The air outside was brisk and cold as Usui Takumi rested on the roof of Seika High, his handmade Christmas gift wrapped tightly around his neck. He reached up, removing his gloves, and weaved his fingers into the thick fabric, pulling it closer to his face.
He smiled. Holding the scarf Misaki made him brought back many dreamlike, almost surreal moments: her soft lips against his, her confession, her acceptance of his desire to be together. Honestly, he was having a hard time believing that any of it had actually occurred, that he wasn't just in the middle of a blissful dream.
And really, he had good reason to think this way. For the longest time, Misaki was stubborn, refusing to admit any feelings toward Usui. The closest he could get to her was to be able to see the adorable faces she made when she was embarrassed. Or mad. Or happy. Really, every time he saw her face, he was captivated.
He frowned slightly when the face of his brother, Gerard, flickered into his mind. Leave it to him to ruin the one tiny sliver of happiness he managed to find in his life. As much as he hated to admit it, Usui was worried. He hadn't wanted to drag her into the mess that was his family life. And he most certainly didn't want to jeopardize her happiness- or more importantly, her safety- in any way.
But then again, maybe he didn't have to worry. After all, Misaki was tough. She could handle anything; at least, she thought she could. And she had said that she didn't want protection. In fact, she wanted to protect him.
Usui chuckled, returning his hands to his pockets. Only Misaki could sound so much like a guy, and yet be the most beautiful girl he'd ever known. And only she could capture his heart the way that she did.
And Usui decided, as he leaned back onto the concrete and lifted his eye to the sky above him, that he would let his heart take him wherever it desired. Because, he knew, with Misaki by his side, he could accomplish anything.