[ Trying to keep those feelings bottled is a futile effort in general. Especially so against Kaito. His arms latch onto her back, reaching up so that scarred fingers can weave into her hair and massage her scalp.

He's going to destroy that shitty misconception of hers someday.

If anyone deserves his hardest efforts, it's Hibiki.

Lips press to the top of her head, ignoring the numbing sting that's been tingling his face ever since he made the ill-advised decision to start planting kisses on her. ]

...You're so stubborn, [ he murmurs, smiling into her hair. ] Just like me.

I'm not going to get myself killed. Not after spouting all that sentiment. But I'm also not going to let you lose something you care so much about. And you're just gonna have to deal with this middle ground.

And... all I ask is that you don't dare die on me. Don't sacrifice yourself. That's it. That's all. [ His hold tightens, and he whispers the same words that he had so desperately choked out when they had reunited after her vanishing act. ]

I can't afford to lose you.