The crisp February air nipped at Diamond's cheeks, painting them a rosy hue as she adjusted the scarf around her neck. Today was Valentine's Day, and it felt like the whole city was buzzing with a sugary, excitable energy. Not that Diamond was typically one for such things, but today was different. Today, she was spending it with Ryan Himura.
They had been friends since their freshman year at UA, a chaotic mix of lightning and weather that somehow found a comfortable rhythm. It wasn't until a few months ago that their friendship blossomed into something more. They were an unlikely pairing, her boisterous energy and his quiet intensity, but it worked. Today, they were embarking on their first Valentine's together, and she was determined to make it special.
Diamond glanced at the small gift she held, a custom-made lightning bolt pendant forged from platinum. She had spent weeks perfecting the design, hoping it mirrored the way Ryan's presence always seemed to electrify her. A smile tugged at her lips.
A familiar figure emerged from the train station, white and grey hair shimmering under the pale morning sun. Ryan was a study in contrasts, his grey eyes holding a gentle warmth that was often hidden behind a stoic facade. He was wearing the dark blue coat she got him for christmas, and Diamond felt a warmth blossom in her chest. He wore it well.
"Hey," he greeted, his voice a low rumble that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"Ryan!" Diamond grinned, her blue lightning bolt streak practically sparking with excitement. She hurried to him, her black hair bouncing with each step. "Ready for the most romantic day in history?"
Ryan's lips curled into a rare, almost shy smile. "Ready as I'll ever be." He gently took her hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her.
Their first stop was a quaint little cafe tucked away on a side street. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air. It was cozy, with soft lighting and comfortable armchairs. The perfect spot for a quiet, intimate start to their day.
"So, I was thinking…" Diamond began, pulling out a small gift bag. "I got you something."
Ryan's eyes, normally so controlled, widened slightly with surprise. He looked like a deer caught in headlights and Diamond smiled inwardly.
"Me too," he said, pulling a small, velvet box from his pocket.
They exchanged gifts at the same time. Diamond presented him with the pendant, watching with bated breath as he gently unclasped the chain. Ryan's eyes softened as he ran his fingers over the intricate design. "It's… incredible, Diamond. I love it."
Diamond's heart fluttered with happiness, "I'm glad, I wanted to make something you would always wear" she replied smiling.
In turn, Ryan gave her the small box, inside was a delicate, silver bracelet with a tiny lightning bolt charm and a single snowflake charm. "I know we both have opposing powers, i wanted something that shows how we can be together even though we are two different kinds."
Diamond felt her eyes water at the sweet gesture. "Ryan...it's beautiful"
They spent the next hour lost in each other's company. They talked about everything and nothing, their voices low and intimate, their hands occasionally brushing. Ryan, surprisingly, opened up more than Diamond had ever seen before. He shared stories about his childhood, his hopes, and his fears. And she, in turn, told him of her dreams and insecurities as she watched the soft smile on his face grow bigger with each passing moment.
Leaving the cafe, they meandered through a bustling market, the air thick with the scent of flowers and spices. Diamond, with her bright energy, was like a magnet for the vendors, who offered her samples of candied fruit and colourful ribbons. Ryan, on the other hand, stayed close, a quiet guardian. Their presence had attracted quite a few eyes of passersby, all wondering about the strange combo.
As they wandered they ran into a very excited Anos with his girlfriend Momo.
"Diamond! Ryan!" Anos yelled with a small wave.
"Hey guys! what are you doing?" Diamond asked as her eyes shifted to Momo.
"We were heading to a near by restaurant for lunch" Momo replied with a soft smile.
"Do you guys want to join us?" Anos asked, his eyes shifting from the couple to Ryan.
"Sure!" Diamond replied cheerfully.
Ryan didn't speak, he just nodded his head as he looked at Anos and shifted his eyes to meet Diamond.
The four ended up at a near by seafood restaurant.
Throughout the lunch Diamond could feel Ryan next to her, his presence was comforting but also new and exciting as she felt the soft brushing of his hand against hers under the table.
After lunch the two went to the arcade and Diamond cheered, she and Ryan played the racing games, Diamond winning most of her games and Ryan winning his. After a hour they headed to a nearby park and sat on a hill overlooking the city as the sun began to set, Diamond leaned against Ryan, her head resting on his shoulder, their fingers intertwined. The skyline was bursting with shades of orange and purple, creating a breathtaking panorama.
"This has been amazing," Diamond whispered, her voice full of warmth. "Thank you, Ryan."
Ryan's arm tightened around her. "It was perfect with you."
A beat of silence passed as they both took in the scene, a sense of peace and contentment washing over them.
"Diamond?" Ryan said as he turned her head to face him.
"Yeah?"
"I love you," He said it quietly, as every word was carefully crafted.
Diamond stared at him her eyes wide. "I love you too, Ryan" she whispered.
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. It was soft and sweet, a promise of forever. The city lights twinkled like stars around them, as if the whole world had decided to join in their magical moment.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep purple, they headed back towards her dorm. Diamond was humming a sweet tune as she held Ryan's hand, swinging it playfully.
When they reached her door, Ryan turned to face her, his grey eyes reflecting the soft glow of the entryway lights. He cupped Diamond's face in his hands, his touch gentle as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you, Diamond," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "For sharing this day with me."
Diamond leaned into his touch, her heart swelling with an emotion she had never felt before. "It was special because it was with you, Ryan."
He leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It was a promise of more moments like this to come, of a future built on love and understanding.
As Ryan turned to leave a small smile appeared on his face as he glanced back at Diamond, their eyes locking. He lifted his hand and gently blew a small gust of wind towards her and Diamond felt the soft touch of it on her face.
Diamond giggled as she watched Ryan disappear into the night, her heart full of joy. It was the perfect Valentine's day, one she would cherish forever. She knew, with absolute certainty, that her love for Ryan was something truly special, something that would weather any storm.
As she entered her dorm, she took the bracelet off and gently placed it on her dresser next to the lightning necklace she never takes off. She knew that every time she looked at it, it would remind her of their first Valentine's Day, and the magical love they shared. Diamond smiled as she started readying herself for bed, it was going to be a good night. And she couldn't wait for more days like this with the man she loved.