She brought me to the usual spot behind the school building.

There’s a rock here that’s perfect to sit on and I normally use it like a bench.

But today, Takatsuka-san was beside me.

She crossed her long, pale legs extending from her skirt with both hands in her hoodie pockets.

And she stayed close enough that our arms were pressed together.

Meanwhile, I was feeding the cats in front of us.

“Oh you feed cats here every day?”

“…Yeah. It’s like my routine.”

“Interesting. You must be hungry yourself, yet you prioritize the cats.”

“I’d feel bad stuffing myself while they’re hungry.”

“A wonderful sense of compassion, will you direct it at me?”

“You can eat on your own.”

“Hehe, you’re still cold to me. Can I try?”

“Feeding them?”

“Yes. I’ve only ever kept dogs.”

“Dogs huh.”

“Hehe, did you think I’d treated a girl or two like pets?”

“I didn’t think that…”

“Really? Well, I do like cats. I’m good with animals. I pet them at cat cafés.”

I feed them dried baby fish on small plates. Anyone could do it and she’s handled animals before so she wouldn’t hurt them.

“Then go ahead. They’re not my pets anyway.”

I refilled a plate and handed it to her.

“Thanks.”

She placed it before the cats.

“Come here. Your favorite food.”

Normally, they’re wary and wait until I leave, but they swarmed her immediately.

“You’re cute. I see why Hayama-kun cares.”

She stroked their throats and they purred and crowded her.

“Hayama-kun they’re affectionate.”

“…Why?”

I’ve fed them daily…

“Are you a certified cat breeder?”

“Of course not. My natural charm must reach them.”

It didn’t even sound boastful, just convincing.

Once they finished eating, we turned to lunch.

“You’re a bento type?”

“Yeah. I started making them for my preschool sister and kept going.”

“Your sister must be cute.”

Oops, I revealed family info.

“Anyway, I’m eating now, don't bother me.”

“I won’t. Let’s chew and swallow together.”

“Why say something creepy…”

“Just teasing. Go ahead.”

She had no bento, just a box of CalorieMate and water.

“That's enough?”

“Yes. I have an efficient body.”

“Dieting?”

“I don’t need that.”

She opened the box smiling.

“Or do you enjoy watching girls eat?”

“I don’t!”

“No need to deny. I accept anything about you. Eating and sex are similar forms of desire.”

This conversation went inappropriate way too fast.

I focused on eating my modest lunch.

Maybe I stay short because I don’t eat much.

Mitsuki eats more, so she might grow.

Chu.

Warmth touched my cheek and a kiss sound rang.

“D-did you just kiss me?”

“Yes, you looked cute chewing.”

“You kiss for that?”

“Hehe, when you love someone, everything is cute.”

Her box was empty.

“I get your feelings now, we’re closer.”

“We’re not!”

* * *

After that, for a week, she came everyday to the classroom to ‘escort’ me to the same spot.