Around the time we went around the terrace, the distance between us, which was a little bit apart at first, became so close that our fingertips touched.

After that, how many more laps did we talk?

When I came to my senses, I realized that I was naturally holding hands with Jake.

Even when we were friends, it was easy to hold hands with him, but now it feels a bit special.

“Hey, Jake.”

He stopped when I called Jake’s name.

“What’s the matter? Mir.”

“The worry I talked about this morning.”

“Ah, worrying about our future?”

“Yes.”

I nodded.

“That being said, I think my thoughts have been sorted out to some extent after spending time with you like this today. I don’t know the exact answer, but I think I know about it.”

“Really?”

Jake asked, seemingly interested.

“Mir, what do you think our future will be like?”

“Um, so…….”

Before giving an answer, I slowly recalled.

That subtle trembling when I first met Jake today.

The title of ‘Lady’, which I feel doesn’t fit well between us, and feels a bit gritty.

The small but sudden touch made my stomach pound more than before.

As much as the time we spent together, our tastes and habits have become a lot alike.

Memories that contain countless moments that bind the two of us together.

All of that was already defining us.

Even if we try to separate, we are inseparable.

It seems like we are more comfortable with each other than anyone else, but in fact, we are very nervous and excited.

“Jake, we started dating yesterday.”

“Yes.”

“But we are still precious and good friends to each other. You think so too, right?”

“Sure. Of course.”

Hearing Jake’s affirmation, I smiled.

We are now somewhere between friends and lovers.

“So I think we will probably become lovers like friends. In the future, we might become a couple like friends.”

“…… !”

Looking into Jake’s eyes, I thought.

Once upon a time, I dreamed of an intense love like a romance novel.

There have been times when I wondered how dizzying a love like playing with fire overnight would be.

But not now.

I liked him for being by my side for so long without knowing it was love.

I liked him like a bonfire that warmed the surroundings without dying off or burning too hard.

How wonderful it would be if he, who was always by my side, were always with me.

I wish enough for that, and I don’t want anything else.

“I like you, Jake. As always……. ung?”

Before I could speak, Jake hugged me tightly.

Now, unlike when he was young, he was taller than me, and he buried his face in my shoulder and murmured.

“Me too, Emir. I really……like you.”

“Yes, so let’s stay together from now on. Let’s stay together like this. Like it was from the beginning.”

“…… yes.”

We hugged each other for so long.

The warmth we shared with each other was warm.

* * *

Time has passed since then, and the day has come to open the prop shop.

The store was all set up and all I had to do was open the door.

I had already sent invitations to a party to celebrate the opening with a few people I knew in social circles, but in fact, I decided to hold a small ceremony before that.

Naturally, it was a ceremony with family and kindergarten friends.

“Now, please take my hand on your way down, Lady?”

Now Jake often makes those kinds of comments naturally.

It was a bit sly and brazen, different from before, but I didn’t hate it.

I didn’t panic, but instead responded.

“What is it, Jay? If you want to escort me, you have to do the right thing. Don’t call me ‘lady’, but ‘my lady’, Sir.”

“Ahaha, okay, my Lady. Be careful.”

“Fufu.”

I laughed out loud at the childish conversation.

“Here, my shop.”

Eventually, I got off the carriage and smiled proudly as I looked at my favorite green sign.

“You told me that opening the store was one of your wishes. Congratulations on making your wish come true.”

“Thank you. I am so happy now.”

I smiled and hugged Jake.

“…… !”

I whispered into his ear, bewildered by the sudden embrace.

“…… You know I’m more happy to have you by my side right now, right?”

But before I could hear Jake’s answer, another voice came from somewhere.

“Hey, I’m here to congratulate you, but you mean I have to watch two lovers hug in broad daylight?”

“Gasp, Your Majesty Ninaina!”

When I lifted my head, I saw Ninaina’s shriveled face.

When did she arrive?

She shrugged her shoulders and said.

“Once you have invited the princess to be a guest, make sure to be polite. I don’t want to see a scene that gives me goosebumps. And here, a small commemorative gift from me personally.”

As soon as Ninaina had finished speaking, the palace servants started to come in from outside carrying large and small boxes.

“…… ?!”

It wasn’t ‘small’ at all.

Me, Jake, and Ninaina greeted the other friends that were arriving one by one.

When I saw the small shop full of gifts they brought, I burst out laughing.

The problem is that my friends are too much.

It’s not that I hate it though.

‘Anyway, we’re all here now. So let’s start the ceremony.’

I cleared my voice a little.

“Now, thank you all for coming to the opening ceremony of my prop shop!”

I smiled brightly at their congratulations.