Do I really have to come out and say it?

“Actually…” Kōyū lowered his head, looking at the ground, looking preoccupied. He sighed and said, “I actually want to tell you a secret.”

"About you?" Ai asked, frowning.

“That’s right…” Guangyou hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement, “About me…”

Then he sighed again.

Looking at his expression, Ai pursed her lips and said softly, "A person should always maintain a bit of mystery."

In other words, what she really wanted to tell Kwang-woo was: "If you don't want to talk about it, don't force yourself."

Having understood the meaning behind his words, Kwang-woo, who had been looking down, took a deep breath and then shook his head.

His reaction was exactly what Ai had expected.

At this moment, she didn't know what to say, so she remained silent.

After a brief silence, Ai stepped forward, reached out and ruffled Kousuke's hair, her gaze gentle, yet she remained silent.

"call..."

Noticing Ai's movement, Kousuke exhaled and raised his head.

"I'm going back now." Ai withdrew her hand, said this, and turned to leave.

At that moment, Kōyū pulled him back, looked around to make sure no one was around, and then said seriously, "Ai, come closer."

"There's no one around here," Ai said, but she still took a step toward Kouyu.

"Closer," Guangyou said, glancing at the distance between them.

They took another small step.

"Is it okay?" Ai asked, looking down at the distance between them, which was less than a fist's width.

“That’s fine,” Guangyou nodded and said.

Upon hearing his response, Ai tried to raise her head.

But as soon as she raised her head, Ai felt that Kousuke had left a mark on her left cheek.

Then, she heard that familiar voice.

"The secret is, I like you."

"Although, this shouldn't be considered a secret anymore."

...