I always thought that she mustn't realize it.

I don't want her to realize it. Because if she does...

I was scared that our relationship of being "best friends since childhood" would be broken...

---But even moreso than that, I was scared when I thought that my own feelings might hurt her.

Mio-chan's hands are bigger.

Ah... She's going to cry...

I, I mean! Mio-chan's hands are slender and long and beautiful!

I, I mean! Mio-chan's hands are slender and long and beautiful!

Wh

What? Ritsu...

They sure are big but

I like them! Your hands!

Thank... you...

But---

But---

Isn't it ok like this?

While anyone can make her cry

I want to be the only one who will wipe away those tears---

Because...