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The first thing that changed was how she saw Yuta. Everyone else had left, so it was just the two of them. They chatted a bit and ultimately she revealed why Geto called her a failure. Her greatest weakness was explained and she even shared why she started attending Jujutsu Tech. But unlike others who found out about this, Yuta never saw her as anything less. He looked at her in awe and wished he was strong and determined like her. He even offered to help her obliterate her clan, his cheerfulness never diminishing as he chuckled.
Maki secretly blushed and denied her feelings.
The second thing that changed was his behavior. Ever since the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, Yuta stopped slouching and he was a bit more talkative. His smile was genuine and he was more open to joking around. This was a side of him that wasn't present when he first arrived at the school, which kind of took others by surprise when he started beaming with rays of sunshine.
Maki didn't know he could laugh like that.
The third thing that changed was his hair. What was once a messy bird's nest had become smoother with side bangs. Apparently Gojo gave Yuta some yen and an address for a local hair salon. He came back looking cleaner with a shy smile. His classmates all rejoiced with Panda pulling him in for a one-armed hug and Toge giving him a thumbs up.
Maki was too choked up to properly respond.
The fourth thing that changed was his way of fighting. Although Rika's curse was lifted, her spirit form was still present as an empty husk with a desire to protect Yuta. Without the vengeful part, he was able to fight on his own without depending on her power. As a result, his swordsman skills had vastly improved. His usual spars with Maki stopped becoming less one-sided and there were even times he was able to pin her to the ground.
Maki realized he was her type.
The last thing that changed was the sudden offer to train in Africa. The details weren't exactly clear, but apparently Yuta was going to be out of the country for a good number of months. That seemed a little unfair. It took a while for Maki to realize her feelings, only to find out her crush was going to be away for who knows how long. She had to let him know before he boarded that plan. But luckily, Valentine's Day was approaching.
And thus, Maki began her mission to create the perfect chocolate.
"Here," Maki said as she thrusted a wrapped box towards Yuta. "Happy Valentine's Day."
Yuta's gaze switched from the box to Maki herself. "...Is this for me?" he checked as he pointed at himself.
"Yes," Maki insisted. "So are you gonna take it or not?"
Yuta reached forward to accept the box, only to stop momentarily. But then he quickly grabbed it without hesitation. It was a simple red cube box with a yellow bow painted on. Very standard for typical Valentine chocolates sold in stores. But when he opened the box, he gasped. Inside was small katana-shaped chocolate sculptures with his own name printed on a square block in white lettering. While it was clear Maki worked hard on making it, the next part was just as crucial. He picked up one of the chocolate katanas and ate it.
A few seconds passed as Maki anxiously waited for the results.
And then, a smile.
"It tastes good," Yuta complimented. "Is this your first time making chocolate?"
"I had to use some store-bought melts," Maki admitted, feeling a little ashamed. "No way I'm making it from scratch."
"I don't mind," Yuta reassured. "Thanks, Maki."
Yuta left for Africa a few days later, leaving a letter promising Maki that the two can start dating as soon as he returned home. He even revealed he brought the leftover chocolate katanas with him to eat during the plane ride. While he didn't actually say it, it was all but confirmed that the two were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.
Maki beamed with happiness as she looked forward to his return.