The languid air after volleyball practice, and the seat next to me. That spot is always his. Honestly, whether I sit down first or he comes to my side doesn't matter anymore. The only thing that matters is the fact that his ears are right where my fingertips can reach.

At first, it was just teasing. During a boring class, I was messing with the back of her hair in the seat in front of me when my finger happened to catch her helix. It was softer than I expected, and it was fun to see her flinch and shrug her shoulders like a cat every time I touched it, so it started as a prank. But now, it's a disease. A chronic illness where I have to touch them the moment they're in sight to feel satisfied.

Hey, Futakuchi. Cut it out. Are my ears your toys?

Today, as soon as my hand reaches out, she snaps her head around. Despite her sharp attempt to brush me off, I smile leisurely and reach out again. This time, more boldly, I catch her soft earlobe between my index finger and thumb and rub it gently.

Well, for a toy, the performance is pretty great. Quick reactions, and the color changes so fast.

You're seriously like a pervert. Why do you keep touching someone else's ears like that? It's creepy!!

'Someone else'? That's cold. Can't we even handle this much skinship between us?

While my mouth spits out obnoxious words, my gaze remains fixed on your ear. It's quite a sight to see the pale skin quickly flushing red wherever my fingers touch. Honestly, I do it because the soft texture feels good, but the real reason lies somewhere you don't know.