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Karane let out a groan, crossing her arms. "Seriously, Rentarou! You gotta be more careful!"
"Haha, yeah..." Rentarou rubbed the back of his neck and smiled. "But...when I saw how important it was to you..." He held out a small heart-shaped keychain Aashii had made for her. "I couldn't let the current rip it away."
Karane's cheeks burned, and she snatched the keychain from his palm. "Sh-Shut UP! I-It's not like I want to thank you for getting this back for me or anything!"
"No problem." Rentarou continued to smile.
Karane resisted a smile, swiftly putting the keychain in her pocket. "Also, how are you dry? That was a literal river you jumped into."
"Oh, you know. Fanfiction logic."
Karane sighed. "Yep. Definitely fanfiction logic."
"Shall we continue our date?" Rentarou asked, holding out his hand.
"F-Fine!" Karane stammered. "I-I mean, it's only to make you happy. N-Not that I'm happy too! I-I mean..." She fell silent, squeezed her eyes shut, then punched Rentarou's nose. "S-STOP MAKING ME RAMBLE, YOU DUMMY!"
Karane opened her eyes and stomped in the direction of their picnic blanket and plopped down. Even though picnics were a little too sappy for her sometimes, today seemed like a good day for that.
"So, I packed us a good lunch with all your favorites! There's rice balls and—"
Karane swallowed and took Rentarou's hand, averting her eyes. "I-I'm not hungry right now. C-Can we...I-I mean..."
Rentarou watched patiently, seemingly content to wait forever.
Rentarou...you are too good for me...
"I-I mean, i-it's not like I want to cuddle with you or anything!" Karane stammered, her eyes tearing up.
Why can't i just say what I want directly? I know he loves me for who I am, but...
"Sure!" Rentarou faced Karane completely. "Is there a way that sounds best?"
Karane opened and closed her mouth several times before standing, her hands curling into fists. "IT'S NOT LIKE LAYING MY HEAD ON YOUR CHEST WHILE YOU HAVE AN ARM AROUND ME SOUNDS NICE O-OR ANYTHING!"
Rentarou grinned, and he laid back. "Come on."
Karane forced herself to put her nervousness aside and lay beside him. She scoot closer, finally having her forehead against his arm. She reached for the hand furthest from her, taking it and lacing their fingers together.
"A-Are you sure this is okay?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't it be?"
"B-Because..." Karane placed her head on Rentarou's chest, deciding that words were useless now. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the moment.
The warm sun was comforting, and the fresh scent of flowers with a hint of rice and chocolate smelled wonderful. Not only that, Rentarou's cologne mixed with it all.
Above all, though, Karane's favorite thing of this scene would have to be—
"I can hear your heartbeat," Karane whispered. "I-It's...nice."
"It beats for you," Rentarou promised. "I love you so much, Karane."
"But...why?"
"Why? Are you seriously not sure?" Rentarou pulled Karane close. "You're so cute and feisty, and I love how much of a tsundere you are."
Karane punched Rentarou lightly, too wrapped up in her affection to add pressure. "I-It's not like I find you handsome and sweet and wonderful or anything."
"Awww, Karaneee!"
"Shut up!" Karane snapped lightly, pinching his arm. Rantarou chuckled, and Karane couldn't help but smile a little.
"Rentarou...I love you." Karane looked up at her boyfriend's face.
"I love you, too." Rentarou pulled her close, kissing her lightly.
No matter how many times they kissed, it was heavenly to Karane. It was one of those things that you never got sick of, no matter what.
When they pulled away, Karane opened and shut her mouth, embarrassment gripping her heart like a vine. "Wh-Wh-What was that for!?"
"Sorry! You're were just so cute! I couldn't help it!"
Karane sighed, closing her eyes. "I-It's fine."