EDIT: It seemed easier to just put all my oneshots in one place. If it's not convenient, I can re-upload them as separate stories. Future oneshots will be uploaded under this banner, and another is on the way, soon!

Original Note: Contrary to the non-existent popular belief, this is indeed my first fic. May as well kick off my career with my OTP, Souji and Naoto. Enjoy, leave a review, or disregard this existing.

…so what really happened on Valentine's Day?

"Take all of me…"

Naoto's words echoed softly in Souji's ears as he turned to look at her. The blush on her face as she met his warm gaze made it hard to concentrate on the best course of action. Throwing caution to the winds, he leaned in closer to Naoto. As she caught on to his intentions, her blush grew ever deeper, but she didn't shy away like she normally did. The shows of affection she received from her boyfriend made her feel special, and she knew that such gestures were meant for her only. Their lips met softly, and both of them noted the pleasant aroma of the handmade chocolate that proceeded to fog their senses. Naoto's right hand shakily reached up to cup Souji's cheek, and he responded in like, clasping her hand in his own. His other hand reached up to gently take off her cap and pull her closer afterwards, earning a mewl of approval from his love. His head tilted as the kiss grew ever more passionate. After a few more seconds of indulging in each other, they broke apart with a soft gasp and took a moment to catch their breath. Souji leaned forward to gently rest his forehead on Naoto's, before shifting to pull her closer in a subtle attempt to warm her up and indulge in how soft she felt, as well as how snugly they fit together. A gloved hand rose to lead her head onto his shoulder, and Naoto couldn't find the will to complain at the affectionate squeeze, nor how close they were. A light pink dusted her cheeks while she tried to recover from the pleasant daze and just how… perfect…the kiss felt. And then, she felt a pang of guilt, followed by a crushing sense of dread.

Souji was content to just rest on the stairway with the love of his life in his embrace, until, he noticed how Naoto was shaking and making soft noises that sounded akin to…sobbing? He looked down in alarm, strengthening his grip instinctively. With his heart aching to see such sorrow coming from her, he quietly tried to catch her attention.

"Naoto…?"

She looked at him out of the corner of her grey-blue eyes, albeit with some reluctance, and tears still streaming down her face. Souji reached out to brush her tears away, but she winced slightly at the feel of his gloves. Apologizing and chiding himself for being careless, he pulled the right glove off with his teeth, his left still holding her in a gentle embrace. He resumed brushing the tears away, then moved to stroke her hair. While she initially refused to admit it, she loved the feel of his fingers brushing her hair, and he knew it put her at ease whenever he did so. And so he gently continued his ministrations, until he heard her softly ask him…

"W-…Why…"

Souji looked at her with a confused expression. "Why?"

"Why do you put up with me...? All I've given you is… is... nothing! Souji-kun, you gave me a reason to stay. You had girls all over town pining for your affection, but…y-you chose me… why?"

She wrapped her arms around him then, desperately clinging to how comforting he felt, and tried even harder to snuggle into him when Souji returned the embrace with both arms, bringing them closer together. She raised her gaze to meet his own, and felt tears spring anew at the soft and loving look he was giving her. "That look…i-is exactly what I'm talking about!" She buried her face into his chest then, and took solace in his warmth when he started grooming her hair again. She implored him again, "Why… please… you have to…tell me why… you have to…" She sniffed and tried to fight back her tears.

Souji felt a sting in the corners of his own eyes as he lifted her head to meet his soft look. He brought his lips to her forehead before he pulled her closer.

"Naoto…I thought you would have known, what with how much time we spent together. All the stories we exchanged, how well we got along, everything. You gave me everything I could have wanted just by being there. Why did I 'choose' you, you ask?"

Souji lifted her chin up to meet his gaze once again. "…because I love you."

The memory of that day at the shrine came flooding back to her. The knife, the blur that she realized was her Senpai, and the rush of emotions she felt when she considered the outcomes of the encounter should the knife have been real. And when he spoke those exact words to her, the flood of feelings she experienced. She froze when she found why he had thrown himself into potential danger…it was because of exactly what he said. He loved her.

Souji was surprised at her reaction to his answer, but it quickly changed into a warm purr in his heart as he saw one of the biggest, most affectionate smiles find its way onto Naoto's face. Despite his slightly vague answer, he knew she understood, and was relieved that she accepted his reasoning. What he didn't expect was the affectionate peck to the cheek, nor what came afterwards. Tired from the stress of having to stay up to perfect the day's chocolate, along with her emotional outburst took its toll on her. She leaned forward, slowly inching towards Souji before resting her head on his chest. Her arms rose again to wrap themselves around him. She was pleased to feel his arms as he returned her embrace. She felt her consciousness slowly slipping away, but not before she spoke her mind to the man who held her in his arms.

"Souji-kun…I love you…"

✨Souji walked down the street, appreciating the light snowfall before strengthening his grip on the sleeping charge he bore. Naoto was on his back, worn out from lack of rest and the stress of what she wanted to ask Souji. Her arms were draped around his neck and he held her up by her thighs with his own strong arms. While he felt he would never be able to do this while she was awake, his heart fluttered at how sublime the moment felt. As he trudged towards her apartment, he thought he felt the arms around his neck move…just a bit. Souji Seta smiled, before renewing his grip once again, and walking, just a tad slower, enjoying everything around him.

✨Naoto Shirogane was awake for a while, but didn't want the moment to end just yet. And while she reassured herself that this was normal, she couldn't help but blush, before letting a small, child-like grin spread across her face. She thought about how lucky she was with all the things that happened, and thanked her Fortune that she met him.

I'm…not walking alone anymore. He's with me, and he loves me, and I love him so. Souji-kun…thank you.

And that's the end of that. What did you think? Any kind of comment is welcome! Is it just me or do I appreciate a kind, understanding Souji to the teasing, but still good Souji? Just like how I think Souji Seta is a way better name that Yu Narukami. But to each their own.

See ya later.