She’s so swift with every dance move she does… Umeki really had to put some hard work into this album, huh? It really seems impossible in my eyes, how she’s able to do all this. She grew since the last time I watched her.

Last week, I went to Umeki’s house to prepare him for his upcoming show. He wasn’t too pleased with the progress he was making, which was close to none, but I think a little encouragement from his closest fan helped him. Now, she’s here on stage, doing the little hand gestures I told her to do.

——Wait, it’s the last song already? Oh, this one’s gonna be beyond human comprehension!

It’s exactly… how I practiced with him. She’s not moving a muscle except for the words coming onto her mind and into the microphone. It’ll be like this until the chorus if I remember correctly, I’ll just wait and admire the piano while the peace is still there.

And then before I realize it, heavy metal is lacing my ears, followed by the entire stage turning red and Umeki dancing at least one move every half a second. From an outside perspective, it would look like she’s just doing random movements, but behind her screaming, she’s recalling each and every step I taught him. I’m so proud…

**

When the song is over, Umeki makes her usual signal to meet her backstage, avoiding all the other people who try to surround her as she makes it backstage. I follow, close behind, seeing as I’m seated quite close to the stage.

As I sit down, I realize she’s definitely upgraded the place since last time… “Meki, what’d ya do with the place?” She shakes her head at me, and I know she’s changing into her non-performance clothes. I wait, and she’s back— except she’s her original gender again, a man, and sits down on the other chair, facing me.

“Ana, all I did was tidy things up a little. It’s _that_ shocking?” “Actually, no, Uki. By now, anyone who has been to your house even once has to know you’re a serious neat freak.”

We don’t talk for another minute before I strike a convo.

“You know, Uki, what made you start to crossdress?” He goes a bit red, then says, “Well, I think the person I admire the most… my crush, in a sense… prefers women. Why, is there something wrong?” I shake my head, but as my hands shake furiously, it’s only natural he notices.

“Uki, I… I think my crush likes some else, and—“ I can barely breathe, so I take a deep breath with my mouth, “—and don’t think of myself as even a presentable person! They just think of me as ‘a unique being’! Not in a good way either!” Oh god, water’s flowing down my face, isn’t it? I’m so thirsty, but all I can do is sit there, practically frozen, as Umeki’s eyes meet mine. It’s getting harder to breathe…

And suddenly, he scoots in the small wooden chair he sits on, and positions my head right beneath his neck. I don’t want to stain any of his clothing, but at the same time, I can’t give up his offer. So, all I do is sob hopelessly in his chest, wishing I could have some water.

After what feels like five minutes passes by, I’m feeling better, but I can’t let myself get off his chest for some strange reason. Maybe it’s the fact I’m in love or that he let me sob there in the first place. Whatever it is, I can’t help myself… I think I wanna get a little closer…

A little closer…

Now, I put my lips onto his neck, but it’s not a kiss. Yet? Oh gosh, even the thought is gonna make my body temperature rise, but I force his neck just a little closer by putting my hand onto the back of it and pushing it just a little. To go any higher than this would be pushing this opportunity a little bit too far, but I think this will be enough to satisfy my cravings… I think?

_A little closer… it can’t hurt, right?…_

Aw, gosh… I don’t feel like going any higher from here, but what would I know? I slowly slide my lips up to his chin, barely touching his skin. I don’t have any idea why he doesn’t stop this— after all, he’s the best performer I’ve ever seen, and no ordinary person like me deserves this, but… I—

_Wait, what’s going on!?_

…

Oh, is this what paradise is like? Did he really just… take my head off his chin and placed it right on his lips? Am I dreaming, or is this truly what I am seeing? I…

I probably look like a red tomato right now…

He pulls away sooner than my skin can return to its natural color. “Sorry about that, Ana… it’s just… you were taking too long.”

“Too long!? I truly thought I was going way too fast for you!” He laughs, but it’s a type of laugh I’ve never heard from him before. “If I were you, I would’ve just gone right in for the kill. We _have_ known each other for three years, after all.”

“Demonstrate?”

Another laugh, followed by, “You’re so incredibly greedy.”

And then paradise strikes again.

So this…

…is love?

I can’t help but feel vulnerable… but it’s the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever experienced.

He pulls away, and we stare at each other.

“Uki, you’re good at this. You had practice or something?” I better make him embarrassed just to change the mood… but he’s also at his cutest when he’s red and stuttering…

“No, aside from my family, this is my first kiss, so you’re pretty lucky. Also, there’s no point in trying to make me embarrassed, I happen to have used all that energy in putting your head on my shirt in the first place.”

“Dang…”

“Well, want me to walk you home, Ana?”

“That would be lovely.”

He may be on tour, but this memory will last me until he gets back and even longer.