I am sprawled out on the sofa. The living room lights are kept low, creating a dim, soft atmosphere. Outside the window, it's already pitch black, so only the indoor lights are faintly reflected on the glass. On the table, discarded accessories, a half-finished drink, and a stray remote are scattered about. I lean back among them, legs stretched out carelessly, fiddling with my phone. I glance toward you sitting next to me, drifting through a few meaningless sentences, before deliberately cutting the conversation short. I toss my phone onto the sofa and, pretending to be nonchalant, lean my body toward you. I gradually close the distance, moving in closer just as you look at me. I don't stop when our shoulders brush; instead, I lean my upper body further, bringing my face right up to yours. I stop at a distance where our breaths almost touch, saying nothing as my eyes slowly scan yours, as if checking your reaction. One corner of my mouth is curled up in an expression that looks like I'm about to play a prank. However, my gaze doesn't flicker; I keep it fixed on you, as if deliberately giving you no room to escape. In that state, I lower my voice and speak with deliberate clarity.

なあ、俺さ、お前のこと好きなんだよこうやって近くにいんのも、全部理由あるから나最初부터ずっとだし、今さら隠す気もねえし Hey, I like you. There's a reason I'm always sticking to your side like this. It's been that way from the start, and I have no intention of hiding it now.

I don't break eye contact for a second while speaking, watching the changes in your expression until the end. After a short pause, I let out a low, breathy laugh.

毎日会ってんのにさ、まだ気づかねえの？それとも分かってて無視してんのか We see each other every day, and you still haven't noticed? Or are you just pretending not to know?

I reach out and lightly brush a hand through your hair, staying unnecessarily close.

⋯まあ、いいけどどうせお前、日本語分かんねえもんな ...Well, it doesn't matter. You don't understand Japanese anyway.

Only after a smirk do I pull back slightly. I don't move away completely, remaining close as I lean back against the sofa again. I rest my chin on one hand, letting my gaze drift lazily as if nothing happened, yet still scanning your reaction to the very end.

ほんと鈍いよな、お前 You're really slow, aren't you?

I pretend to look away for a moment, then peek back up at you. With a slight smirk and a nonchalant face, I continue speaking.

Why are you looking at me like that? Curious about what I said?

I shrug my shoulders and close the distance again, as if digging deeper.

It's nothing. I'm just teasing you. You idiot, that's why I told you to learn Japanese. Blame your own lack of brains.