A year ago, Arrietty Clock, her parents, and a Borrower around her age named Spiller left the house the former three used to live in. They had been seen by humans, and Borrowers weren't supposed to be seen. Even though one of the humans, a boy younger than Arrietty named Sho, was gentle, nice, saved her life, and helped her save her mother's life, her parents still didn't trust him.

She kept it to herself, but she thought Sho was handsome. When he saw her in the room he was sleeping in, she immediately developed a crush on him. She never confessed her love to him, and that was a regret she felt she'd have to live with.

She knew that her parents wanted her to marry Spiller because that would ensure the survival of the Clock family for another generation, but she would rather be with Sho. When the two of them were the only ones around, she said, "Spiller, I… I don't want you to be the one I spend my life with."

Spiller said, "Understand. Will live here."

The way he spoke was different than the way the Clock family or Sho spoke. Arrietty knew better than to tell him that the one she did want to spend her life with was the human who saved her and her mother's lives despite those facts.

Another year passed, and Arrietty was now old enough to set out on her own. She said her goodbyes to her parents and Spiller and headed out. She said that she was looking for another man to be with, so while she wasn't lying to them, she still deceived them.

She knew better than to call his name because that would attract other humans and predators. As if by divine intervention, Sho was in the area, and he wanted to see her again. He didn't call her name, either, because it would attract attention from other humans.

The young girl was cautious, but upon seeing Sho and not seeing any other humans, she ran out into the open and said, "Sho!"

He recognized her voice the instant he heard it and said, "Arrietty!"

He saw her at his feet. He lowered his hand to her, and she got on. She never noticed how good if felt to be held until then, but his hand was soft and warm. She said, "I missed you so much!"

He said, "I missed you, too! You're so beautiful!"

Seeing her chance, she said, "Sho, you're a handsome boy! And… I love you!"

He blushed, but he said, "I can protect you as your boyfriend. So let's start dating!"

She said, "I want to live with you."

He smiled and hugged her. His heartbeat soothed her, and she fell asleep in his hand, snuggling his thumb. He promised to himself that he would protect his childhood friend turned girlfriend.