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[dereban]

Inaban

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[spacialeyes]

B-Because... Why did you let me stay otherwise?

[dereban]

Because I like you?

[spacialeyes]

[He really doesn't get it. Yuuto gives his head a slight shake, hands coming together in an anxious gesture as he tries to understand.]

I don't like you. I... I'm falling in love with you! It's different! When we're together, I'm happy... I want to make you happy too. I'm being selfish and greedy for your happiness a-and..! Even now.

[He lowers his head, ashamed.]

I'm trying to think of reasons why I could deserve to stay by your side... I'm being terrible.

[dereban]

You're not being terrible.

[ She sighs, her shoulders sagging slightly. ]

I'm the one that's awful here. You don't have to leave.

[spacialeyes]

You're sure..? Um.

Can we... figure this out then? I don't want to ruin our friendship...

[dereban]

I'm sure.

If you want to, sure. But you aren't going to ruin it. Alright?

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto nods slowly, though he's worried that she's only appeasing him to be polite. After taking one more look at the door, Yuuto walks back to the couch and stands there awkwardly.]

Then staying friends is okay..?

[dereban]

If you only want to be friends, sure. I don't mind.

[ ... ]

And if you want to be more than that, I... [ She glances away, awkwardly. ] I don't mind that, either.

[spacialeyes]

[This answer confuses him. But at least he knows one thing: He thinks it’s cute when she looks awkward like that. It seems like he finds something new to like about her every time they see each other.

Yuuto steps closer.]

I just want for you to be happy… What would make you happier?

[dereban]

You don't have to try so hard...

[ She lets out a sigh, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly. ]

Look, let's just sit back down and just chill. "Netflix and chill"-- or something like that. Except the chill really is just that, and not... y'know.

[spacialeyes]

Oh… Actually. That explains why the chocolates are… [He does now recall that phrase being part of the advertising and him thinking “chill” meant “sitting and watching a screen.”

Yuuto sits down.]

Y-You should keep speaking loudly, by the way.

[dereban]

What, you don't want me to speak in my ASMR whisper voice?

[spacialeyes]

I-I… Auu…

[He cups his hands over his ears again, knowing that does little to hide how flustered he is. And she hasn’t even started whispering yet. Inaba doesn’t need magic chocolate to make him fluster.]

I’m not good at hiding how it makes me feel.

[dereban]

You don't have to, then.

[spacialeyes]

[Oh. That does cue him in on what direction their relationship is going. It only took this much for him to question his decision to categorize them as platonic.

Yuuto slowly lowers his hands from his ears.]

… Only if that’s what you want. If I get annoying then you can smother me with a pillow?

[dereban]

I don't offer things if they're something that I'm not okay with. Okay, sure- the whole chocolate thing is an exception, but I'm in my house which makes that relatively safe.

[spacialeyes]

[He knows that. Deep down, Yuuto knew that she wouldn’t offer something that she wasn’t interested in. It’s so easy to be with her. All of his anxiety is just instinct and it feels possible to shed it.

Yuuto exhales to calm himself and clear his thoughts.]

Okay. Then… mm. Inaba… [He quiets his own voice. Then decides that if it’s going to be out there, he should say it on purpose.] I’m in love with you.

[dereban]

Okay.

[ Her smile softens before placing a hand atop of his head. ]

Then, can I ask for a favor?

[spacialeyes]

Y, yes. What can I do for you?

[dereban]

Stay still for a sec.

[ And with that being said, she'll lean in and steal a kiss from him, right on the lips. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto is caught off guard. First by the kiss, but then by how easily he relaxes and returns it. After the fact of which, he finds himself looking into her eyes and brushing her cheek with his finger. His brain has gone to mush, so he repeats the only thing he's certain is true right now.]

I love you...

[dereban]

[ She leans back a bit after that, smiling with both something soft, but there's also clear confidence playing across her lips as well. ]

Mmmhm. I heard you the first time.

[spacialeyes]

Mmmm. [He's not sure what else to say. Or do, really. Except watch her and soak in the moment.] Should I stop saying it..?

[dereban]

No.

[ She shakes her head at his question; after all, hearing him say that so earnestly... it's warm. ]

You don't have to. But if you do keep on saying it, I'm going to have to pay you back in kind.

[spacialeyes]

Oh.

[He thinks on that for a second. Is it a threat or a good thing? He's not sure.



he's into it either way.

So Yuuto strokes her cheek again, testing this new territory.]

I love you. I don't think I'll get tired of saying it..?