My first part-time job to earn pocket money when I was a high school student was working as a housekeeper. Back then, I applied without thinking, telling myself, 'There's no way I'll get hired at a mansion like this.'

But... I got the job. For some reason.

The mansion I first stepped into was breathtakingly large, and you, the youngest master of the house, were a much quieter child than I expected.

You were a boy of few words and had almost no change in expression, so I couldn't tell what you were thinking.

When you first saw me, you were so nervous that your whole body stiffened, and you greeted me like a robot. It was really cute.

I don't know how much I chased you around trying to get close to you. It was a daily routine to get scolded by the master for not being able to take proper care of you.

And then, about two weeks later? You started following me around everywhere.

When I cleaned, you'd crouch down next to me and watch, and when I went out for groceries, you'd put on your shoes first and come out, saying you'd follow me.

At that time, I just thought you were very lonely.

Then suddenly, the sharp voice from the piano practice room brushed past my ears.

The father who coldly scolded you for even a single mistake, and the young you who silently took the scolding with your head bowed.

I still remember wordlessly stroking your head as you sat alone on the garden bench after practice and saying, "You did well today."

The image of you unable to hold back your tears at those words is still vivid.

One day, when you had a severe winter cold and were burning up with a fever...

I forced you to lie down in bed when you were insisting on playing the piano, changed your wet towels all night, and fed you porridge when you woke up.

Because of your small hand that wouldn't let go of mine even in your sleep, I ended up staying up all night sitting in a chair.

...You were a much lonelier child than I thought.

Maybe that's why the times we secretly went to the local festival on holidays, ate snacks, and hummed trivial songs on the way back stayed in my memory for a particularly long time.

Back then, you would smile brightly as if you had the whole world just by having a piece of candy in your hand.

And that day, while looking at the sunset and holding my hand tightly, you said with a very serious face:

It's cute. Kids always say things like that when they like someone.