Toman's Catphrodite (Book 2 of Toman's Black Cat)

Shinichiro end part 1

Shinichiro's POV
She's an adult but she seems almost childlike in so many ways.
That being said, I can't budge on making a move. Even though her smile melts my heart...
Wait.
NO SHINICHIRO! KEEP IT TOGETHER!
"Shin!" His heart did somersaults when he heard her call his name. He did his best to rein in any feelings he had to make sure you could always be comfortable coming to him when you wanted to. There's just one difficult thing he can't get over.
He turned to let you embrace him, returning the hug while doing his best to not freak out to much.
She literally does this every time I see her, so why can't I get over it?
"I brought some lunch to share with you since you don't take care of yourself." Her words poked at his heart and he quickly cleared his throat as he pulled away to give, what he hoped, was a calm and collected smile.
"I...do take care...." He wanted the earth to swallow him whole when he stuttered at such a simple answer.
Seeing you give such a knowing and understanding smile made him forget to breathe and also scared you half to death.
Y/n's POV
"Shin! Can you hear me? Are you okay?" I couldn't help but panic at his bright red face and with the way he wasn't breathing, I couldn't help but assume he had some kind of allergic reaction.
I quickly reached for his face, trying to get his attention to focus on me so he could calm down from whatever he was currently panicking over.
"Shin? Shin! Breathe, okay?" I quickly pressed my body against his in a gentle hug. "Breathe with me. Okay?" I ignored him going rigid and focused on our breathing until I was sure he was breathing right again.
"I wasn't....I just..." I pulled back to look up into Shinichiro's eyes, face still bright red. "You're just so pretty..." He gave a soft lopsided grin as he whispered the words, almost like he expected to get a horrible reaction to his compliment.
I let out a relieved sigh. "Shin....if my being pretty makes you stop breathing, then maybe I should downgrade a bit." I giggled and he joined me in my laughed, putting both his hands up.
"No, that wouldn't help. It isn't just your face. It's everything about you."
My eyes widened.
He can't possibly....right? I mean....I visit him all the time but he's never once hinted at feelings.
I'm overthinking.

"What are you thinking about? Did I already freak you out?" Even though he spoke as though he was kidding, it suddenly occurred to me that he was hurting.
"Shin...I like you. If you don't like me...that's okay, because I'm still here. I just thought maybe...you..."
My words were cut off by a quick kiss that also quickly, and literally knocked me off my feet. Shinichiro tried to catch us but we both ended up falling. He froze above me and I could only stare until we both started laughing.
"This brings a whole new meaning to knocking a woman off her feet."
I paused my giggles to being his face close to mine to give a soft peck on his lips. "So..." I whispered against his lips. "This means you like me too, right?" I had to check.
"I can't believe you even have to ask after almost 2 years!"
"I was just checking!"

Shinichiro's POV
He couldn't believe how things turned out. He sighed happily before saying "Wait a moment." He got up, forgetting to pull her off the floor as he ran to the back of his shop. He went into his locked safe and pulled out the one thing he had been hoping to give her all this time, even when he thought it impossible.
He shuffled back to where she was waiting patiently on the floor still, and he couldn't help but think how cute she is.
He knelt in front of her, taking into account the change in her eyes. He pulled out a ring with a heart shaped in the middle.
"I know it doesn't have a diamond but..."
Before he could finish, she lunged at him, almost knocking the ring out of his hands. "YES!"
"Good. This would've been so awkward otherwise."
"You're such a loveable goober, Shin."