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"I didn't think you'd watch this so intently."
Belle exhaled after the end credits rolled, looking at her increasingly regular movie buddy. She had to admit, the person sitting on the same sofa as her didn't strike as someone who is interested in movies at first. But, well, the more the merrier, and she couldn't complain, really. Not when it had been rather enjoyable.
"Oh? Can I take that as you not paying attention to the movie?" Lighter's tone was a little teasing as usual yet held no offense. He always knew how to lighten up the atmosphere, though sometimes Belle wondered the true intention of that action. Leaving that thought aside, she rolled her eyes, voice dipped in obviously made-up anger, "How could you say such a thing to a cinephile? It's normal to glance at your movie buddy every now and then."
Lighter only huffed a small laugh and adjusted his sunglasses, "Sorry Manager, couldn't help myself y'know." Amusement quickly faded out from his expression, replaced by contemplation. "The movie just made me think, that's all."
"About what?" Belle had always loved to hear others' thoughts about movies, even if they are in stark contrast with hers. To her, it showed how brilliant movies are, how they are able to evoke unique feelings in each person. As for this time, she was more than curious to hear Lighter's own view for many reasons.
Brief silence filled the room before Lighter started speaking, "Well," he was trying hard to find the right words ('cute', Belle thought), "it makes sense how popular it is, even though I've never heard of it before. Love mixed with parting and loss seem to always grab most people's attention."
That's one off the list. Belle knew how much of a philosopher Lighter could be in terms of certain topics, especially life and death. It was no wonder why this romance movie was able to make him ponder. Still smiling slightly, she looked at his chin and offered the lack of reply as a form of encouragement. He had something more to say, after all.
Lighter cleared his throat before continuing, somewhat relaxed at her attentive gaze, "But I must say, dying for love sounds quite interesting." When did his expression and voice become unreadable? "I'd love to give it a try, if I ever got the chance."
Teal eyes blown wide as surprise colored Belle's face. He sounded like he wasn't joking or being serious either. It was something ambiguous, something suited sleepless nights with tosses and turns much more than an ordinary movie session of friends. But then again, she should've seen this coming. All the time they had spent together, the heart he poured out to her, the elements of this movie, of course Lighter would have that kind of thought. It's just that, Belle truly didn't expect the "for love" part.
So that yearning has no exception, huh. But it's okay.
"I'd like to give it a try, too," She looked at the TV now filled with advertisements, words as light as a feather. No glances needed to tell that it was Lighter's turn to be taken aback, and she bit back a giggle at the mental image. That's what she considered a satisfactory payback.
Collecting his composure, her movie buddy finally talked again, "...Don't say that, I might actually believe you." Lighter's tone was disapproving yet soft, almost vulnerable and helpless even. Belle turned to look, and his straight gaze into her eyes sent a shudder down her spine. Through his shades, she could see that the once bold green eyes with piercing red pupils had melted altogether into an unspoken plea. As if he achingly wanted to believe, to hope, and prayed that she meant everything she had said, that one day they would willingly sacrifice themselves for each other. That she would be there, at his end and vice versa.
Astonishment came and left Belle in a moment before she squinted her eyes in a gentle smile, her torso turned towards Lighter. Only dared to wrap her fingers around his third knuckles, she settled for studying the leather gloves and breathed out, "Is there anything wrong with that?"
It's fine if you believe it, because I do mean everything I said.
A question inherently rhetorical, an assurance thinly veiled, and eventually understood as she could almost see the tension leaving Lighter’s frame. Only then did she gather enough courage to peek at his face. The undefeated Champion closed his eyes, lips curved into a tender smile, one of pleasant surrender. “Maybe not. But let’s wait until we’re both tired of living first.”
“It’s a deal then,” chuckled Belle, eyes glimmered with joy. As if fueled by newfound energy, she held both of his hands tightly, “Don’t forget about it, otherwise I’ll personally come for you to get my revenge!” The chuckle spread to Lighter, and his grasp became firmer in return. “Scary. Okay, I won’t, boss.”
Content with his answer, she let go and sank into the plush embrace of the sofa. “That being said… ‘dying for love’ is nice and all,” Belle suddenly sat up properly and gave him a mild yet serious look, as though seeking something. “But do you know what’s even more beautiful and challenging?”
“Living for love.” So I hope you will always strive to live life to the fullest before all else.
“...Mmm.”