Hime was sulking. She seemed a little unhappy about being called a child.
"...That's strange. Until recently, I didn't mind being treated like a child, in fact I was happy about it."
Hime muttered, tilting her head.
It's interesting to see how he analyzes his situation logically without getting emotional.
It seems that Hime is confused by this change in her feelings.
"The human heart is complicated. Even though it's about me, I don't really understand it."
"Hime... did you hate being treated like a child that much?"
In fact, I was reflecting on my actions. I had never meant to belittle her, but I regret that I should not have used the word "child."
Of course, I didn't mean to look down on her just because she was younger, or to assert that I was superior. I think it was an unconscious comment, and Hime understood that... but even so, I think I may have been inconsiderate enough.
As I was thinking about this, Hime shook her head in a panic.
"Um, it's not your fault, Yohei... please don't be upset."
--No good.
I immediately realized that Hime was feeling guilty, and I shook off the negative thoughts.
Although she has become more natural with me now, she has always been the type of person who doesn't want to cause trouble for others. It's good that she's a kind and considerate girl, but sometimes she can be too considerate. Even now, when she saw how I was, she let out a sad voice.
"I'm not depressed. I just thought that if you don't like being treated like a child, maybe I should refrain from patting you on the head."
The words that came to mind to cover up the situation were a bit forceful.
Hime probably somehow senses my state of mind. Not only is she smart, she also keeps a close eye on me. I can't lie to her.
However, she also understands my feelings that I don't want Hime to be depressed.
That's why he pretended not to notice that I was trying to cover up.
"Hehe... I like being petted. Please don't stop."
Hime's expression seems softer somehow.
His cheeks relaxed, as if he was relieved.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for causing you trouble, Youhei... But I can really tell that you care about me. That alone makes me very happy."
As expected, she accepted my feelings.
I think what's so charming about Hime is that she's happy about it. I couldn't help but laugh too.
"I'm sorry too. This is the first time I've been able to become this close with a girl, so sometimes I don't know how to interact with her."
"There's no need to apologize. I don't really understand myself that well... People's hearts are complicated."
At eight years old, Hime talks philosophical things.
She was right: the human mind is too complex to comprehend.
"...Since meeting Youhei, I've realized that I've gradually changed. While I've become more and more happy, I sometimes feel troubled.
"It's true, Hime may be changing little by little. Ah, in a good way, of course... I feel like she's becoming cuter."
"It's embarrassing to think that I'm becoming cute. Please stop."
Even as she said this, she was happily wiggling her lips.
She smiles so happily at my words. There's no way I wouldn't find it cute.
"Maybe I'm growing up too. I feel like I'm getting closer to becoming an adult with each passing day."
"Yeah, I think so."
It gets bigger little by little.
To be honest, I still only see Hime as an eight-year-old child.
But someday... when she grows up more.
At that time, I'm sure I'll no longer think of Hime as a "child"--.