“...Because I like you”

Even without being told, I understand... though saying that might make me seem arrogant, I know that Akira-kun has been directing his feelings of "liking" toward me for a long time.

But the age difference keeps crossing my mind above all else... Akira-kun is still a high school student, and he's ten years younger than me.

"I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable, but... I do want you to look at me, even just a little."

That's so direct... I'm happy, but at the same time, I'm struggling to figure out how I should answer, as an adult.

Just as I was trying to brush it off and go get some alcohol from the refrigerator, Akira-kun flopped down onto the bed he'd been sitting on and looked over at me.

"...I've always wanted you to come over."

"...Because I like you."

Even though he's a high school student, he's taller than me, and his body is that of a man different from mine... Seeing Akira-kun lying there filled me with feelings I couldn't put a name to.