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This was undeniably infuriating.
Never having considered the sickening, tooth-rotting, sentimental atmosphere of Valentine's Day with anything but indifference, Mariya never expected he'd be this affected by it. Reason: the cards Kanako was receiving.
He'd predicted Sachi, always seemingly carrying the world in her bag and pockets, would give Kanako something. But the other friends who'd gifted her — friends or admirers? — amounted to more than 20. When did she become so fascinating to everyone? And when did he begin to care?
The sow had received cheap, bold remarks. From "you melt my heart", to candy with a card that said "take it, you're the only sweet I want today", the variety of pickup lines still resulted in the same shade of red coloring her cheeks. She could do better. He needed to prove it.
"I don't know how you're impressed by those poor excuses of flirting", he groaned as he entered their dorm.
"Like you could do any better! I'm sure you're jealous because I might've received more cards than even you!"
"I'm not interested in this pathetic celebration. But... in fact: I can do better."
"Then what would you say to me if you were them?"
He huffed. "I'd point out the obvious! That you're a helplessly perverted, idiotic, impossibly tall mess of a girl. That you're annoyingly loud to the point it's torture."
A sigh left her lips. She should've expected that was the kind of response she'd have from Mariya. But then, to her surprise, he inched closer, his eyes boring into hers, his face daringly close... and he continued.
"But if I were one of those girls who are so interested in you... I'd also let you know: all of those things you are caught my eye."
Kanako gasped. What?
He nodded: "Yes, and that in being so genuine and unapologetically you... you've become attractive. Impossible to turn away from. When you look into my eyes, I see someone too kind for the world. Too beautiful in how you carry yourself, in how you smile and act like a ray of sunshine for your friends. Your stare is fascinating and reminds me of the calm in clear blue skies. Your voice is soothing. Annoying as it is, your brightness is infectious and needed and it's trapped my heart."
The blue-haired girl had never heard someone speak so passionately and sincerely about their feelings. How was he capable of wording that? And why did it... sound right coming from him instead of any other girl?
Calm down, Kanako, he's just giving you an example. Acting... right?
That was when his lower lip trembled. And he finished with the words:
"But most of all. If I were those girls... I'd tell you I'm the luckiest person alive for having the slightest chance of catching your eye in return. I hope one of them gives you what you deserve."
After finishing, his whole body quivered in tension, his breathing ragged. His legs seemed to move in their own accord. He turned his back, running away from her, his head low. She had never been this confused, but as she snapped out of the trance she was in, she followed him.
"Mariya!" She called out.
He wouldn't stop until they reached the school grounds.
There, he finally seemed to surrender and faced her. His ruby eyes were misty. She spoke:
"I don't understand. Why did you say all that? Why did you run and... what is it you think I deserve?"
Her words seemed to ignite a fiery impulse combining all his courage. Mariya grabbed her by both sides of her face and put an end to the unbearable distance he cursed, his lips pressing firmly but gently against hers.
She froze. It was warm. His lips, his hands, her entire body. Frozen and dazzled, she marveled at his addictive taste, at the way his mouth caressed hers and made her lips melt along with all her worries and doubts. She wanted him.
With that in mind, Kanako kissed him back, her hands pressing on his shoulders. They dived into their moment of mutual understanding, desire... affection. She let out a hum at the overwhelming joy, and before Mariya knew, it prompted him to trail kisses down her neck, finishing with a nibble on her collarbone that would surely leave its mark. She sighed feverishly at the sensation.
"That's what I think you deserve", he smirked. A rosy tint furiously covering and warming up her cheeks, she giggled:
"This was exactly the Valentine's gift I needed the most."
"I obviously did outstandingly better than everyone else, but do you mean my words? Or the kiss?"
"You. You're what I needed."
His mouth hung open at the significance of her short confession, but he soon smiled softly. "Take it as a lesson. You better not be contented with any tacky fucking cards or candy anymore, okay?"
Both of them laughed harmoniously. "I won't. And... I've also got something to ask of you. Mariya... will you be my valentine?"
"Thought we'd made it clear that I am your valentine with the kiss, Kanako."
She leapt happily and pecked his cheek. "I'm so glad!"
"Me too. And have you noticed?"
"What?"
"You didn't get hives."
Kanako's eyes widdened with the realization. "That's right!"
"Well. It was fun to annoy you with my touches while it lasted. Now, I think I'll get used to you begging for me to do it."
"H-hey!"
He chuckled. "I'm kidding, idiot. I want to do it now. More than anything."
"Ha ha, you're cruel", she said playfully.
"And charming! And smart... and yet I'm reduced to a fool when you smile at me. So who's the cruel one?"
They kissed again, then walked hand in hand back to their dorm.
The day after, Mariya and Kanako announced their relationship.
All of their friends gladly celebrated the news, and noted that they were waiting for it to happen. If it was through peer pressure and sparking jealousy, so be it.
Dear mother in heaven, your Kanako is beaming with happiness. Through the most unconventional ways, I've found a very special someone who was funnily closer than I thought. Mariya, my nightmare turned biggest dream, is so dear to me and we've been going out on dates to the park, to the movies, at the Shidou Manor... anywhere is perfect when you feel you belong. And we belong together.
It's an odd story and it's the truest one. With a flirtatious kiss we met, and with a genuine kiss our fates were finally blessed and united. And I'm glad to say, that means absolutely everything.
THE END