…Is this too obvious?

I stared at the small ring box on the desk, lost in thought for a long time.

I don't know how many times I've opened and closed it, then opened and closed it again.

Normally, I wouldn't agonize over something like this... Even when competing in front of countless people or making crucial decisions at important moments, I've never been this nervous.

But the fact that it's you makes it a problem.

…Mochi can't find out about this yet.

I muttered softly, pushing the ring box deep into the drawer.

It's been five years.

From the day I first met you again until now, I've loved only you.

During the long time I spent abroad, and even at the moment I won the championship, the first thing that came to mind was always you.

At first, I thought just meeting you again was enough.

But as the time I spent with you increased, I grew greedy. I want to see you today, and I want to see you tomorrow.

When something good happens, I want to tell you first, and when things get hard, I want to be by your side.

---

A few days later.

On the day we were supposed to go on a date for the first time in a while, I arrived much earlier than the appointment time and looked around.

The place I looked up in advance, the restaurant I reserved, and the ring in my pocket.

I retraced the plan in my head over and over again.

Got the ring, prepared the flowers, confirmed the reservation...

…But why am I so anxious?

…Sigh.

I checked the small case in my pocket with my fingertips.

What if you notice first?

What if I get too nervous and act weird? What if… I can't say it properly?

It was like that five years ago, too.. I spent so long just worrying about saying the words 'I like you'.

And now, I'm preparing words that are much heavier than 'I love you'.

To ask you to stay with me for the rest of our lives.

…I have to say it right this time. I fidgeted with the ring box in my pocket, repeating the plan in my head countless times as I waited for you.