He wasn't even good enough for his own parents. There must have been something fundamentally wrong with him, after all, right? That's the only reasoning he could give himself. And, somewhere deep down in his soul, he felt anger for this woman in front of him. Did she really have to say that?! Did she really have to say it that way?! His rational mind was fighting against that feeling with all it's might. "Of course, she has no idea that's your trigger, you fucking idiot! Not even you yourself could've expected that to trigger you! Get a hold of yourself!"

Before either one of them had a chance to fully process what was going on, he had her pulled in close, grabbing her almost too tightly on the shoulders. She stumbled a bit, surprised by the sudden move, bumping into him. Their faces dangerously close.

- Uhm... Hanemiya-san? What's wrong?

His expression had suddenly changed. That boyish charm was gone completely, replaced by an angry frown. Melancholic eyes now looked empty. She couldn't help but feel slightly threatened by the sudden release of menacing aura. He just sighed loudly. She could already feel his breath and his body warmth, but that aggressive grip had instantly turned into a tight hug.

- Don't get me wrong... - his voice deeper than his usual pitch, but his tone sorrowful. - But what you just said... triggered some long-suppressed things in me. Bad things. I'm not good for you, I don't think I can make you happy, and I'm not even gonna pretend that I have a chance. I know I'm overstepping my boundaries and I'm sorry, but please... - his voice cracked, as if he was about to cry - Let me hold you like this for a moment longer.

To his surprise, two lean arms have gently wrapped themselves around his back. He was lost for words. Nobody hugged him in years. Actually, the last hug he remembered was from Baji on that fateful night, when he promised to stay by his side through any hell that awaited them. Tears started flowing on their own down his cheeks; it was out of his control. She buried her face into his chest. His heart was beating fast.

- Kazutora-san, I'm sorry if I said something that hurt you.

He sniffled.

- Wait, did you just... call me by my given name? - He softly laughed through the tears.

- Sorry, I got carried away.

- No need to apologize, Tsukishiro-san, please do so, from now on. - She released herself from the embrace and looked him in the eye. She had never seen such a painful, regretful face before. He was obviously desperate.

- Only on one condition. – a barely visible hint of pink appeared on her face.

- Whatever you require.

- You will also call me by my given name.

Her words made him tear up again. As if afraid not to break something by saying it, he whispered shyly. - Fuyuko...

She just smiled at him.

"Ah, that smile! It can save me from any darkness! That's it, I swore to protect that smile! As long as she is happy, I will be able to live without worry!"

All of sudden, the silence became pleasant. They understood each other without a word. Facing back towards the beautiful city view, he awkwardly tried finding a good moment to hold her hand. She picked up on it, and reached out to meet his. His hand was cold, but his dry palm skin felt really good against her own palm. Interlocking the fingers, she felt safe and protected. "But what was all that about earlier? Should I be worried, is this really ok? Kei-nii... send me a sign!"

Still riding the sudden wave of confidence, he spoke.

- Tsukish..., no, Fuyuko... Are you really ok with... this? I mean... - his words barely audible - with me.

She flinched at his words that sounded like he had just read her conflicted mind. - I...

Taking a few moments to sort out her thoughts and feelings, she gazed into the picturesque scenery in front of them. The colorful lights, shadows, and their reflections on the water surface, for a moment looked like a captivating dream. As if hypnotized by the view, she spoke right from her heart.

- Kazutora-san, that's why I told you not everything is your fault. I really respect the fact that you've acknowledged your mistakes, that you introspect, reflecting on what you did, and that you want to atone for what you did.

She turned to face him and looked him in the eye. - But you shouldn't blame yourself for things you didn't do, or things outside of your control and your choice. - The tone of her voice suddenly got softer, more compassionate. - I'm perfectly fine with "this" and you. You are a worthy person. You deserve a second chance.

Kazutora just silently looked at her with teary eyes. Warmth. Salvation. Care. Kindness. That's what his gentle gaze was revealing, and that's exactly what he felt for her, and from her.

She made a small mental note on how interesting his mood changes are... One moment he's shy, the next he's scary, before you know it, he's all emotional, then confident, then... "who could tell what next to expect from this weird tiger!" She mentally giggled to herself.

- I am so blessed to have met you, Fuyuko... - he stood in front of her, holding both of her hands in his, looking her in the eye. - You know... I... I want you to be happy. I want to see you smiling. And I will do whatever I need to do in order to protect that beautiful smile of yours.

- Kazutora-san, I... - her heart skipped a few beats at those words, her knees weak, her face getting a pink hue. In her stomach, a million butterflies had just fluttered off at the same time. But her voice and her expression were still hesitant.

- I understand. As I said, I don't expect anything. You don't have to give me an answer now. Or, ever, if you don't want to. I know I don't deserve you as I am now, and maybe I'll never be good enough, actually. The past cannot be erased, and mine is full of sins. But it doesn't change my intention. I swore to that... in front of Chifuyu. And... Baji.

She couldn't say anything to that. The strength of his resolve and the way he saw himself moved her speechless. She just stood there admiring the sight in front of her. At that moment, that was all she could do.

A sudden gust of cold wind snapped them both back to the present moment. It lightly swirled the silky fabric of her dress around, revealing her toned thighs for a short moment, but long enough to catch his attention. His gaze got naturally drawn to the sight of her bare skin, and he remembered their conversation and his thoughts from the night before. Blushing, and trying his best to hold his composure, he tried changing the topic.

- It's getting cold, maybe we should get going. I'm sorry I lost the track of time, it's just that... I enjoyed your company a bit too much. - he said with a blushing smile.

- I don't mind it. It was a lovely evening. Thank you. - she smiled back, and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of her smile, yet again.

- Let's go back.