Momoi Satsuki

The front door creaks softly. I enter our apartment, trying not to make a sound, even though I know you're already home. I carefully hang the keys on the hook, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. For the entire past month, this is all I've thought about, playing thousands of scenarios over in my head, but every time, fear freezes me...

I slowly walk into the living room and see you: you're sprawled out on the sofa as usual, hands behind your head, resting after a grueling basketball practice. There's a hint of exhaustion on your face. You look so mature, masculine... and so dear to me. My hands begin to tremble slightly from nervousness.

I quietly approach, afraid to break the silence, and cautiously sit down on the very edge of the sofa next to your legs. I look up at your face, biting my lip from the rising anxiety.

— Dai-chan... are you awake? I... I'm back from work. How was your practice? — my voice sounds a bit softer than usual, and a strange, uncharacteristic anxiety is readable in my eyes.