"Did you need something, Kyoko-chan?" With his crush suddenly calling him out here, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Had Onii-san said something to her about the mafia?
She shyly looked down at the ground, her face red as she barely managed the courage to look up at the male. After all she had called him out here. Keeping him waiting would be rude.
"I...I love you, Tsuna-kun!"
His heart stopped. Oh how he had longed for the words since the day he set eyes on the girl. He felt himself blush, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he rubbed the back of his head, looking down at the ground.
"R-Really? That makes me really happy to hear, Kyoko-chan." His heart pounded so fast in his chest that it hurt. He had dreamed of this moment, wished for it everyday since he first spoke to her. That's why it pained him so much to give her his response.
"But I don't love you."
That was probably the biggest lie he's ever told. Everyone but her could see how in love with Sasagawa Kyoko he was. But to prevent her from being drawn deeper into the mafia would, he would betray his own heart and reject the girl he cared for so deeply. Who he loved so much, but only to protect his sun of his endless sky.
"I'm sorry."
He continued to smile, but it was forced. That look of shock and pain on her face only lasted for a moment before she covered it up with a smile.
"I see." Kyoko bowed. "I'm sorry for wasting your time and calling you out like this. Please forgive me." Without looking back at him, she ran off.
He wanted so badly to chase after her, he even found himself reaching out, towards her, longing for her skin to be under his touch. But he restrained himself. This was something he had to do. Because if his sun were to ever disappear, he would forever be lost in the darkness of the night sky.
"I'm sorry, Kyoko." He whispered.
As long as she could smile, that would be enough for him. She would find someone else. Someone who wouldn't drag her into such a cruel world. Someone would protect and love her more than he ever could.
And it hurt him so much that that person wasn't him.
"I'm sorry that I love you too."
