Interlude: Valentine for Him

"Himeya… He's the one…? Doesn't he already have one of these?" I muttered to myself.

I hesitated, staring at the small box in my hands. Am I really going to give this to him? He's quite popular, so it's strange if he hasn't already received one. As I debated whether to go through with it, a familiar voice suddenly called me out from outside the classroom.

"Oiii, Touka…!!"

I looked up and saw Himeya standing there, waving at me with his usual carefree smile.

"Seriously… He really is such a dummy," I murmured with a small smile, waving back at him.

Without saying a word, I walked towards him, a nervous smile on my face.

"Hm? Touka? What is it?" he asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Himeya… Why are you here?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Huh? You're the one who called me, right?" he replied, confused.

Oh… that's right, I did call him over… I was so nervous that I had completely forgotten.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" Himeya asked, reaching out to place his hand on my forehead.

"Wh-wh—NO!! I'm not! Ughh…." I stammered, quickly stepping back.

He chuckled. "Touka… You're acting weird, haha."

"Ugh… ALL RIGHT THEN… JUST TAKE THIS!" I blurted out, shoving the small box into his hands.

"Huh… Is this…?"

"Yeah, it's chocolate. CHO-CO-LA-TE. I know you must have already gotten a bunch," I mumbled, my cheeks burning as I hid my face.

Peeking through my fingers, I noticed Himeya's face was turning red as well.

"Touka… Th-thank you…" he muttered, covering his face slightly.

"Wait… Don't tell me…" I trailed off, suddenly realizing something.

"Uhm… You're the first one…" he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Huh…?" My heart skipped a beat. A smile unconsciously formed on my lips. I was happy—no, beyond happy—to know that I was the first.

"Happy Valentine's, Himeya…" I whispered softly.

Only time will tell… but my feelings for him will never change.

...

That evening, Himeya escorted me back to my apartment on his bike. As we rode through the quiet streets, I called out to him.

"Hey, Himeya…"

"What is it?" he replied.

"If I were forced to move to the other side of the moon… would you come for me?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity.

He smiled before answering, "Uhm… I think I would. Even if you were out of my reach, I'd find a way to bring you back. Even if you weren't expecting me… I'd still come to see you."

"Wouldn't it be nice if you could really do that?" I mused, resting my head lightly against his back.

"Touka, I'd repeat that long journey, no matter what fate awaits me… because I believe in you," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.

I was stunned for a moment. His words touched me deeper than I expected. Without thinking, I tightened my embrace around him.

"Uhmm…" I nodded, a warm feeling spreading through my chest.

No matter what happens, I know I'll always believe in him too.