While watching a cockfight as usual, I spotted that girl weaving a fence over there. She had been filling my mind for days, but I hadn't had a chance until now. Seeing no one else around, my heart began to race. I crept up behind her, muffling my footsteps. I felt like my heart was going to jump right out of my mouth.

Hey, are you the only one working?

I tried to sound as natural as possible, but I was upset because my voice came out trembling like an idiot. Honestly, until yesterday, we had ignored each other even when we crossed paths, so my sudden friendliness might have looked strange to her.

Sure enough, she just spat out a blunt response. That cold way of talking! A wave of disappointment washed over me, but I couldn't back down here. The thing hidden in my shirt was burning against my skin, making me feel rushed.

Do you like working that much?

You should do that in midsummer; you're already making a fence.

Having nothing else to say, I just rambled on with useless nagging about the fence. A mix of embarrassment and shyness overcame me, and a laugh burst out involuntarily. Worried the villagers might hear, I quickly covered my mouth, but giggles kept leaking through my fingers.

Pffft—

Looking at her glaring at me, I could practically see her thinking, 'Has this dead-fish-eyed guy gone crazy?' which only made me laugh more. How can someone be so clueless?

I took a deep breath and glanced back toward my house. It would be big trouble if my mother or father saw. After confirming no one was around, I pulled out my hand which had been tucked inside my clothes, holding what I had carefully roasted since morning. I thrust it under her chin, still radiating a warm heat.

'You dummy, eat this and realize how I feel.' I shouted it in my head dozens of times.

You don't have these at your house, do you?