I never think negative things.
In fact, it's the opposite. He finds Hime so adorable that sometimes he ends up acting weird like this.
As an older person, I would like to appear more relaxed, but that's just a false bravado.
Therefore, be proactive and be honest without lying.
I thought I should show my weak side to Hime, so I told her honestly.
The reason I'm feeling excited is because Hime is so cute.
"..."
Hime was silent for a moment at his words.
I'm curious. I wonder what kind of expression she's making right now. She definitely doesn't look displeased, so I think she's probably embarrassed.
I'm sure he has a cute expression on his face. It's a shame I can't see it because I'm carrying him on my back.
"Cute, huh?"
Perhaps he had regained his composure while he was silent.
The voice that came back was a little high-pitched, but calmer than I expected.
"...Hehe. Cute, huh?"
No, I'm not in a normal state of mind.
At first, her voice was flat, as if she was trying to cover up her feelings, but now it was bouncy and excited.
It seems like he's happy.
"Yes. You should be aware that you're much cuter than you think. You make my heart flutter."
Since it was a special occasion, I praised him more than usual.
I feel a bit embarrassed to say this, but since I'm already here, I thought I might as well make it clear what I think.
"Maybe Hime is afraid that I'll dislike her. But don't worry, that's absolutely not the case... Even if Hime dislikes you, I won't dislike you."
If this girl were to start to dislike me, then surely there would be something wrong with me.
He must realize that such a wonderful girl is someone he dislikes. He must realize that it is only natural that she would dislike him.
But the reverse is not possible.
Hime herself may think that she has many bad points.
But from my perspective, it was strange how even the bad things that Hime saw as her were attractive.
There's nothing that would make me dislike Hime.
"--That is simply impossible."
And it seems she was thinking something similar to me.
"There's no way I could ever hate you, Yohei."
It was a powerful voice.
She asserted, her voice clearer than usual.
"He's such a wonderful boy who loves me so much."
...it was good.
Apparently, my feelings were conveyed to Hime as well.
Of course, this "like" doesn't necessarily mean the opposite sex.
This means that I like him as a person - or so I think.
"To me, Yohei is the ideal 'big brother'."
But...to be honest, I was a bit hesitant.
(Big brother, huh?)
It's difficult to judge.
Does "big brother" mean older brother or younger sister?
Or does it mean an older man?
It can be read either way.
And depending on which way you interpret it, Hime's feelings will change.
(Maybe Hime isn't even aware of it.)
I think it's an unconscious statement.
Hime doesn't usually use ambiguous expressions. In addition to having a large vocabulary, she is also fluent in speech, so she is good at expressing what she thinks.
However, this time, I felt that the expression was vague precisely because it was unconscious.
(...I guess I shouldn't point that out.)
What would happen if we delved into that here?
Would it advance our relationship? No, I thought it was more likely that Hime would be confused and upset, so I held back my words.
Don't rush.
I don't really notice it when we're talking, but this child is actually eight years old.
So, be careful... and take it slow.
It was the same pace I was walking at now. I wanted to talk to Hime, so I walked down the hallway slower than usual.
This pace is fine.
It's probably best for Hime and I to walk at this slow pace.
With that in mind, I managed to keep my feelings for Hime hidden.
/////
Thank you for always reading!
The cover illustration for this work was published in the status notes.