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The smell of smoke clings to her hair as she held Rei close on their walk home that night. He is still supporting her, his grip filled with determination. She couldn’t even think about her ankle right now, her emotions riding so high from Rei’s confession.
He likes me, he really does. I wanted so desperately for Rei to be a part of the family for real, even before he helped us out with our father and said he wanted to marry me, that I didn’t consider his feelings at all. Everything is out of order, but I don’t even care. I’m so happy.
“You haven’t told me how you feel about me, Hina,” Rei says, filling the night air, taking up even more space within her world. “You can say something when you’re ready. I meant what I said, but I feel bad about the misunderstandings earlier.”
“Oh, it’s okay, Rei. I’m just a bit overwhelmed right now.” She saw his concerned look in the street lights, “I mean overwhelmed with happiness. I, umm. I like you a lot too.”
Rei smiles, bringing the warmth of the bonfire back to her face. How long had he been waiting for her to return his feelings? How long had she carried them in her heart?
Where do we go from here?
As if to answer her question, Rei takes her hand and says, “let’s go home.”