I have a Valentines' story earlier in this collection, but that was before I really got a feel for these two. I felt like giving it a second try was only a matter of time. I know Valentines' Day is covered in-game, but I wanted to toss out my own version.

[- February 7_Evening -]

What kind of chocolate do you like?

Akira found himself staring at Makoto's late night text for longer than he would have willingly admitted, reaching for his glasses despite not really needing them to see. Rather than dwell on it, he answered. Is this about Valentines' Day?

He rolled onto his back and turned his phone horizontally, prepared to answer as soon as Makoto needed him to. Morgana shifted between his legs but otherwise stayed asleep - a relief, given his temper when prematurely awakened.

Makoto: You are so blunt sometimes…

Akira: Sorry.

Makoto: Never mind. Anyway, yes, this is about Valentines' Day.

Akira: ...I'm no expert, but I don't think you're supposed to ask.

Makoto: I prefer to be thorough. Besides, since when did we start adhering to the norm?

Akira couldn't help but smile at that. He made it known with an appropriate smiley face. The expression grew into a full-on grin when he saw her send back a thumbs-up.

Akira: You got me there.

I should feel bad for making you a rebel, but I don't.

Anyway, I don't have a preference. Surprise me?

Not very helpful, I know, but hey! Freedom!

Makoto: ...I agree that it's not very helpful.

Akira: Sorry.

Makoto: I'm kidding. I think this "freedom" does make at least one part of this easier.

Akira: You know you don't have to, right?

Makoto: I want to.

Akira frowned slightly, conflicted. He didn't want to push Makoto, but, at the same time, there was no stopping her when she set her mind on something. That, and a part of him really wanted to be able to spend his first real Valentines' Day with her. Realizing she may have been waiting on him, he finally typed something, hands trembling with excitement.

Akira: Okay.

[- February 14_After School -]

Akira checked his phone for the time to confirm that, yes, he had indeed managed to survive one minute since the last time he checked how much time had passed. Makoto had texted him earlier in the day to meet on the school roof, something that was both ironic and terrifying. He tried not to think about the looks he got and the rumors that would most certainly accompany it when he burst out of class and rushed up the stairs before anyone could get a good read he was going. Really, thinking about anything seemed to just make him more nervous at this point. He already felt awkward from when Morgana had ditched him on the grounds that he didn't want to interrupt his 'fun time' with Makoto. Now he was stuck with his thoughts and the rather welcoming fresh air. Before he could lift up his phone again, the door to the roof burst open, causing Akira to jump in surprise. He was ready to put on a fake smile and explain away just what a delinquent like he was doing loitering on the rooftop, but he was instead able to grin happily and relax - Makoto had arrived. "You're already here. Sorry, did you have to wait long?"

"I'll admit I rushed up here...thought you'd be here first."

He gestured for her to sit in one of the folding chairs he had fished out of the corners before anything else. "I had to get something from my locker. I didn't want to jostle this too much in my bag, so...well, here, first and foremost."

Makoto reached into her bag and pulled out a small, rectangular black box and offered it to Akira was no other fanfare. With a grateful smile, he took it, thinking he would have it no other way. He opened it at her insistence, only to find a neat divide, separating two evenly measured portions of both white and dark chocolate. "Two kinds?"

"Right! Let me explain."

She tried not to stutter as she watched him break one of the white pieces in half, passing her some to calm her nerves. "I figured you would like this combined with a cup of coffee. White chocolate is sweet as opposed to bitter, and the color is, um...o-obviously the opposite of what you're usually drinking. Yin and yang, you know?"

Makoto's throat felt dry, but she was determined to make sure she didn't choke on her words. This was important! With that, she gestured to the other half of the box. Akira followed her cue and carefully picked up one of the pieces; These chocolates was dark, almost black. "On the other hand, I was worried you might prefer harmony rather than a...a juxtaposition."

Throwing more weight into her words, Makoto figured, would make her sound more confident that she really felt. "Those chocolates are seventy-percent cocoa. I could have gone for a higher concentration, but I didn't want the bitterness to be overpowering."

Akira nodded slowly and put the piece he was holding down before it melted in his fingers. What she said made sense - coffee, at least how he liked it, was bitter. Overdoing it on that particular sensation would just make the whole experience unpleasant. He could feel his heart singing with joy that she had managed to put so much thought into both the appeal and the synergy of the chocolate; both types would likely taste wonderful with coffee. "I'm sorry."

"What?"

Akira shut the box so he could focus completely on Makoto, who looked like she was trying her best not to get up and start pacing. He reached for her shoulder at first, choosing instead to take her hand and lace their fingers together. The move had the added benefit of getting her to stop and take a breath. "Why apologize?"

"The presentation bothers me. It's too simple.

"The presenta-" Akira was genuinely surprised by what she was on about, quickly shaking his head after he came to terms with it. "Makoto…"

"I didn't put it in a fancy box, didn't put any thought into the look...I didn't even get a bow!"

"Makoto."

"And I could have got some molds or something so the chocolates don't just look like blocks, or-"

"Makoto."

"What?"

By now, the poor council president was a bundle of frazzled nerves. Akira tugged their joined hands towards him and threw his other arm around her shoulder in a hasty embrace. Makoto was surprised for the briefest moment, but soon enough to relaxed ever so slightly, the hand she now had on his back taking a tight grip of his Shujin jacket. "It doesn't bother me."

"...It doesn't?"

"Of course not! I'm...I-I don't know what to say."

That seemed to be something they could latch on to. Makoto managed a little laugh and held him just a little tighter. Akira, in turn, brought their chairs closer together and put the box safely on his lap. The proximity made it easier to hug her. "This is all very new to me."

"Yeah.."

Akira smiled and picked up the box. True, it was simple, and there was indeed no bow, but he didn't care. It was Valentine chocolate - the first he had ever received. "...Let's go to Leblanc. I'll put on some coffee, we can see which combination wins out."

Makoto knew the answer, she was sure she did, but...she still felt like pushing just a bit would be extremely gratifying. "Are you asking me out?"

"Yeah."

The brazen reply made her blush, but what was truly surprising was that even Akira seemed a little embarrassed by how quickly he had answered. "I mean, unless you're busy..."

He felt something soft brush against his cheek. He turned to Makoto in surprise, a feeling that was only furthered when she offered a small smile. "Not busy. Happy seems more appropriate, though."

Akira smiled and leaned close to give her a quick kiss. There would be a time and place where he could more properly show his appreciation for her, but it would have to do. The way her eyes twinkled as they pulled apart seemed to indicate that she understood that and was wholeheartedly looking forward to it. "Ready to go?"

And then they have a talk similar to the one in the game's event...or not. Maybe they just eat chocolate, have coffee, and make out for an hour.

Happy Valentines' Day! Glad I was able to get this out before the clock struck twelve, so I hope you enjoy. Maybe it's not as sweet as chocolate, but I hope it's at least a little close.

Thanks for reading, as always. Till next time, yeah?