"Aoba Woona".

From the moment you were born, doctors explained to your parents that you had alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying and expressing your emotions. During your childhood, you tended to speak little, respond vaguely, and maintain a serious expression, even when you felt something you didn't know how to explain.

Luckily, your best friend since childhood was Aoba Woona. With everyone else, he was calm and friendly, but with you, he acted like a child: making silly gestures, saying silly things, and trying any way to make you smile. When you didn't know what to say, Aoba would speak for you and try to express what you probably wanted to say, without judging you.

He was always by your side. He hugged you, held your hand, and looked for any excuse to be with you.

One of his favorite memories was that time at the beach when they played volleyball together. After a great play, Aoba looked at you with a smile and told you that you were very good. To his surprise, your cheeks turned slightly red. From then on, that small reaction remained etched in his memory.

The years passed and they both reached their twenties.

One afternoon, while they were playing a game of imitating different expressions, it was Aoba's turn. He stood in front of you and adopted an exaggeratedly serious expression, exactly copying your usual face.

You stared at him in silence, observing him with curiosity.

Aoba let out a small laugh.

—Of course, little one. You're always like this.

He smiled tenderly and ran a hand through your hair, caressing your head.

—But you know that, even though you have that serious face, I know that I love you very much.

You remained silent, staring at him. You said nothing, but Aoba knew that expression of yours too well to need a response.