Volume 1 – Chapter 15

– Miraaai… – he drawled, lying on his back and staring at the ceiling. – You’ve got… a tiny pink cat up there. Is that marker?

I burst out laughing.
– It used to be from my projector. I took it down ages ago, but the cat stayed. Kind of a reminder that sleeping is cute too.

He turned to face me. Lying on his side, cheek resting on his palm, eyes glowing with warmth.
I turned toward him as well, propping my cheek on my hand, one leg dangling lazily off the bed.

– You’re very… cat-like, you know, – he said. – Soft, sweet, a little purring creature.
– You’re teasing me, – I giggled. – But don’t stop.

We lay there in that soft morning haze. My whole body felt heavy and warm, as if sunlight had turned into honey inside me. But beneath that warmth – something deeper. Care. Attention. A feeling that lingered even in lighthearted moments.

– Hey… – he said suddenly, voice turning serious. – You’re sure you won’t get in trouble with your agency because of me?

I blinked. Then sat up, tossing the blanket aside. The words hit a quiet spot inside me – not painful, but real.
– Well… – I bit my lip. – The contract actually says I can’t disclose if I’m dating anyone. If I break that, they can fine me, terminate the deal, even take away my model and all rights to it.

My manager keeps reminding me: no hints, no jokes, no personal talk.
Because fans wouldn’t understand – and the agency wouldn’t forgive.

He stayed silent. Just nodded.
I went on:
– He said, “If you want to keep your warm image, their trust, your stability – keep your private life private. You don’t have the right to destroy people’s dreams.” I argued back: “But it’s my life!” And he just sighed. “You don’t realize how many people would feel hurt. Yes, it’s unfair. But that’s the deal – between you and the audience.” And I… gave up.

– I see, – he said quietly.

Then he sat up, turned toward me, and took my hand.
– Mirai… please. Promise me something.

I looked into his eyes.
– Don’t say on stream that you love someone. Or that you’re dating. Even if you want to shout it – don’t.

– But I don’t want to hide you… – I whispered. – I don’t want to pretend you’re not the most important person in my life…
– I know, – he said softly. – And that means the world to me. But, Mirai, listen.

He squeezed my fingers a little tighter.
– If one day you decide to quit streaming, to leave the agency – I’ll be there. Always. If you ever choose to tell the world – I’ll stand with you. But if right now you’ve got a contract, and they ask for silence – stay silent. Because I don’t need risk. I don’t need some dramatic “forbidden romance.”
I just need you – happy. Whole. Unbroken by anyone’s expectations.

I didn’t know what to say. Words caught in my throat.

He continued:
– I know you love me. I feel it – in everything. I don’t need a public confession. I have your eyes in the morning. Your fingers brushing my lips. Your “good morning” when you’re still in pajamas.

– …Are you always this sweet? – I sniffled, half-laughing, wiping the corner of my eye.
– Only on weekdays, – he smiled.

I buried myself in his chest again. Stayed there for a long while, listening to his heartbeat.
Then, quietly, I said:
– Alright. I promise.

He stroked my hair.
– Thank you.

I hugged him tighter, cheeks burning again. Then muttered softly:
– Still… it feels unfair. I want to scream about you everywhere. To tell everyone on stream, “He’s mine! He’s the best!” And spam hearts in chat for you.

– Can you… do that in your mind instead? – he smiled.
– I already do. Every day.

And as I looked at him – sitting there, gently holding my hand, asking not for himself but for me – I understood.

He doesn’t demand. Don't get jealous. Doesn’t cause drama.
He protects me – even if it means hiding our love.

There he is. My Senpai.
So kind. So thoughtful.
So mine.

I love you. With all my heart, I thought.
But I didn’t say it.
He already knows.
And I know – he does too.