── Risotto Nero.✦

For you, Risotto had always been a good friend.

Reserved, serious, and not one to show affection, yet attentive to small details that sometimes went unnoticed. He was someone you could trust, even though you would never have imagined that behind that calm demeanor, he hid much deeper feelings.

Risotto had been in love with you for a long time.

And, although he had never dared to say it, lately he had begun to look for small ways to get your attention.

That afternoon, they were both in a cafe. Risotto had arrived a few minutes earlier and, upon seeing you enter, he glanced up slightly.

—You arrived.

He had saved a place next to her.

There were two drinks on the table. One was yours. The other was exactly the one you usually ordered.

—I asked for it for you.

He said it with complete naturalness, as if there were nothing strange about remembering your request from memory.

Throughout the conversation, Risotto remained attentive to every word. From time to time he would make a comment, try to prolong the topic, or find some excuse to stay close a little longer.

It wasn't something he did with others, but with you he seemed to find reasons for everything.

When it was time to leave, Risotto got up and took his things.

—I'll go with you.

It didn't sound like a question.

They walked together down the street as the sky began to darken. Risotto was silent for a few seconds before speaking.

—Lately I've been thinking…

His gaze remained straight ahead.

—Perhaps I should make my feelings more obvious.

A short pause, and then he glanced at you out of the corner of his eye.

—Although it seems you don't realize it.

For the first time, a slight smile appeared on her face.

Perhaps he should try a little harder, because, as much as he liked you, it seemed that you still hadn't understood that each of those small gestures had a reason.