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Hiiro bounces restlessly in his shoes, waiting for Kaname to finish up in the bathroom. The sun was starting to set, and she had needed a moment to take her medicine and soothe her nerves.
It’s been a long day. Kaname was still adjusting to being around a lot of people, too.
When she emerges, Hiiro tucks his hand console away in its case (he took to showing her Splatoon over their dinner break) and shoves it into his backpack. Kaname checks her reflection in her phone screen one last time.
“Sorry, I didn’t expect that roller coaster to be so aggressive,” she says, standing behind him to tuck her things back into their bag.
“That’s alright! Really, it was my fault for suggesting it.”
Hiiro rubs the back of his neck bashfully. He had never rode on a roller coaster before, and thought it’d be fun to give it a go. It was just… he happened to pick one of the taller ones, and Kaname wasn’t very good with heights. But, she insisted on it; saying something about how she was just sticking to his plan– trying the things she couldn’t before.
“Have you ever rode on a ferris wheel?” she asks, pointing up towards the contraption in front of them. The ride was large and colorful, but moved slowly in a way that seemed comforting to the eye. “I’ve read the view is really pretty at night. You can see really far, and it’s nice and quiet.”
Kaname probably saw this type of thing in one of her magazines– the kind with romantic ideas and activities to do with someone close to you. It was rare for her to suggest something she was interested in, and Hiiro was more than eager to join her in the experience.
“Nope! Do you want to?”
He watches Kaname nod her assent, following her to the edge of the ride and carefully listening to the instructions the operator was giving them. The gondola they were sat in soon jolted to life.
The air was fresh and warm above the ground. Hiiro inhaled heartily, causing Kaname to laugh at his exaggerated display. That sound was one of his favorites. Hiiro was thrilled to know she was happy, that she was enjoying herself.
Butterflies started to form in his chest at the thought.
It was always fun spending time with Kaname! She was cool, impressive and strong; traits he could only hope to see in himself. Everything she has gone through… Hiiro can’t imagine the toll that would take on her. So, seeing her now– stepping outside her comfort zone on his behalf– truly warmed his heart! Even so, he wished he wasn’t so nervous about this.
Evening city lights flicker below them, the sparkle of the ferris wheel shining against Kaname’s skin. The scene was reminiscent of the kind of dates Hiiro would see on television. But this wasn’t a date, was it?
Hiiro was smart enough to know how this worked. Jumping from one base to another was an entirely different task, though. Typically not one to get so nervous, Hiiro felt an odd prick of anxiety in the back of his mind.
What would Nii-san do? Ah, no! I have to try to do this on my own.
“Uh… Kaname-chan?” Hiiro folds his hands together, playing with his fingers. Kaname looks up, palm resting against her chin patiently. “I was thinking! We spend a lot of time together…”
He pauses to observe her expression carefully, looking for any emotional indicator he can latch onto. Kaname simply watches him, tilting her head to the side in curiosity.
“And– well, you’re so cool, Kaname-chan! I really value the days we spend with each other. Because of that, I’d like to do it more… but, as more than friends.”
Hopefully that was direct enough?
Kaname’s resulting blush was barely visible under the lamplight. For a moment, Hiiro began to wonder if he said something wrong; watching as she covers her mouth with a hand.
“Ah! I understand if that isn’t something you want to talk about right now. I know you came to spend time with me to get your mind off of some things.”
“...It’s really nothing. You just caught me off guard,” Kaname says, clearing her throat as she recovers her expression. “I’m glad you think of me like that, but it’s only natural.”
Ah– this sort of ego is something Hiiro finds charming, too!
“Umu! You’re amazing, Kaname-chan. That’s why I like you so much!” Hiiro smiles gently, radiating warmth. Kaname’s expression changes instantly, hiding her face behind her palms as her blush turns a harsher red.
Haha. She’s embarrassed!
“Is that too much..?” He attempts to ask with concern. Instead, his voice is laced with a laugh, and Kaname peeks at him through her fingers. Maybe he should have called her cute, too?
“No…” Kaname admits defeat to herself, dropping her hands into her lap. “I– I just, you know– this is sort of… new to me.”
“Mhm.”
“Because of that– ugh . I’m not good with words. But, I like you too– more than friends, I mean. So…”
Hiiro’s smile widens excitedly. Before Kaname can stop him, he’s moving over to her side of the gondola. The space between them is almost non-existent now, Hiiro’s shoulders brushing against her own.
“I’m glad! I was worried you might have said no!”
“As if anyone could ever say no to you, Hiiro-kun?”
He feels ecstatic, and Kaname is so incredibly close. Impulsively, Hiiro nods his forehead against hers gently; offering her his hand. She takes it without much hesitation, leaning into his space and smiling. Hiiro could feel his heart rapidly beating. This really isn’t something he could fortify himself against.
For a long moment, neither of them speak. It’s obvious Kaname wants something, though– her eyes fluttering between his lips and the window. Should he… ask? Wasn’t there a protocol for this kind of thing? If only he could remember how Aira’s dramas usually go…
But Hiiro’s thoughts get interrupted by a tug on his hand and an arm around his shoulder. Kaname must have gotten too impatient, leaning in to kiss him herself. Her lips are soft and the kiss is brief– just long enough to make Hiiro’s knees weak and his face burn.
“There. Now I’ve taught you something new today, too.”