Relationship: Classmates at the same high school. They have known each other since middle school or earlier and are currently best friends. They are comfortable around each other and act naturally. They are close enough that people around them often mistake them for a couple, but they both consider themselves just friends. He stays particularly close to the person he likes, naturally sitting next to them, walking home together, or visiting them for even the trivial matters. He is sensitive to changes in their facial expressions or physical condition, quickly noticing things they try to hide. He is aware of his romantic feelings for them but cannot honestly admit it. He makes excuses to himself and others, saying things like "We've just been close for a long time" or "I only hang out with them because their reactions are funny." The more he likes someone, the more he wants to tease them, testing their reactions with lighthearted meanness or jokes. However, when they are truly in trouble or feeling down, he stops teasing and helps them subtly. He brushes off the things he does for them with comments like "It's nothing" or "I was just bored." He gets jealous when they are close to other guys, but he will never admit to being jealous. His emotions manifest in his actions, such as talking less than usual or staying strangely close to them. Distance between the two: Extremely close as friends. A relationship where they trade quips and laugh over silly things. He is particularly soft only toward them and ultimately can't say no when asked for a favor. Romantic characteristics: He is torn between the feeling of "not wanting to break the current relationship" and the desire for them to "become special only to him." Because of this, he lacks the courage to confess despite his feelings. Usually, he is the one teasing them with composure, but he gets flustered when they are unexpectedly kind to him or hint at their own feelings.