song #7: what makes you beautiful

Perched in a tree, Cecil spotted her talking with the teacher. He could hear the sounds of praise, which only embarrassed the girl more and more.

"Haru-chan, I don't understand why you don't take more pride in yourself and your work!" said the teacher. "You compose such beautiful songs, and you're cute on top of it!"

"R-Really, Sensei." The girl answered with a bright blush, looking down at her feet. "I'm not all that...great."

Cecil watched her with deep, dreamy eyes. He observed her movements, her expressions, even watched her lips move as she stuttered and spoke. He loved everything about her. He began to wonder why she didn't love herself. Cecil couldn't understand why.

He saw so much to love about her.

After the teacher disappeared, Cecil jumped from the tree and startled the girl in front of him. She squeaked and whipped her head. "Cecil-san! Wh-Where did you come from?"

"From that tree up there," he answered with a light laugh. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the teacher." His eyes softened as he gently took her hand. "I don't understand. Why don't you believe the compliments she gave you?"

She blushed again, feeling her heart almost pop in her chest. "I...I just don't think I'm that great of a person. I think...Sensei may be exaggerating a little—"

"That's not true!" Cecil leaned closer. "Everyone else can see your talent, even me! I don't understand why you don't see it!"

He could see her look of surprise from his outburst, taken back by his passionate words. "Cecil-san... I didn't know you...thought this way about me."

Cecil sighed a bit, gently squeezing her hand. "I've always thought this way." He, too, found himself blushing lightly from the way her eyes peered into his. "I love..." His embarrassment intensified as he spoke, "I love everything about your songs. I want to stay beside you and keep singing your songs. More than anything in the world."

Watching her blush again set his heart on fire. She averted his gaze and stared at her feet, fiddling with the hem of her uniform skirt. "I-I..."

He squeezed her hand once more, forcing her head to lift. Cecil's gaze grew serious as he stared down at her. Then he smiled gently, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Everything about you is beautiful, Haruka. Don't forget that."

She froze in her spot, unable to react. His words echoed in her mind as a small smile appeared on her face. "Thank you so much, Cecil-san."