How Ouma affectionately clings to his childhood friend

Yoriko Arisu has two childhood friends.

One is a lazy pudding cat who lounges in front of the game console.

The other is a big black cat who shines while running on the sports field.

***

[Elementary school]

Kids don’t have any awareness of the opposite sex, so playing together is only natural.

[Middle school]

As childhood friends, walking to and from school together, sharing snacks, and patting each other’s heads with nicknames are all normal.

[High school]

Since they’re childhood friends, blocking any romantic rivals is just a small matter, right?

***

“Yoriko, remember to come watch our game tomorrow,” the big black cat said, patting her on the head.

“Yoriko, your mom asked you to come over for dinner tomorrow,” the pudding cat, absorbed in gaming, said softly.

“Yoriko, your bow tie is crooked. Come closer, I’ll fix it for you,” said agile fingers as they helped tie the ribbon.

“Yoriko, don’t like the new flavor? Here, swap with me,” said a bitten popsicle being taken away.

Because they’re childhood friends, being a little close is normal. Right?

***

Until—

Yoriko, who was bored and wanted to try dating, was stopped.

“If you have a lover, it’s probably just like how we usually get along, right?” the pudding cat gently took her hand.

The big black cat hugged her from behind. “If we weren’t this awesome, your mom wouldn’t agree, right?”

Whether it’s the pudding cat or the big black cat, the way they look at her is different from before.