“Mirroring”
Upon investigation, it seems to be a term from psychology called the “chameleon effect.” It refers to inadvertently mimicking the gestures of someone you are close to and fond of. There’s even a technique where you intentionally mimic the gestures of someone you want to become closer with, using this mirroring effect.
Well, of course, in her case, she’s not that adept… It’s not a technique for her; rather, unconsciously, she ends up making gestures similar to mine.
“Mom and Dad even said, ‘Your way of speaking has become gentler.'”
“…But wasn’t Shiho always like this?”
“No. Compared to what Kotaro-kun might think, she was much colder… and less energetic, I think.”
Shiho squints her eyes as if reminiscing about the past.
Reflecting on my memories from a year ago, Shiho was indeed much colder back then.
At that time… when I used to call her “Shimotsuki-san,” I thought of her as a girl as cold as ice, indifferent and expressionless.
Now, as “Shiho,” she has become an innocent and passionate girl.
“That’s how influential you are to me, Kotaro-kun.”
Saying this, she smiled shyly.
“Hehe… That’s why I’m a bit scared to take our relationship any further. I don’t know what would become of me if we actually became lovers.”
“I think Shiho is pretty much the same as always.”
“It’s absolutely impossible. It would be good if things changed for the better, though, right? Like, for example… If I were to lean towards yandere, I might end up hurting Kotaro-kun, and that worries me.”
Come to think of it, Shiho’s love carries quite a weight.
I’ve grown so accustomed to it that I hardly think about it these days, but it seems she still has concerns.
However, there’s one thing I can assert about this.
“Shiho is kind, so it’ll be fine.”
I have confidence that she would never hurt me.
I understand this because of the time I’ve spent with her.
She’s not the kind of person who could hurt others.
“Ugh… Well, my ‘love meter’ just went up again. Saying such wonderful things is unfair, you know? Just how much are you planning to increase my liking for you, Kotaro-kun?”
Oh no.
It feels really unfair that she gets so delighted with just my words.
It makes me end up saying embarrassing things like this.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t clearly conveyed my intentions… Maybe I should say it properly.”
Since this is a place Azusa has prepared, it’s a good opportunity to properly convey it.
My feelings.
My desires, I properly conveyed them to Shiho.
“I… I want to be Shiho’s lover.”
I’m ready anytime.
If Shiho wishes for it, I want to move our relationship forward.
Until recently, I’ve only kept her waiting.
But now, even if I’m cowardly or insignificant, as long as I’ve died, I should be able to truly love Shiho.
“If… if it’s okay with you, Shiho… I would be happy if you would go out with me.”
I put my feelings into clear words.
“Because I really love you, Shiho.”
… Now, what kind of answer will Shiho give me?
“Huh? Eh… Eeeh!?”
Carefully watching her, Shiho suddenly turns bright red like a volcano erupting, her eyes spinning in confusion, behaving awkwardly.
I understand this is a crucial moment… but her actions are so amusing that I couldn’t help but burst into laughter…
