#(Commissioned artist: Fluffypepole(dA). I've permission to use as icon)

[queenharumiura]

"Who's hotter? Me or the 10th?" (Dera, our main verse.)

[Original] ||Accepting|| @whiskeysmulti

Without missing a beat, "you are, of course." Was that even a question? "I only have eyes for you, Hayato. You'll always be the most attractive in my eyes."

What was it that many people said? Love sees through rose tinted glasses? Well, was there any reason for her to find anyone more attractive than Gokudera? Her boyfriend? There was no reason.

She tugs on his sleeve, "your only competition would be your future-self as my husband, hm?" A cheeky bean she is, sometimes.

[queenharumiura]

Haru was surprised by the lil head pat and she wiggles her head a little bit out of reach. "You're messing with Haru's hair." She whines.

"Haru is a good person, yes, and Calcifer-san is a nice Demon." Oh, maybe that was an insult? "Haru likes that about you, you're friendly!" Does that make it okay???

"Yeah. I would say so," Calcifer plops a hand on her head. Pap pap.

"You're a good kid, Haru-chan. Don't ever lose that spark."

[queenharumiura]

He was running late, but he had to search for the right gift, Tsuna wouldn't give up without finding something special for Haru. As she was a special friend to him, she deserved the best he could afford. He didn't have much money, but knew she enjoyed cake and the box animals so a quick stop to get a piece of vanilla cake for her and a stuffed lion that looked like Natsu was all it took. Finding Haru, Tsuna handed over the gifts with a bow. "Sorry I'm late, Haru-chan. I didn't know what you like."

[Haru Bday 2k24 Ask] ||Accepting|| @whiskeysmulti

Haru was taken by surprise, not expecting for someone to find her at this time of day. She accepts the presents and she remembers the time. It wasn't the new day yet, so he wasn't late at all, technically speaking.

The stuffed lion plush was very cute, and it was reminiscent of a certain box animal. It was chosen for this express reason, no doubt. "Thank you so much, Tsuna-san~ Haru appreciates the gift."

There was a part of her that would've been disappointed had he glossed over her birthday when the others have celebrated it. Even if late, he still celebrated it with things that she'd like, and that was what mattered to her.

She hugs the plush closer to herself. "The lion is very cute. I think... I'll name him 'Kuri'." He's the same color as chestnuts! It also kind of works with how 'Natsu' sounds like 'nuts'. Quite fitting, isn't it?

[queenharumiura]

Her heart fluttered when he leaned into her hand and rubbed against it. It felt like he was opening up to her more and was trying to accept her display of affections, meeting them in kind with his own small gestures. There was a small part of her that thought that he wouldn’t react at all, but maybe that was simply past experiences talking where her affections went ignored for a number of years.

Having her affections be accepted and reciprocated was something still somewhat new to her and it made her fluster every time.

“Haru is patient and she can understand that you need time to get used to it. Thank you for saying you’ll try.”

She knew that Gokudera wouldn’t say empty promises, so if he said he’d try- he would. It was something they both had in common, they do as they say, and they’ll say what they mean.

"I love you, Hayato. You are the world to me."

She felt that it needed to be said again. It was still new to them after having just professed their feelings to eachother today, so she wanted to form a habit early- lest he ever forget or doubt that she loves him.

Taking a compliment at face value wasn't so easy for a guy who'd been told most of his life that he was insignificant, that he wasn't worth it. To hear her telling him to his face right now that he was indeed worth it to her, and that she loved him just the way he was when so many girls in the past didn't, made him melt a little if he was being honest.

Letting his guard down wasn't always so easy, but Gokudera was learning more and more every day that he was indeed safe with Haru. He leaned against her hand, gently rubbing his face, feeling how soft her touch was, how gentle she was with him in spite of everything. It was comforting and reassuring knowing she would still love him flaws and all.

"It might take me a while to get used to it, but I promise I'll try to let you in a little more at least."

[queenharumiura]

Haru smiles brightly, loving to see him so appreciative of his mother. It was easy to take one’s parents for granted or to not be grateful for the sacrifices that their parents made (Haru’s going to ignore the fact that some ‘parents’ aren’t worthy of positive feelings). “Haru can tell that she raised you well, you turned out to be so kind and admirable~” She wasn’t just saying so as lip-service either. She knew of parents who abandoned their children, or those who shipped their children off to another country without even a guardian to look after them. There was another parent who just let their child run away from home and never made an effort to contact them again afterwards.

‘Hm? Maybe that’s just a mafia thing?’ That was the common ground between all of the examples. ‘Maybe that’s why Nana-san ends up looking after everyone in her home?’ She didn’t know the story behind Ryuji’s father, but a father figure consistently hasn’t been mentioned, so either he left the picture early on, or he was just a real piece of… work of a human.

“Mhm, Haru’s family is a busy one. We keep ourselves busy, like bees or ants. It feels weird to not have something to do every day.” Where else would she release all the energy that she recharges during the night? “It’s really nice, because we both like to show our affection through food, so bonding over food is important in the Miura household.” There was a reason why she often liked to make food to share with all of her friends, especially with Tsunayoshi Sawada. The reason for it has changed over the years, but she still did it out of affection.

Did she have a teacher at home? Sure did! He was patient and strict with her at the same time, and he expected a lot out of her and pushed her to excel with her grades. “Yes! Education also means a lot to our Miura household, so Haru is a very good student!” She seemed to puff out her chest with pride. She may be a clumsy girl, but she was a student of Midori, an elite all girl’s school.

“Practice makes perfection, and Haru’s sure you’ll get it mastered soon.” He seemed like he’d be the sort to diligently keep practicing if only to bring a smile onto his mother’s face, and the thought brought a fuzzy feeling in Haru’s chest. There was a sense of excitement in anticipating her reaction in the future.

“Roger~ Haru will send you a copy of the selfie. When you make a crown for your mother, you should take another selfie. Haru would love to see it.” They say that sharing grief halves the pain, but sharing the joy doubles it!

“Yeah she’s the best Ma I ever could have asked for and she did her best to raise me as best as she could, so I just want to look after her if I can,” More than anything else, he wanted to see his Ma taken care of and provided for - his own dreams or goals didn’t matter - that was his prevailing job in life - to look after the woman who had spent so many years of her life looking after him.

“Seems like you just have a really busy family overall,” He manages a small chuckle at this, glad that it wasn’t a situation where her parents were working all the time or didn’t have time for her or something like that - he’d known a few classmates with parents like that, always too busy for them and having distant relationships at best and it never failed to make him just a little sad. “Having a family breakfast sounds like a great way to start the day and taking turns deciding who makes lunch between you and your mom must keep things fresh,” Honestly sounded like they had a pretty cozy routine going on.

“That must be nice, it’s like having a teacher at home too - does that mean you’re good at studying then?” He had to admit, he’d have a hard time seeing otherwise given that she seemed to have her own personal teacher at home and someone who would presumably be able to help her with studying and with homework.

“I just try my best to look after,” He affirms, turning over the flower crown in his hands. “I don’t really think she’s allergic or anything so there shouldn’t be a problem with me making her one - but it might take me a few tries - being here with you today definitely helped but I think I’ve still got to used to all of the little movements with my hands and fingers,” He admits.

Smiling he inches in closer so that he’s in the frame of the picture and he gives a grin and a peace sign, leaning back with a smile at the finished result. “It’s a great picture if you ask me! Sure, send it over to me! I want a copy of this picture for myself!”

[queenharumiura]

"Really? All of them?" That, she was actually surprised by. She could understand him keeping a few of the gifts, but somehow she was surprised to hear that he kept all of them. She thought that maybe he tossed the gifts that weren't necessarily 'useful' or to his aesthetic.

It did make her smile to know that he kept them though. "Haru's glad that you kept them, thank you." She is still curious and worried about him, but there were some things that shouldn't be asked-- and she wasn't sure if tonight was one of those moments. Instead, "how are you feeling? Do you need to sit down? Feeling sick?" That should be safe enough to ask?

Gokudera looked at the bracelet, following the girl toward whatever place she was trying to bring him, like he said, she was one of the few that he could call a friend so he trusted her. As he was distracted by the shining of the bracelet. Yeah... Haru is.

Hayato honestly was surprised by that, by now it wasn't a point about having or not, but more likely that he was sure she didn't keep it from the start or that she would throw it away after he went missing a few years ago. Oh... I do too. I still have all of them.

[queenharumiura]

“Yeah? Guess you also moved, huh?” She’s thinking that her perhaps moved to the clear other end of Japan or something to be considered a long trip to return to the family home. “Commuting from closer to campus is going to be a game changer, for sure. The less public transit I have to use the better.” It was always a matter of the crowded subways and trains and the smell that was a huge factor behind her wanting to commute from somewhere closer. Well, not to forget the occasional creeps that you may come across.

“Hahi? Oh! That would be lovely, thank you for the offer. I’ll take you up on it if I don’t have any other option.” She wasn’t going to abuse the fact they were friends to have him drive her around everywhere. No one liked to feel used or to have their importance be summarized with how ‘useful’ they were. She’s been there before, and it wasn’t a fun time.

She giggles, quite happy with his enthusiasm for the impromptu dubbed ‘Ha-kkun day’. “Haru has always been a creative person, glad that you still appreciate her creativity.” She puffs out her chest with pride. “I didn’t have anyone who wanted to join Haru for this before, so she’s really happy you want to celebrate appreciation day with Haru~” It wasn’t like she didn’t understand, what, with girls caring for their figure? Telling anyone it’s a day where Haru eats all the cake she wants for a day was a quick way for many people to turn her down citing their strict diet they were putting themselves on. She still enjoyed her appreciation days, but sweets taste better with company!

Gasp! “We might! That’s exciting~ Amazing-desu! We’ll have a buddy for class, and maybe we can go straight to Ha-kkun day after classes let out.” What’s better than possibly treating yourself to cakes right after sitting in class for hours on end? Their majors were such that they usually had a lot of classes to attend and then expect to spend hours on end working on their homework. Haru had built a habit of making herself lunches every day, and it was likely going to continue into college. “Does Akkun have plans for lunches? Haru could make an extra bento for you on the days that our schedules align.” It wouldn’t be too much trouble for her, since all she’d have to do is make a larger portion size of what she was making for herself.

If Byakuran was going to provide the sweets, then it felt fair for Haru to bring something herself. He can take care of their sweet tooth and Haru can make sure that they eat a nice bento to somehow balance out their diet—or at least make it feel so. “Haru’s pretty good at cooking, if that’s a concern.”

"My family home is a long trip to get there, but I have a place not far from here, it's much easier that way." Having his own room in the dorms all to himself so that he doesn't have to deal with a commute in the morning rush hours is a luxury that Byakuran happily invests in. "Ah, you're also welcome there anytime, obviously. And if you need a ride anywhere, just ask." He only really drives for the convenience of it, and most of the time it's to visit new dessert stores that open in town which can be a pain to get to by train and bus. Anyway, he doesn't mind offering a ride if it's Haru-chan! It's probably also the least he can do after all they've been through in their few shorts years together as kids.

Hm, he should probably drop by some of his favourite stores soon if they're planning a cake day already. "Ha-kkun day sounds amazing. Haru-chan is so creative~" He's already making a mental list of all the different things he wants Haru to try and review. This is obviously an event that's way, way more exciting than the first day of classes. He’s going to need a pretty big box. Oh, and drinks too, of course. A dessert wouldn't be perfect without the appropriate beverage pairing. Choosing desserts is a skill.

His ears perk up when Haru mentions her major. "Wow, physics? Makes sense, Haru-chan has always been super smart. I'm in engineering, so we might have some classes together, now that I think about it!" This is just getting better and better! If his memory serves him right, there are certain foundational courses that students in each of their majors have to take, and considering it was physics and engineering, there’s at least some overlap there. But Byakuran also gets the idea that Haru might not like the fact that he sleeps in class, or sometimes skip entirely. Oopsies. He’s always preferred the more hands-on approach ever since he was a kid. Sitting in classrooms and huge lecture theatres listening to the teacher droning on and on was a surefire way to bore him to the bone. Besides, who needs to attend a three hour lecture when he can learn the material in less than one? That also means more time to focus on the important things.

"Classes will be starting soon, but it shouldn't be too, too busy in the first couple weeks. You should hit me up when you're free, and I'll come over with all my sweet treats~"

[queenharumiura]

It’s true, any weapon and all weapons can come in handy at some time in the life of the underground. There was no ‘useless’ weapon, just unimaginative people. That’s how Haru saw it, anyways. That said, she did still prefer to be more physical when fighting. It didn’t mean she didn’t know how to use other weapons though. She just had a stronger preference.

It certainly would be y for the best that things didn’t escalate or require any life-ending consequences. Would be a shame to have to end a person’s life, but if it came down to that and keeping her kid safe? There was no Hell that could cool the anger of a Haru Miura. “True, and they’ll find out soon enough how wrong they’d be to think less of us because of it.

The doors open and there stands a tall, burly man. “Huh? What are two ladies doing here at this hour? Said something about a kid?” Perhaps he was trying to intimidate them with his larger stature, but Haru only considered that it meant he was a bigger target- hard to miss. “I heard you took one of my kids, and I’d very much like him back, please. Short kid, blue eyes? Probably a bit mouthy?” A lot of her kids had a mouth to them, and being around her didn’t help them any. Haru had a sassiness to her that couldn’t be contained. The man leans in closer, perhaps trying to invade her personal space to unnerve her. “Ahhh… that kid. He’s yours? Little lady, you’re a bit late. He’s-” and in that moment Haru decided she no longer needed to listen. This man wasn’t going to give her any answers. The gloves on her hands lit with her lightning flames, hardening her fists and it made a solid connection with the guys jaw.

She had to thank him for making his jaw so accessible! How considerate of him! She felt the way his jaw cracked underneath the weight of her hardened fist. “I did warn you.” Not her fault you didn’t take her warning seriously. She said she’d be civil if you returned her kid, and you didn’t. “Oh look at that, he has friends~ They have metal bats! Cute.” Just your average low-level gang, hm? “Ohhhh brass knuckles too, that’s also lovely.” Haven’t seen someone use one of those in a while.

“I think I can handle the ones with the metallic bats.” She says motioning with her gloved hands. Metal + the lightning flame element… an electrifying result!

"Every weapon will come in handy." The brunette stated as she checked the magazine of her pistol with her hand in a fingerless cycling glove.

Even she had no idea she would be into the close combat, fists and martial arts. Haru was right. It was a way to relieve stress. Knocking the soul out of someone bad had therapeutic effects. But she also used a pistol because getting into a firefight as the leader of the Vongola wasn't all that difficult. She also always had a small knife with her. In a side pocket or a garter belt under a skirt or dress. According to what she was wearing.

She only used her flames as a last resort because she didn't like to leave a mess behind. Not when it was about small disputes that could be solved in other ways or in places full of civilians. She did not like drawing attention to the Vongola in such a way.

"I hope so, too." Tsuna gave her one comforting smile. She didn't like to kill, but as she had learned many times, not every situation can be solved with just a kind word. Sometimes, it is not possible without violence. Sometimes, it doesn't go without gross violence and a shootout. And sometimes, it was not without sacrifices.

She always thought there was a bit of good in everyone, but the mafia environment opened her eyes. No, some are rotten from the inside, and there is nothing good in them. They only enjoy the suffering of others. And they only know how to commit evil until someone stops them. In a fatal way.

"We have an advantage. We're women. They'll expect us to be weak and underestimate us. And they also don't know what Haru's maternal protectiveness is. No one will mess with a Vongola, and your children are under the Vongola's protection." Tsuna's determination was incredible. She hated it when children were involved in the mafia. That was something she really hated.

[queenharumiura]

Giggling, Haru nuzzled him some more. It was such a simple gesture, but it always made her so giddy whenever he played with her hair or kissed her forehead. It was one of those things where there is a disconnect between how he portrays himself on the daily around strangers, and how soft and affectionate he could be with her in private. It always drove the point home that she was special to him and he was trying to show her how much she meant to him in different little ways.

“There is a lot to look forward to in the future, and Haru wants to experience every step of the way with you, Hayato. Haru may end up nagging you at times, but it’s because she cares.” Just as she had to come to terms with the dangerous life he led, he’d have to understand that she was always going to worry about him and fuss over him any time he came back injured. If he were to put himself in her shoes, he would realize that he’d fuss just as much if she came back injured for whatever reason. It wouldn’t be fair to tell her to stop fussing because ‘this happens all the time’ or he has ‘been through worse.’

"We both have to live long lives together. Not just for the Vongola, but for us." She tugs on his sleeve, the usual sign that she wanted a kiss.

He usually would get pissed at a girl clinging to him like that, but as long as it was Haru and only her, he didn't mind. Leaning in, he kissed her forehead and stroked her hair as he listened to her talk. He chuckled softly, 'here she goes again talking about being a Mafia bride.' He thought. But the more he considered it, it was true. Haru had the resolve of a woman cut out for the Mafia herself. He knew she'd already seen the condition he came back in after battles and knew that it would be the norm for them before they even got together. He knew she already understood going out with him would mean there would always be a target on her back. And she still agreed to love him and be his even understanding the danger they'd both be in. But she still vowed to be there to remind him he did have something worth fighting for now, he did have a reason to make it back alive.

"And I promise in return I'll continue to work hard to protect you, and to take care of myself so I can be around for you in the future." A future with her was all he really wanted, if he was being honest.

[queenharumiura]

It was really sweet that he thought of her and thought to give her a gift for Christmas. She wasn't expecting one either, and that's what made the gift all the more special. As such, of course she would want to return the favor.

The big question was- what was she going to gift him in return? That is the big question, wasn't it?

"Haru loves it~ Calficer-san has really good tastes~" Of course, she wasn't just saying that as lip-service either. She really did find the hat to be pretty! "Well, Calcifer-san didn't have to get Haru anything either, but you did. Haru wants to give you something, so look forward to it! Hugs Haru can give any time, so they don't count as gifts." Haru is going to think hard and observe keenly for ideas!

Calcifer just didn't have the patience. He wanted to give it to her now! Even if that's not how Christmas worked.

Her reaction made Calcifer light up with a big smile. Yes! He wasn't sure it was her taste, but she likes it! And she wears it so nicely, too. Calcifer puts both hands over his chest as he stares fondly and excitedly at her.

"It's beautiful! I'm so glad you like it, Haru-chan," he exclaims, his smile unable to grow any bigger than it already was. He hugs her back and laughs, "You don't have to get me anything. The hug'll do!"

[queenharumiura]

“Mmnn… then does being very bothered by them mean I love you a lot or does that make me an insecure person?” She taps her chin in thought. If you think about it, there was a reason why her main flame type was the lightning attribute. She was protective and if you dared to touch what she cared about, you were in for quite the shocking experience.

“A healthy amount of jealousy is good. Too much may mean they don’t trust you, and too little can either mean they trust you too much or that they don’t care.” That’s how she viewed it, anyways.

At the hug, Haru nuzzles in closer to him, enjoying the way their bodies always melded against each other so easily. A tiny giggle, “you love me so much.” A statement rather than a realization. “No other man can ever catch my eye but you. You’re the only one for me” therefore she’d be damned if anyone so much tries to break them apart. No one has truly seen Haru be violent until the day someone really tries testing her patience.

You think she wouldn’t grab someone by the hair depending on how offended she felt? She won’t answer that question. Haru thought that seeing as he didn’t ask a question, it was a good time to put a stop to the game (for now) and simply cuddle. “Still think it’s very unfair how tall you are.” She mumbles, standing on her tippy toes to demonstrate her point. She tugs his sleeve, the usual sign that she wanted a kiss.

He understood exactly how she felt about almost giving up and moving on because he was prepared to have done the same thing had Lambo not told him she wasn't taken and she was well over her feelings for Tsuna.

'Ah there it is.' He'd often read that in healthy relationships there is a small amount of jealousy and if your partner doesn't feel a little threatened by competition then they might not care for you as deeply as they say and Haru admitting she was bothered by his fangirls relieved any worry he had on the matter, she really did love him enough to fight for him. Gokudera always assumed that was the case she felt as jealous as he often did when others flirted with her, but he wanted confirmation and just got it.

"No. I asked because usually if your lover doesn't get even slightly jealous it means they're not afraid of losing you. But you being bothered by my fan club confirms you love me enough that you do feel somewhat threatened by them."

He hugged her close. "Relax. I'm not going to let anyone even try to take me from you. In fact they couldn't. No other woman can hold a candle to you."

[queenharumiura]

It was kind of funny how Akkun had known where to find the bandaids in her desk without needing prompting on where to find them. Even the way he so easily took her hand and started tending to it was all too familiar. Makes her realize just how common an occurrence this could be. She didn’t think about it until now, and the thought makes her chuckle.

“Haa… well, she is the one who is paying for all the materials being used. She did Haru a favor last month, so here Haru is working on this. Every hour Haru stops and thinks to herself, ‘was this an even trade’? She ponders on it for a few minutes before she continues working again.” The more she delayed, the longer she’d need to spend working on this project.

Looking down at the costume, “I only need a few more hours today and that should be it. She’ll come by tomorrow and I can do any adjustments that’s needed.” Soon… she’ll be freed from this.

“True, I sometimes find myself wondering where you get all that energy, but then I remember your diet mostly consisting of sugar.” She jokes. She was sure he also ate actual nutritious food. At the very least, if she ever brought an extra bento with her, she’d share it with him—so there’s that? She didn’t think that he’d throw away the bento she made for him, anyways, because it would take a real jerk to do that.

A tiny chuckle, “Thanks, Akkun. Really.” Both of Haru’s parents worked, so much of her childhood days were spent alone, waiting for them to return from work. That was why Haru had learned to become so self-sufficient and have the tendency of relying on herself only. It wasn’t something she was used to, having someone pay attention to what she needed and to make time out of their day to check in on her.

It wasn’t to say that her parents neglected her, but it was a matter of Haru acting like everything was okay in front of her parents as to not worry them. She didn’t want to be a burden to them. It was awkward at first, but she was learning to simply accept Akkun’s goodwill for what it was. “After this is all done, Haru can go back to spending more time with Akkun~ Wouldn’t that be nice?”

"Oh, it's not that big a deal. Seems like you could really use the help, anyway." Byakuran leans back as he Haru moves around the mess of fabrics and reference sheets in a tizzy, so that he doesn't get in the way. It was always quite the fascinating sight to see Haru work. She could get so focused; it was kind of cute! Even Byakuran could feel infected by her stress, if this wasn't already a rather common occurence. Now, he's learned that it's best to step back and let Haru do her own thing, and help in his own way.

Without even missing a beat, Byakuran is already reaching into one of the drawers in her desk and pulling out a box of band-aids with an adorable little bunny pattern all over them. "I really hope you're getting fairly compensated for this, Haru-chan. This looks like a lot of work." He says as he gently takes Haru's hand into his own and makes sure to clean off the small needle prick with a wipe, before wrapping the band-aid around her finger with practised motions.

“Don’t be silly, you know I never get tired~” It was true, in a way. The amount of sweets that Byakuran consumes on the daily is enough to power him through on pure sugar high alone. He chuckles at Haru’s attempt in advising him to rest even as she’s surrounded by the mountains of things she has to do for her costume making today. “And I did tell you that if you need anything, feel free to just call. I’ll be stopping by the shops again anyway.”

It’s a lie, of course, but Haru obviously wouldn’t know that. While his family obligations could be rather demanding at times, if she called, he would most certainly answer. It makes sense, doesn’t it? This is what good friends do for each other! “And I’m definitely grabbing you a little snack for later, even if it’s an excuse to check up on you to make sure you’re not stressing yourself to death over this.”

[queenharumiura]

Haru giggles, "Haru is willing to show anyone if they're curious to see- and if she has her things with her." Which was sadly not the case for today as she didn't bring anything with her today. She wasn't shy about showing off gymnastic routines, so it wasn't about shyness or anything.

"Haru agrees on the scenery. That's what makes reading so nice at the park. Sometimes with friends, she has made flower wreaths here. Maybe run around with some pets."

"A picnic sure sounds like a great idea," Maybe next time he should bring it up to his own friends.

"Sure, that sounds good - I'm just glad you're open to showing me," He nods, keeping this thought in mind for another day. "What do I do at the park...? Well I mostly just walk around, enjoy the scenery, really - what about you?"

[queenharumiura]

It wasn’t like Haru was the only one who cared for him, considering all of their friends cared for him, but she wouldn’t comment on that. She was simply grateful that he takes notice and appreciates the fact that she does care for him. “Haru will continue to care and is actively trying to get you to form healthier life habits.” Eating more consistently was definitely one of the goals she was working towards.

“Hmm~? When did Haru realize she had feelings for you?” She hums in thought, playing with his hand that she still held captive in her own. “It was… around 2 years ago I think? What do you call it, a denial phase? I was in that for a bit.” She’d gotten over Tsuna-san, and somewhere down the line, started noticing Gokudera. She was in denial about liking him as she felt at odds about liking the right hand of her first love.

She kisses his cheek, sporting a cheeky smile, “that’s the answer. You asked for when and not how.” She didn’t have to provide more information if it wasn’t necessary. “You know Lambo-chan brags about how he gave you the kick to confess. If he hadn’t done so, do you think you would’ve ever confessed?”

Casually, he finished his cigarette and tossed it aside. He had a feeling that specific question was coming after his little confession there. But that was a fair deal, for every question of hers he answered, she'd answer one of his. He wasn't kidding when he said she helped a lot more than she realized. Sure in the future, the girls were kept out of the loop because they felt they were protecting them, but this time, he couldn't do that to her. It resulted in a strike from the girls as they also hadn't realized how big of a help they were. He had to try to cook on his own for fuck's sake!

He slightly smiled at the memory of it, but brushed it aside as he didn't want her to keep waiting for his answer.

"You care about me when some people wouldn't have even tried. That's one way you help me." He paused, his turn to ask a question now. "When did you realize you had feelings for me?"