Today was Valentine's Day in the Human World, so Kusangai taught us what human do on this day.

At the mention of giving chocolate to the person you fancy, everyone raced to the kitchens, nearly trampling each other in the process.

I peeked into the classroom, watching the others bombard Kusangai with bundles of chocolates. Disheartened, I gazed at the misshapen chocolate heart in my hand.

My curse won't even let me make a simple gift for her.

The others can offer so much more that I shouldn't bother striving for her affections.

But, that smile she gives me causes this warmth to grow in my chest and my face to redden.

Her unconditional kindness has touched my frozen heart, and I want to show her what she means to me.

But, I can't even bake something worthy of her tastes.

"Hades-san?" Kusangai's voice chimed from the classroom.

I immediately shoved the chocolate into my jacket and scampered away, ignoring her calls.

I didn't want to see the mounds of gifts in her arms.

I didn't want to be reminded of those who have a better chance with her.

Finally stopping at the gazebo in the garden, I collapsed onto the bench and placed my head in my hands.

Why?

Why did I have to fall in love with her?

"Hades-san?" I looked up and saw Kusanagi panting and holding the railing for support. "Why did you run away? Didn't you hear me calling your name?"

"Because," I sighed and figured it was now or never. "You deserve better than this."

I held out my, now partly melted, chocolate heart and turned away so I didn't have to see the horror on her face.

But, instead of disgust, she laughed.

"What is so funny?"

"Oh, Hades-san, I love it." She took the treat from my hands and bit into it. "Mmm! Milk chocolate is my favorite!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"You..You actually like it?"

"Of course! I was hoping I'd get chocolate from you, and I did." She smiled, taking another bite.

My heart sung, and I couldn't stop a goofy grin from spreading across my face.

"Oh!" Kusanagi reached into her bag and placed something in my hands.

It was daifuku in the shape of a heart.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Hades-san."

The warmth had now spread from my chest to the rest of my body, and I pulled her into an embrace, burrowing my face into her shoulder.

"Happy Valentine's Day,…Yui."