[His tail is even more of an eyesore like this, but as a small little ball on his backside, he hopes it remains mostly unnoticed. His ears are another story, seeming to act on their own in response to his emotions, twitching or flopping, and falling back at the touch to his throat.

But in response to Rei's teasing is a calm smile. His heartbeat always betrays it, but...]

You shouldn't flatter yourself unnecessarily. [It's cold, the way he says it, even if his body is heating rapidly at just how attractive Rei is. It's Rei Sakuma, after all, and he expected no less.] My heartrate is known to spike for no reason.

[An excuse, but a perfect one to him. His own pale, slender fingers find their way to Rei's chest, touching with more confidence than he really has, and sliding down just slightly.]

There's no need for you to be cautious.