After Lilly came down, we sat awkwardly on the couch, and my parents left us alone. 

Dad probably went to his study, and Mom was probably in their room reading a novel or something. 

And they left us with this semi-awkward atmosphere… 

Please, save me…. I began to think. 

Lilly, on the other hand, had cute lavender-colored pajamas, which I think suited her, and she was so damn adorable…. 

The problem is… what do we talk about? 

As I was groaning in pain, not literally, of course. 

Lilly grabbed the hem of my hoodie. 

She didn’t say anything, but I could tell she wanted something. 

“… Lilly, i-it looks good o-on you….” 

I managed to compliment her, but… dammit all, why did I stutter! 

And it’s all Dad's fault! And no, I didn’t also forget about you, NO’s either! 

When Lilly returned, I had to hide the ‘item’ Dad gave me, and I still have it! 

I can only imagine the cold stare she’d give me if she found out…. 

While I was thinking in rapid-fire mode, Lilly stared at me with a sheepish expression. 

“T-thank y-you!” she uttered. 

“.....” 

“.....” 

Ahh…. 

Awkward silence. Welcome back! 

Heck, what am I saying! 

Guys, I need your help to fix this…. 

“.....” 

Okay, I guess not….. 

As Lilly and I sat there in silence. I could only stare at the TV, yes… I’m a coward…. Wait, I’m not really awkward… oh right, thanks, Dad…. 

Sigh

As I sighed, Lilly noticed that I was bothered by something and began talking. 

“Luke… what do you usually do?” she asked in a low voice. 

“... I do house chores?” 

“.....” 

“.....” 

“I also read….” 

When I said I ‘read,’ Lilly’s eyes sparkled. 

“... You do? What kind of books?” Lilly curiously asked. 

“Well, it depends?” 

Knowing I was a little vague, I asked if she was a reader.

“Do you read Lilly?” 

She nodded. 

“Yes! I love reading!” 

She sounded excited and grabbed my arm, and leaned close to me. Our face was relatively close, which of course, excited me…. 

“I-I see. T-then… what genre?” 

When I asked this, Lilly froze.

Huh? Did I hit a sore spot? 

She let go of my arm, grabbed the nearest cushion, and hugged it. 

She then hid her face behind it and shyly poked her head up. 

“Y… you won’t laugh?” she asked in a quivered voice. 

“... Of course not,” I replied 

Why would she think I’d laugh at what she was reading? 

“I like fantasy….” 

Fantasy? It’s pretty standard, so… why was she shy about it? 

“A sub-genre of fantasy?” 

“No… just normal plain fantasy,” she said while she shook her head. 

Somehow… the atmosphere felt rather heavy…. 

“What’s there to be ashamed of?” I later asked. 

When asked this, Lilly’s eyes widened. And she stopped hiding behind the cushion. 

“... The girls in my old school made fun of me… for not reading mature romance stories like everybody else….” 

Ooh, I see.

I moved closer and put my arm around her shoulder. 

You know… screw it, it was bold of me… but I knew she didn’t hate it… since she leaned in and rested her head on my chest.  

I was nervous, but… if it comforted her, I’d gladly do it. 

“You know… I think they were just jealous of you.” 

“Huh…?” 

“No, well… I mean. I think they deep down wanted to do whatever they wanted as well, without following trends, you know?” 

Hearing the rest of my explanation, Lilly seemed to understand and let out a cute gasp. 

“I like reading fantasy stories, too,” I added. 

“Thanks,” she whispered. 

Although I couldn’t see her face, I could tell she was embarrassed as her ears were bright red. 

To be honest… I think the situation we’re in is quite abnormal. And I don’t have any doubts that she actually likes me. 

She’s sweet to me, shows me all kinds of reactions, and even opens up about her insecurities. Heck, she doesn't mind me being touchy! 

Okay, Luke, JUST DO IT!

And when I was about to confront her about my feelings. 

Something slipped out of my pocket, and she picked it up. 

I, of course, panicked and froze up on the spot. 

Lilly, upon noticing what it was. 

Short-circuited and steam came out of her head. Covering her face while lying on my lap. 

Sigh…. 

Okay, deep breaths, keep calm, Luke, be calm. 

HELL NO! 

DAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!!! FIIIIIIIIIIX THIIIIIIIIIIIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!