Part 2

(...No one’s around. Now’s my chance…)

No, I can’t! I can’t bury my face in that cushion!

Don’t give in to temptation… as a member of the Nishizono family… I have to… behave with pride!

…Gah, I can’t—!!!

Ah… Like I thought, it smells like a dog… The smell of sunshine, of life…

And it’s still a little warm…

I bet it’d be even warmer if I could pet him… He’s so fluffy too…

…I want to hug him as tight as I can.

And breathe in…

That’s our Shunin, right, Shumai? Who else would be so considerate—

Ah.

!?

…Renga? What are you doing?

I-I was just checking how the cushion felt!

Even if he’s a dog, he’s still my roommate, right? I just thought it wouldn’t be good if the cushion was uncomfortable!!

I see. That’s nice of you.

Let’s say thanks, Shumai.

Wafufu~ Wafuwafu.

You can pet him if you want, you know?

M-me? N-not really? There’s no way I want to touch that fur ball!

But if you insist… I-I guess I don’t really have a choice! I’ll pet him as a special favor.

J-Just for today, okay? …There, there… Pat pat.

You really aren’t honest with your feelings, are you?

I guess we can work on that little by little from now on.

Wafu, Wafuu ♪

…It looks like Shumai has taken a liking to you too.

If there ever comes a time I can’t look after him, can I ask you to help me out~?

Really!?

I-I…mean…

I don’t have that much free time. I don’t want to spend it taking care of a dog!

But if! If you reeeaaaaally can’t find anyone else to do it, then… I can at least take him out on a walk.

Fufu, so reliable. I’ll be counting on you, Renga.