I knew humans could smile like that, but I'd never seen them up close.

I knew humans could smile like that, but I'd never seen them up close.

.... It began when I saved the girls from being attacked by youkai in the forest.

But that was all.

To be honest, I didn't believe I'd done anything special...

...but since that day, the girls have been coming to see me every now and then.

For the first time, I was smiled upon—smiles free of concern.

The smiles I'd received before...

...had always been a little twitchy and stiff.