Piercing the Clouds (Younger Partner, Cute Short Story)

"I... I need to think about it," I said. "What is there to think about? Tell me what's bothering you, and we can talk it over." Bird actually adopted a dogged, won't-take-no-for-an-answer attitude. I didn't have any concerns. I just had a secret. A long time ago, before I qualified to compete in the interstellar championships, I snuck into the audience to watch Bird compete. That alone would have been embarrassing enough, but afterward I went to wait for him, my heart pounding like a brainless little fan as I begged him to shake my hand. That alone would have been embarrassing enough, but after we shook hands, I looked him right in the eye and said, completely seriously, "One day, I'll become just like you." ...Whenever I remember that, even my thick skin can't withstand the embarrassment. All I want is to get as far away from him as possible. Especially since, in the end, I never did become like him. Theme: