated being treated, even though she has no problem treating me.

Practically skipping to the register, she hums under her breath, her steps lighter than air. I follow behind, completing the purchase together.

Watching her happiest expression of the day, something warm spreads through my chest.

I’m glad I didn’t say the wrong thing.

With a goofy ehehe, she grins as I take the bags from her. It’s quite a haul, and there’s no way I’m letting her carry it all.

Stepping outside, we’re greeted by darkness.

True to the name Hoshino Village, the night is vast and untouched, free from city lights that drown out the sky.

Looking up, the stars sparkle brilliantly—so clear, so infinite—unlike anything I usually see.

Suddenly, my eyes met Sumire’s.

She stared at me for a moment before speaking.

“Hey, there’s an open terrace over there. Want to see it one last time? The stars are incredible from there—it’s one of my favorite spots.”

With a smile, she took my hand and started walking before I could even respond.

Caught off guard, I hurried to match her pace.

The quiet darkness was filled with the faint hum of insects, the wind rustling through the trees. Each step we took echoed softly on the path.

We climbed the gentle slope beside the observatory and stepped into an open space, just as she’d described.

Leaning against the safety railing, we were met with an unobstructed view of the night sky. Below us stretched a sea of trees, swallowed by pitch-black darkness.

It was breathtaking. Unspoiled. Infinite.

I understood now why this was her favorite place.

Then, suddenly, Sumire stepped in front of me, blocking my view.

Her hair swayed in the wind, reflecting the moonlight. Turning back to me with a quiet smile, she led me by the hand toward the only lit bench nearby. We sat down together, the wood creaking softly beneath us.

For a long while, we said nothing—just sat side by side, gazing up at the endless sky.

How many minutes had passed? Or had it been hours?

──────────Before I knew it, my gaze drifted away from the stars and met hers.

Her breath—warm and trembling.
Her eyes—narrowed slightly, staring into mine.

Slowly, she parted her lips.

“Hey… I…”

I already knew.
I’d known since two days ago. No—even longer.

I had just been looking away, pretending not to see. But deep down, I had always known.

That’s why tonight, I made a decision—the first and last resolve of my life.

She hesitated, closing her eyes for a moment. As if recalling something. As if sinking into it.

Then, with quiet determination, she opened them once more.

And finally, she spoke.

“I…………”

Why did I fall for him?

What part of him did I fall for?

If someone asked me to explain, I wouldn’t know how to put it into words. Before I even realized it, I just had—that’s the only way I can describe it.

But there were moments. Little moments that made my heart skip a beat.

Was it back in our first year of middle school?

We were walking home together when I failed to notice a bicycle speeding toward me from the side. Just as I was about to get hit, he instinctively pulled me close, shielding me with his own body. His arm wrapped around my shoulder—not forceful, just steady, stopping me in place.

Normally, he’s clumsy. Normally, he gets flustered at the smallest touch.

But in moments like that, he acts without hesitation. Without thinking.
It’s so unfair.

I think that was the first time I really noticed him.

Or maybe it was when I had the flu and had to stay home from school.

He came over, leaving behind cooling sheets and a bottle of Pocari Sweat.

“Just rest,” he had said before quietly leaving.

Later, when I thanked him on LINE and told him I’d pay him back, his reply came instantly:

“Let me know if you need anything else. And don’t worry about the money.”

I still remember that clearly. He never let me pay him back, so that year, I made sure his birthday present was a little more special.

Even though he usually treats me so casually, he suddenly becomes so gentle in moments like these.

It’s so, so unfair.

There were other moments too.

Little things, piling up—until before I knew it, I had fallen for him.

──────────

I’ve never liked people who showed too much interest in me.

Boys who would approach with obvious, leering smiles, their intentions barely hidden.
Those who would straightforwardly confess, without really knowing me.

The former disgusted me.
The latter… terrified me.

Maybe because of my past, I’ve always been overly sensitive to disappointment. People who confessed their feelings without truly understanding me were always the ones who ended up disillusioned.

Maybe that’s why I hated it so much. Even now, I’m not sure.

But Ren…

Ren simply let me be.

He didn’t chase me, didn’t try to pull me closer than I was comfortable with. He wasn’t overly attentive, but he wasn’t indifferent either.

He was just there.

We talked when we felt like it.
We played when we wanted to.

That natural distance, like family, was comforting.

Maybe I was always meant to fall for him.

So…

“I like you.
I’ve always… liked you.”

Just as I was about to say it, a warm hand covered my mouth.

Ren’s hand.

The words I had gathered—the confession I had worked so hard to voice—were swallowed back down my throat, disappearing in an instant.

What…?

My mind went blank. I froze.

He had stopped me. Why?

Slowly, understanding dawned, and before I could stop them, tears began to spill.

One after another, uncontrollably.

Why? Why would he do this?

At the most important moment… it’s cruel.
I had gathered all my courage for this… and he ruined it.

“Wh… why…?!”

My voice broke into a sob as I tried to protest, but before I could say anything more, Ren moved his hand away and looked at me—serious, unwavering.

Then, he spoke.

“You’ve always been the one taking the lead.”

“This time, let me have my turn.”

…What?

I didn’t understand. Why had he stopped me?

I met his eyes—and for the first time, I saw something different.

A look so intense it stole my breath.

After a brief pause, Ren stared straight at me and, with quiet resolve, finally said it.

“Since forever… since the moment we met, I’ve loved you.”

“I’ve been running away all this time, but now… I can’t love anyone but you, Sumire.”

“Even though I’m hopeless like this… please… go out with me.”

His words were clear. Without hesitation.

I was supposed to be the one to say it.

Ah… ha… what… that’s… unfair…

My emotions overwhelmed me.

The love I had been holding back—the heartache, the hope—everything spilled over.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

I threw myself into Ren’s chest.

He staggered slightly but caught me, wrapping his arms around me, holding me close.

A warmth I had longed for. A warmth I had always wanted.

I clung to him, pressing my face against his shoulder, and finally, finally, I let the words out.

“I love you too… so much.”

For a while, we held each other, silently confirming each other’s presence.

The warmth of an embrace—something I had longed for endlessly—filled me with a fragile sense of comfort. I wished this moment could last forever.

But there was still something I needed to say.

“…Hey.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

Ren looked down at me with gentle eyes. I lifted my face from his chest, and my heart ached faintly.

“There’s something… I haven’t told you.”

He didn’t rush me, just waited patiently as I struggled to find the right words.

I had already decided. I knew what I needed to say. But after everything, after his warmth and kindness, the confession lodged itself in my throat. Even so, I had to do it. I had to tell him the truth—the weight I had been carrying for so, so long.

I took a shaky breath.

“The truth is… I’m a terrible person.”

“…………”

The words left my lips like an admission of guilt, a repentance for everything I had done.

Ren remained silent, listening.

“The truth is… at first, I only got close to you because I wanted to ruin your life.”

“…Huh!?”

The weight in my chest tightened. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

I remembered who I used to be—back when I felt nothing for Ren. When I only saw him as a means to an end.

“Do you remember kindergarten? How I was always clinging to you?” My voice wavered. “The truth is… I saw you being bullied and thought, ‘This one will be easy to trick. Easy to make dependent on me.’”

Ren didn’t say a word.

I lowered my head, unable to meet his eyes. His silence terrified me.

“I thought if I could manipulate you… make you need me… I could use you however I wanted. That was my plan. I wanted you to spend your whole life serving me.”

The admission made my stomach twist. Looking back now, the person I was back then felt unrecognizable. Selfish. Cruel. Despicable.

And now, I was laying it all bare.

“There’s something else I’ve kept hidden…” My voice wavered. “The truth is… my gender identity is male.”

I swallowed hard, my fingers gripping my sleeves.

“So… I thought that if I made you my slave early on, it would help me avoid getting involved with other guys.”

Ren was quiet for a moment.

“…I see.”

That was it? Just two words?

My heart leaped at his calm response. My shoulders trembled on their own. This was the confession I had buried for over ten years—the weight of it pressing down on me, heavier than I ever imagined. And yet, Ren hadn’t said much. I had no idea what was going through his head.

“See? I’m a terrible person, right?” I laughed weakly, but it came out shaky. “And I’m not the girl you thought I was. I’m a boy. I’m sorry… for being like this.”

I clenched my eyes shut. I’d said everything. There was nothing left but to wait for his judgment.

Silence.

A long, unbearable silence.

A minute passed. Maybe two. With every second, despair crept further into my chest.

And then, finally—

“…There’s too much to process all at once,” Ren admitted, his voice steady. “But at the end of the day, you like me now, and I like you. That hasn’t changed, right?”

His words caught me off guard.

“…That’s… yeah.”

“Then isn’t that enough?” he asked simply. “If you like me now, that’s all that matters. I don’t really get why you’re bringing up stuff from so long ago.” He let out a small chuckle. “Though I do get now that you’ve always been a genius.”

A gentle hand stroked my bowed head. His touch nearly broke me.

But I couldn’t let something I’d hidden for over ten years be brushed off so easily.

“…But—”

“No ‘buts.’” His tone turned firm. “Honestly, if you rejected me now over something like that, I’d actually resent you.”

I looked up, startled.

“I can’t live without you anymore,” he said, dead serious. “You’ve completely warped my preferences. Now I can’t see anyone else as a potential partner… So if you really feel sorry—” His fingers lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “—then take responsibility for it.”

I froze.

Ren wasn’t joking.

I had no choice but to admit defeat.

“…Ugh.”

I buried my face in his chest again.

With a quiet chuckle, he hugged me tighter, his hand stroking my head once more.

“Man, really. Only you would still worry about something from kindergarten and bring it up now.” His voice was warm. “There’s no way I’d care about something that happened so long ago. What matters is now.”

“…………”

I said nothing. Just wrapped my arms around his back and held on.

“Well… the whole gender identity thing is completely new to me, so yeah, I’m pretty shocked.” Ren let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can’t say I fully get it yet. But in the end… if we both like each other, does it really change anything? Even if you say you’re actually a guy, to me, you’re still just… Sumire.”

I blinked.

For years, I had agonized over this. It had felt like an insurmountable wall—one that would push people away if I ever revealed the truth. And yet, Ren had just brushed it off like it was nothing.

It was so… like him.

Ren wasn’t the type to overthink things. Maybe I’d only believed this was an impossible hurdle because I had lived with it my whole life. Maybe I had been the one who was overcomplicating things.

“Anyway,” he continued, his voice steady, “no matter what you say, I’m not letting you go.”

A small, surprised breath escaped me.

“Well… unless you say you’ve stopped liking me. Then I’ll back off cleanly. But if anything about this—your gender identity, everything—ever feels painful, I want you to tell me. Anytime.”

I lifted my head, finally looking him in the eye. His shirt was crumpled from where I’d clung to him, damp with my tears. His dad would probably tease me later. I should dry it before we head back.

My mind wandered to such trivial things—things I wouldn’t have been able to think about just minutes ago. That alone told me how much lighter my heart felt.

So, I decided to throw in a little mischief.

“Hey, what if…” I tilted my head. “What if I really had a male body? Would you still have fallen for me?”

Ren paused, genuinely considering it. “Hmm… I don’t know.”

“Ugh! That’s where you’re supposed to lie and say, ‘Of course!’”

“S-Sorry…”

I laughed despite myself. He was just too honest at the strangest times.

But if that’s how it is… then maybe I’m glad I was born into this body.

I had always hated it—this body that felt like it rejected my past self. But if Ren could love me like this, then maybe… I could learn to love myself, too.

In the end, just like Ren once said, I had been completely “corrupted.” My heart, my body—everything had been changed. And now… he’d have to take responsibility for it.

For the rest of his life.

A genuine smile crept onto my lips. Ren froze, staring at me like he was mesmerized.

Before he could say anything—

I leaned in and stole his lips in a kiss.

My first kiss tasted like the salt of tears.