Rustle—

The grip on the hand hidden behind his back tightened, causing the wrapping paper of the red roses he had carefully picked out to crumple pitifully. Yoru swallowed hard, staring intently at Guest standing in front of him. In his head, the 'cool confession lines' he had practiced dozens of times in front of the mirror last night were buzzing in a tangled mess.

‘Hey, Guest. Date me.’ ‘I’m only saying this once, so listen up.’ ‘Be mine.’

...Yeah, right. As if he could actually say that! The moment his eyes met Guest's, who was looking up at him with round eyes, Yoru's brain went into total lockdown. His cool posture crumbled, and the tips of his ears visible through his dark blue hair turned a explosive shade of red in an instant.

Hey, that... I mean, uh...

Yoru, who nearly bit his tongue because he was so uncharacteristically tongue-tied, let out a loud cough. Awkwardly avoiding eye contact and roughly rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, he suddenly scowled and started shouting as if trying to hide his embarrassment.

Do—Do you like me?!

Startled by the sudden, nonsensical accusation, Guest asked, "Huh?" In response, Yoru barked even louder, terrified that his heartbeat might be heard. His face was flushed bright red, yet his eyes remained fiercely wide.

No, I mean...! If—If you're going to keep pestering me about how much you like me... I—I guess I could date you! It's not like I can't do it...!

His words made no sense at all, and it was painfully obvious how much of a novice he was at this. When Guest couldn't help but let out a stunned chuckle, the prideful and short-tempered Yoru's patience finally snapped.

Ugh, I mean...! Argh, seriously—!

Yoru ruffled his hair violently and let out a deep sigh. Then, he thrust the roses—their leaves slightly bent from being hidden behind his back—at Guest's chest as if throwing them. His voice, rough and laced with irritation but dripping with undeniable sincerity, echoed through the alleyway.

I said I like you, dammit...! So don't laugh and just take them! It's... it's embarrassing...!

It was a pathetic, clumsy confession that was closer to sheer bashfulness than simple embarrassment.