[Music Recommendation: "Usui Takumi" theme (Kaichou wa Maid-sama OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

[Please note: We're still on Kaiden's POV since he's not yet done plotting—I mean, planning—with his mother XD]

Liking someone… It's not like I'm oblivious to it. In truth, that was normal for anyone—even for someone like me who had zero interest. In my 16 years of life, so far I had met countless beautiful women, who even tried to seduce or flirt with me, but I was never impressed.

Despite their beautiful appearances, I didn't feel any ounce of interest. Because of that, I thought I wasn't normal since usually, people develop crushes or any form of interest with the opposite sex at my age.

There were very few people that I liked and took notice of—and they were none other than my friends and family. If I didn't include my childhood friends, most people I took interest with, were smart and skillful people. They were more interesting than the others. They never spout nonsense—which I hate—except when they're joking. So I befriended them.

Considering all those things, I asked myself… How did I end up liking her then?

The very first time we met, which was on an online game—not even the real world, my first impression of her was that… she was just a lucky noob. Yeah. She managed to find the hardest place to find in Armageddon, and even got a Sacred Weapon despite her low level. If that wasn't luck, I wouldn't know what to call it.

Then, when we talked over chat, I noticed she kept on saying interesting things—especially the one about virtual reality. I loved that idea. Since she believed in it, too, I accepted her in my "interesting people" list, and agreed to be friends with her. I still doubted if she was a girl at that time, and being real, but the ideas were nice so I considered it.

The next moment we talked, still in-game, I was surprised. She was crying. It was the issue with her dad and really unfortunate. I didn't know what got into me, but hearing her for the first time during a call, crying, made me worried for her. Good thing everything went well afterwards.

After that, we played together like normal friends. She was such a noob but she learned fast which was great or I would have given up teaching her. I didn't have that much patience anyway. But she was funny. Yeah, it was fun playing with her.

Then… the first day we met in person, she was crying again! Crying over tripping on me… as if I'd kill her for that. If it's others maybe… but for some reason, I didn't mind if it's her.

And that moment when I first saw her face in person… I thought she was beautiful. Not just beautiful in a sense that she had a pretty face but there was something… fuzzy and warm that started to build up inside me.

Maybe it started from that time? Then lots of things happened after and my simple "like" evolved to something else. I kept wanting more… I even developed a feeling of possessiveness—not wanting her to be touched by others—which was selfish of me since I couldn't even touch her on my own.

And then, earlier, she was crying again, thinking I was a ghost. I didn't mean to scare her. I did my best to calm her down. I hated seeing her cry. But aside from that, I liked how she fell asleep in my arms.

My heart thumped loudly at that time. I felt nervous since she might accidentally touch my skin which I wasn't sure yet if I could handle. But I also liked her warmth. If I'd be honest, I didn't even want to let go.

Wanting to hold someone so badly… I never felt that way before.

Wanting more of her time and attention… I noticed I had become greedy.

And the loud throbbing in my heart… it could only mean one thing.

"I… I like Senara."

Yeah… "like" in a special way, not just friends.

But the problem was, I didn't know how to handle these feelings. And how to make her "like" me in return.

"So mother, how should I do this 'fake-girlfriend' plan of yours?"

"Ho-ho-ho-ho! It's easy my dear son. I'm sure you'll be able to pull it off."

"How so?"

"First, all you need to do is talk to her. Make a deal with her, like those business deals you do with your father."

"I see. A deal, huh?" I tried to ponder what kind of deal would be good. "That's it! She liked writing. So I can offer a film adaptation to one of her books."

"Uh-huh. Not so bad, my dear son," she nodded approvingly. "Knowing what your girl likes is a very great trait."

"But what reason will I give? What if she asks why I'm making a deal with her? I can't just admit that I like her. What If she runs away or gets scared of me? It hasn't even been a year since we've known each other."

"It's going to be fine. Just tell her that you're annoyed with me, your father, and sister, and since I kept on bugging you, you can't take it anymore and came up with this solution."

"Hmm… alright. That could work. And then what? If she agrees, what should I do next?"

Mother's eyes glimmered in excitement.

"That's the best part! You can treat her as your girlfriend and you can do lovey-dovey things couples do until she's used to it! I'm sure she'll fall in love with you along the way."

"Will that really work?"

"Of course! After all, the best way to a woman's heart is by spending more time with her."

"I'm already spending time with her. Both at school and at home."

"Not that. You need to go on dates, my dear son. Go to romantic places and do things together. And you may want to start curing that condition of yours."

"Ugh… yes."

"Don't worry too much, son. You were able to like a girl. Soon, you'd be wanting to touch her and maybe that can help. Your therapist said exposure is one way to cure it. Maybe you can try touching Senara. You're good with touching us, your family, and even made it possible with Callan and Verrill. Maybe… once you become closer, you'll be able to do the same with her."

I sighed deeply. Yes, she was right. I really need to work on that.

"I'll try."

"You're doing great, son," she smiled warmly—something she seldomly do. She got up after and embraced me, patting my head gently.

Aside from her bullying tendencies like me, I love my mother just like my father. When serious, she could be a really great, supportive, and understanding mother.

"But on a side note, I need to teach you what couples do. Knowing you, you'll probably take her to boring places during dates. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! There's so many things I need to teach you."

"Ha-ha-ha! I look forward to your guidance then."

"Yes, leave it to this gorgeous mother of yours."

"Thank you."

"Awwww. You're welcome, my dear son."