"I think it's great, how they can be honest about their feelings for each other," Himeno said, smiling at the thought of Takaka and Sasame together, finally having found their happiness.

Hayate blushed ferociously, and his whole frame stiffened as he tried – and valiantly failed – to control the burning heat that was spreading over not only his cheeks, but his whole face.

"Is something the matter, Hayate?" Himeno asked, having spotted a change in his attitude.

"No. It's nothing."

Himeno rolled her eyes. She didn't believe him, but if he didn't want to tell her, then he wasn't going to, and since whatever it was that was bothering him wasn't a world-threatening issue, then she saw no particular reason to press it. Still, a sly grin slipping onto her face with the thought, the guy could probably use a hug.

Smiling and laughing, she latched onto his arm and started teasing about how she was improving at the game he had given her, back before he was convinced that she'd be any good as the Pretear. Once they had exhausted the argument of whether or not she was going to throw it away, they fell into a comfortable, smiling silence.

"You know," Himeno said suddenly, tapping her chin with a finger in thought. "You never did tell me that thing you said you were going to."

"Huh?" Hayate played off, suddenly panicked.

"When you left me to go fight Sasame, you said you would come back because after the fight was done you had something to tell me, but I don't think you ever did, did you?"
Hayate gulped nervously.

"Yeah, but you were unconscious at the time," he answered.

"Well, that's no good, I couldn't hear you then!" she growled, though she was still smiling at him. "So you're going to have to repeat yourself, cause I'd like to know what you wanted to tell me."

Hayate almost groaned in restraint. Closing his eyes and hiding them further under the palm of one hand, he took a moment to compose himself before turning to her.

"Well?" she demanded cheerfully, hands on her hips and a smile on her face.

"I love you."

Himeno blinked, stunned, and a deep scarlet blush slowly took hold of her face.

"I love you too," she whispered, the tiniest smile on her lips as she looked up at him.