Volume 1 – Chapter 12

I’m looking in the mirror again. But not to fix my hair. Not to check if the sweater fits. Just… to ask myself – is this really me?

I’m standing in the middle of my room. Everything’s tidy. Everything shines. And inside me – it’s like an aquarium full of golden fish: bright, trembling, fragile, but alive.
On the table – tea. On the tray – strawberry cakes. Inside – butterflies.

He texted that he’s already downstairs. I almost dropped my phone. Ran to the mirror. And now I’m standing here, smiling nervously at my reflection.
You invited him. You. Not hiding behind jokes. Not saying “maybe later.”
You made the step. And he’s… coming to you.

The doorbell rings.
I freeze. Then, as if floating, walk to the door and open it.

He’s there – standing in the doorway, a bag over his shoulder and that warm smile that makes you want to melt right into your pillow.
– Hi… – I whisper.
– Hi, Mirai, – he tilts his head a little. – May I come in?
– Y-yes, of course! Come in!

He steps inside, takes off his shoes, looks around. I lead him to my room. I sit on the edge of the bed, he takes the chair across from me.
– There’s… nothing special here, – I mumble. – Just a streamer girl’s room.
– I don’t believe that, – he says. – This is the place where magic begins.

I look away. My cheeks burn.
– You keep saying things that make me want to hide under the blanket.
– I thought they’d make you want to smile, – he grins.
– Well… both, actually, – I giggle. – Mixed effect.

I hand him a cup. He thanks me, takes a sip.
– Delicious.
– Magic, – I reply. – That cup holds all my nervousness mixed with cinnamon.

We laugh. Then comes silence – soft, unhurried. The kind that doesn’t need to be filled.

I sit, hugging a pillow against my chest, watching him.
– I wanted you to see the real me, – the words slip out before I can stop them.

He looks up. His eyes – gentle, kind.
– I’m looking.
– No, not just looking. You’re… reading me. And I’m afraid you’ll find something you won’t like.

He sets his cup down, stands, and slowly walks closer. Then sits beside me.
– I’m looking, – he says quietly. – And everything I see is wonderful. Even your fears.

He’s near. So near. His breath, his warmth – all right here. And I don’t want him to leave. Ever.
I rest my forehead against his shoulder and close my eyes – just to feel he’s real.

– I used to think moments like this only happen in movies, – I whisper.
– I used to think the same, – he answers softly.

And there, in that silence filled with every unspoken feeling, I realize – I can’t hide anymore. I don’t want to.
My heart escapes through my lips, quiet but clear.

– I love you, Senpai.

Pause. The world holds its breath. But it’s not frightening – it’s like the moment before sunrise.

He doesn’t answer right away. He just places his hand on my cheek and looks into my eyes.
– Mirai… I love you too.

In that instant, fireworks go off inside me. Warmth. Joy. Light. Tears. Happiness – all at once.
He leans closer. I close my eyes.

And then… our lips meet.
Gently. Carefully. As if we’re both afraid to break the spell.

My heart beats in sync with his breath. My hands tremble from tenderness.
– You… you really mean it?.. – I whisper when we part.
– Absolutely, – he murmurs. – More sure than ever.

I press myself against him again. He strokes my hair.

And now… I’m not afraid anymore.
Not of myself.
Not of the future.
Not of what I feel.

I’m in love. I’m loved. And this evening – will stay in my heart forever.