*slammed my fist against the desk* Thank the lord!

It's hard to write this chapter! *grumble*

I apologize it seems kind of rush but, I honestly have a huge trouble with Verde's character. So, I tried to make it... kind of like him that way he does around with people and job. It's confusing and I had to re-type so many times to satisfied with it. Hopefully, not too OOC? If it is... I'm sorry. *dramatic sob*

Warning: unbeta. English is my second. ASL if my first. I'm Deaf! *peace* x3

I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn. None. *sob*

Enjoy~ :3

Location: Casa Hotel

Room #270

Tsuna flop on his back against the bed feeling so worn out from today. He reached for his spiky hair and ruffled it. It's been a long day, but he has enjoyed it with Colonello with the rain theme. Tsuna hasn't expected to gain another friend who wants to keep in touch with him. He sat up, reached for his cell phone from the tableside bed and flipped it open. He scrolled the contacts and saw Colonello named on his personal contact. He clearly remembers how Colonello gave him his number.

Flashback

"Oi, little bunny, kora!" Tsuna paused a few feet away from the black vehicle where Gamma waited for him to climb in the car. Tsuna turned his head with confused and saw Colonello jogged toward him.

"You don't think you can escape from me, kora?" he smirked at Tsuna who blinked at him. "Here… this is my number, kora." He gave Tsuna's his number on a piece of paper. "Add that to your phone and get rid of the paper, I don't want any fangirls to get their hands on. This is my personal number, kora." Colonello explained.

Tsuna was surprised to see personal numbers on the paper when he grabbed it gently, "A-are you sure?" he asked in a baffle tone.

"Of course, kora. We're friends, right?" Colonello winked and waved at Tsuna before he left the petite model who stared at him in stunned.

"Friends…?" heart warms up that brings a wonderful smile appeared on Tsuna's face. He gains another friend!

End of Flashback

The petite model couldn't believe it. Who would've thought Skull and Colonello want to be his friends? He is so glad that he accepted to be part of this project because not only it makes his mother happy, it also makes him have friends with possible!

Tsuna couldn't wait for tomorrow because he is excited to have another possible friend. And the new experiences as well in his modeling job. Suddenly, he yawns weary and rubbed his tired eyes. He shut his cell phone, placed on the bedside table and double check the alarm clock. Then, he climbed inside a cozy warm blanket and snuggled against a fluffy pillow. His eyes closed and drifted off to dreamland.

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Dietro Le Quinte

Chapter Five

"Elementi Project: Part Four"

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Location: Mondo Studio

Time: Morning of 6:34

Another chilling morning that made Tsuna cuddled against with his mother to borrow her warmth. Nana tilted her head against her son's temple since they both are roughly same height. As usual, Nana has her own cup of coffee in hands while Tsuna rubbed his mitts hands attempted to warm up. It's rather a very cold this morning than yesterday morning. Luckily, Tsuna and Nana wore their warm clothes enough to be warm and comfortable.

When they both arrived at the studio, number ninety-nine, they walked inside, and the temperature was bearable for Tsuna and his mother. They both scanned their surrounding and spotted the photographer, "Kikyo-kun." Nana greeted the beautiful photographer who turned around and greeted them with a charming smile.

"Good morning, Sora, Yun." Kikyo said happily while he is holding on his precious camera. "Good thing you both are here now. Your new partner arrived just a few minutes ago along with Lal." He turned his head over his shoulder, "Lal! Verde!" he beckoned them across from the room.

Tsuna turned around and examined his new partner for the part three of Elementi Project. He is a bespectacled young man with spiky green hair, purple eyes and wears a simple dark green jacket, black slack, and fancy black shoes. At first glance, people wouldn't look twice but when Tsuna took a closer look, he can tell this young man is rather attractive in a roughly intelligent way. Something tells Tsuna that this young man has a hidden skill that only exposes the front of the camera. Which Tsuna is looking forward to learning and sees what his partner is like as a model.

Kikyo introduced his models on their behalf politely, "Sora, this is Verde, Verde, your new partner model, Sora."

Verde pushed his glasses up and nod his head silently at Tsuna. The petite model just smiles friendly back at his partner.

Lal placed her hands on her hips as she turned to the photographer, "So, what's the theme this time?" she asked professionally curious.

"Part three of the Elementi Project is 'Tocco Di Fulmine'. It means 'Touch of Lightning' in Italian. The story of the Fulmine is about a diffident and awkwardly-socially young man who has a long-time crush on a Cielo. Fulmine always somehow saw the Cielo in a library, café, and places he kept seeing her. However, he never has the courage to walk up to her and confess to her. So, Fulmine decided to stay back and watch Cielo lives her life and getting further away from his reach until Cielo needed help with something that Fulmine offered before he went coward, Fulmine, and Cielo accidentally touch for the first time that creates a spark between these two. That's when Fulmine knew he'll be in her life." Kikyo explained the story of the Lightning theme story.

"How sweet." Nana cooed softly, she likes this story, it sounded innocent and sweet.

The photographer agreed with the manager with a smile and glanced at his models, "Sora, you know where the dressing room is, Sandy is there waiting for you with a new costume." Tsuna nodded his head understanding and left to his dressing room. "And Verde, Iza will take care of your make-up and the dressing room." Verde understood and went to the dressing room.

Kikyo then glanced at the managers, "Alright, today we're going to finish the theme of Tocco Di Fulmine, however, tomorrow will be two days works for the next theme project." He explained to them.

Lal raised her eyebrow, "Is this tomorrow project requires something?" she asked with curious while Nana is listening carefully.

"Si, it's involved with different sets in location and activities. I will have the schedules ready for you both, so you can explain to your model." Kikyo informed them as they all walked to the room of the set. "For now, we're focusing on today's theme." He said as he nods his head at the set front of them.

Nana and Lal observed the set, it's a small coffee cozy shop. There are a couple of circle tables with matching chairs, a comfortable dark green loveseat against the background wall, across the tables is a counter with coffee supplies, coffee machine, cups, and register machine. The set looked like it an actual small café.

Then, Verde appeared that caught women attention and surprise to see the transformation of his appearance. Even, Nana was awed by his dramatic transform. Verde wears a white dress shirt with a dark forest tie, black formal trouser, black wingtip oxford shoes, and a wristwatch wrapped around his right wrist. His spiky green hair is neatly combed, and gel back, and still has his glasses on, but he looks like an important man from a big job.

Kikyo was happy and satisfied with his model's appearance, 'I still can't get over the fact this man can transform his appearance from normal-looking to attractive-looking.' He mused with amused, he used to work with Verde before and never gets old every-time Verde's magic transform in his modeling job.

Nana noticed from the corner of her eyes when she saw her son walked up to them, she turned to him and beamed, "Sora-chan! You look cute!" she loves the outfit for her son.

Tsuna smiles at his mother, he wears a green crop shirt, blue overall, white converse shoes, and a silver charm bracelet with green lightning bolts wrapped around his left wrist. His waist-length hair is low pig-tails with curly in the end, matching green earrings shape of a lightning bolt, and green nail polish. Simple yet adorable fitting for Tsuna.

"Sora, Verde, come with me." Kikyo led his models to the set, "This is where Fulmine is having his own coffee break while Cielo was occupied with a book. Fulmine just noticed Cielo and start an old crush on her again because he remembered of her gentle and innocent smile. It's almost like a love at first sight yet it's not, Fulmine actually knew Cielo in the past, however, Cielo doesn't seem to remember him." The photographer explained while the worker came with props, he handed a green leather book to Tsuna and a black coffee mug to Verde.

Kikyo pointed at the table, "Sora, go sit on that seat with a book and pretend that you are very engrossed in the story. Verde, I would like you to go near the register counter just as you got your coffee, bene, now Verde, I want you to pretend that you paid your coffee, search for a place to sit but pause when you notice your long-time old crush. That's it…perfect." Kikyo whispered the last part as he lifted his camera. Click. Click. Click.

In the set; Sora on a chair with her chin rested on her palm while her other hand is holding her book. Her eyes slowly scan on the pages as if she is seriously into the story.

Verde picked up his coffee mug, turned around with the solemn look and search his surrounding with his eyes. Until his eyes landed on Sora, his breathing hitched, his shoulders stiffed, his eyes widen in shocked, and stood frozen.

Suddenly, a light appeared behind Sora from the window that shines almost like an angel. Verde couldn't help it but walk to the beautiful girl. However, he hesitated as he clutched his coffee mug. He gritted his teeth, took a step back, then sharply turn the direction to the camera and left the shop.

Sora tilted her head as her eyes lifted up while she placed her hand onto the book with a thoughtful expression on her face. It's almost as if she is pondered from the story she was currently read. However, Sora missed a chance to notice Verde's reaction when he saw her. Click. Click. Click.

"Bellissimo! Alright, Iza and Sandy, get outfit number two for this set." Kikyo ordered the Make-Up Artists. They immediately obeyed, grabbed the models, and dragged them off back to the dressing room.

Nana hummed softly, "Excuse me, Kikyo-kun…" she walked up to the photographer, "It the Fulmine theme is only this set for five different outfits?" she asked with curiosity.

The photographer glanced at his model's manager, "No. Just twice in two different sets and one set. The Fulmine theme is rather simple yet innocent story. Fulmine is a workaholic and Cielo is a bookworm. However, Fulmine knew her because they both used to go the same school in the past and he had crushed on her. After seeing her again after all these years, his feelings for her came back." He explained in detail.

"Ah, I understand now." Nana said. Lal walked up to Nana while carrying two coffee cups, she handed one coffee to Nana who thanked happily to her fellow manager. The managers stood back and enjoyed their wonderful blissful taste of heavenly coffee cup.

Almost ten minutes has passed, Verde and Tsuna came out and arrived back to the café set. Verde wears a dark green dress shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black trousers, dark brown captoe dress boot, black belt with a green lightning bolt as a buckle, black wrist-watch wrapped around his right wrist. His hair was combed back, a small emerald gem earring in his left ear, and he doesn't have his glasses on because it was tucked in his breast pocket.

Tsuna wears a black batwing top with long sleeves that rolled up to his elbows, dark green jeans, black and green dressy slip-on sneakers, and dark green tribly hat. His hair changed the style to rope braid ponytail. The accessories he has emeralds earrings, silver charm bracelet wrapped around his left wrist, a silver ring with a green lightning bolt on his right index finger. And he carries a black with green lightning patterns of baguette bag.

Once again, they were praised and approved by others on the models' styles. Kikyo pointed at the café set, "Alright, this time, this is when Fulmine is at the café, waiting and hoping to get a glance at Cielo." The photographer looked at Verde, "I want you to sit where Sora has sat, with a coffee mug and a book this time." Almost as if on cue, a worker came up with props, he gave Verde a white coffee mug and a black book.

Verde took the props, went to the set while Kikyo turned his attention to his female model, "You will walk into the café and prepare to order a coffee, got it? Bene." Kikyo immediately pressed his camera at the set. Click. Click. Click.

In the set; Verde is sitting on a chair with a book in hand while his other hand is holding a coffee cup. He lifted his coffee cup to his lip and tilt it up slightly. As if he is drinking his coffee while reading his book in his quiet and peaceful time of himself.

And then, when Sora walked in the café that almost immediately caught Verde's attention. Verde set his coffee mug on the table and closed his book. His eyes trailed on Sora in silent.

Meanwhile, Sora didn't notice it one bit when she is busying examined the menus on the board on the wall. She bit her lip while thinking about the options on the menus what she wants to order for her drink.

Verde clear his throat softly, he grabbed his glasses from his breast pocket, and put it on and push it up. He stood up, with a book on his side while holding his coffee cup. He walked to Sora while his eyes are on her back. When he is getting closer, and close that he can easily smell her scent.

He opens his mouth but froze and shut his jaw in silent. He shook his head, turned, and went back to the seat. While he was looking away, he missed his chance that Sora glanced over her shoulder with curious eyes with raise eyebrows. She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to the menu. Click. Click. Click.

Outside of the set, Nana narrowed her eyes, "I can't help but feel like it's frustrated to watch this…" Lal glanced at Nana with a puzzled frown, "Fulmine and Cielo kept missing chances to have eye contacts. That's annoying." She pouted.

Lal hummed, "I think that's what Kikyo was aiming for, he seems very satisfied with it so far." She jerked her chin at the direction where Kikyo was happily snapping shots from his precious camera.

"Simpatico! Now go back to your dressing rooms and change other outfits number four. Iza and Sandy will lead you both to a different set." Kikyo informed. His models understood and went back to their dressing room once again.

The managers followed the excited and satisfied photographer to the next room, Nana gasped in amaze at the new set. The set has four long bookshelves filled with books. A dark wood of conference table filled with few books and six matching chairs. The floor was dark color carpets and the wall was the light color.

Nana couldn't help but think that she just walks in a small public library. "Amazing." Lal agreed with the manager with impressed.

Kikyo glanced at Nana with a smile, "This set used to be for the movie photoshoot a while ago. It was fortunate that this set hasn't removed yet." Plus, he was in relief not to use an actual public library because it will cause chaos and unwanted attention.

"Are we using this set twice, like the café?" Nana asked, curious.

Kikyo nodded his head, "That's correct." His eyes spotted one of his models, "You look charming, Verde." He said while he overlooks Verde's outfit.

Verde pushed his glasses up to his nose and tipped his head as in thanked. His hair is messy spiky, with a black beanie with a green alligator on the side, green v-neck short-sleeve shirt, black jeans, dark brown loafers with green lines shoes, and green wrist-watch wrapped around his left wrist.

Then, Tsuna arrived with Sandy lead him into and Kikyo was happy with the outfit choice as well. "Charming, Sora, dear." The photographer approved.

Tsuna smiles shyly, "Thank you, Kikyo-sensei." He wears white shirt short-sleeves with collars, green ties, green skater skirt to his thighs, and white converse shoes with green laces. His accessories are green lightning dangling earrings, white and green beaded bracelets wrapped around his right wrist, and a silver ring with a green lightning bolt on his left middle finger. And his hair changed to double dutch braid into a ponytail style.

"Alright, this set is where the Fulmine was researching from books while Cielo came to visit to borrow a book. Fulmine recognize her right away and this time, he was close to meet her, but Cielo already got the book she needs and left. This is when Fulmine almost got his courage to meet her but too late. So, Verde, I want you to sit on that chair and grab one of the books and pretend you were intensely searching for something. And Sora, I want you to go at the end of the bookshelves between the table where Verde can see you but with your back turn, so you didn't see him." He watched his models walked into the set and followed his instructions. "Bene." Kikyo said as he used his camera once again. Click. Click. Click.

In the set; Verde is sitting on a chair with an open book in front of him, he has his palm on his chin while he was turning pages from the book. He is searching the information he needed to find throughout the book in silent.

Meanwhile, Sora purposely slowly browsing the books in the shelf with her finger sliding the book spines. Her eyes scanned the titles after titles as she is unaware that Verde saw her from the corner of his eyes. Verde jerked his head at her direction with a surprised look, he has not expected to see her in a place like this. He silently watching Sora continue browsing the books, then she pulled out a book and read the summary on the back. When she wasn't interested, she placed it back in the spot and slowly moved to the end of the shelf while searching.

Verde gulped quietly when he saw her coming closer, and he clenched his hands into fists. He stood up, nervously, walk to Sora and slowly lift his hand to reach for Sora's shoulder.

However, Sora found a book she wants as she pulled out a book with a satisfied smile on her face. She turned as Verde back away and watched her walked away down the hall between the bookshelves. Verde sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck with a disappointed frown. Click. Click. Click.

"Wow… I'm frustrated already." Nana mumbled in annoyed yet awed. To think that watching this set between the models could really bring others in emotions. It's almost as if she is watching a drama film.

Lal crossed her arms with triumphed smirked on her face, "Believe it or not, Verde is well known for manipulations with emotions when he put his mind to. He is a genius scientist in his professional work when he isn't too busy with his modeling job. If he wasn't so talent manipulates with chemistry, he wouldn't be a model." She explained to Nana calmly.

"How interesting." Nana was impressed.

Kikyo grinned wide, "Splendido! One more and we'll take thirty minutes break. Iza, Sandy!" the Make-Up Artists understood and grabbed their models back to the dressing room once again.

Nana glanced at Lal, "I can't help but noticed that Verde-san doesn't seem to socialize anyone." She asked with confusion.

Verde's manager sighed, "He doesn't like to socialize around people. He preferred to be alone most of the time, especially when he was busy with his own science stuff. But, he can tolerate working with others just as long as they don't bother him too much." She explained.

"I see… but isn't that a little lonely?" Nana frowned with concerned.

Lal shook her head with a face, "Nope. It made him semi-happy about it." She blurted it out and Nana sweatdropped with a puzzled smile on her face. She honestly doesn't know what to say about that.

After ten minutes, Verde and Tsuna came back in different outfits. The male model's hair is freely open in spiky, he wears a grey long-sleeve shirt, with a stylish green scarf, dark blue jeans, and dark tan chukkas boots. Simple yet charisma for someone like Verde. The female model's hair changed to a twisted low ponytail, black u-neck short-sleeve crop shirt, green jeans sleeveless jacket, black jeans, green ballet flats, and a silver necklace with a green lightning bolt. Simple yet lovely for someone like Sora.

"Now, this is when Fulmine was having trouble thoughts while he was hiding from Cielo's sights. Cielo was minding her own business as she was busy with studying on her own. Verde, I want you to stand over the bookshelf, away from Sora's sights but within my camera sight. Okay? And Sora, I want you to sit the opposite of the chair where Verde used to sit. Your back will be on Verde, but half-way faces my direction, understand? Bene." Kikyo instructed his models and watched them do what he wants them to do. 'Perfect…' he mused as he pressed the button on his camera. Click. Click. Click.

In the set; Verde leaned against the bookshelf with a troubled expression on his face. He took off his glasses and rubbed his weary face. He looked really desperate that he wants to come up to Sora and talk to her. However, he doesn't have any courage.

Meanwhile, Sora leaned forward with her ankle cross as her arms are folded on the table. She is reading from the open book in front of her. She quietly turned the next page with interested eyes and a small smile on her face. She looks like she is in her own world, being obliviously around in the real world.

Verde glanced over at Sora with a frown, he shook his head and leaned heavily on the bookshelf and lowered himself down on the ground. He sighed softly with disappointed eyes while clenched his fists. He looks hopeless that he doesn't have enough courage to talk to his old crush. This is rather a pity scene. Click. Click. Click.

Nana clasped her hands front of her chest, 'Amazing… Verde-san would be an amazing actor if he is interested in acting in films.' She mused.

"Buon lavoro! Take thirty minutes break!" Kikyo ordered out loud and passed his camera to one of the workers. The photographer stretched his arms above his head while walked to the group of monitors that was filled with hundreds of photos from the last two sets with four different outfits each. Kikyo studied the photos in silent while the others are discussing lights and shadows that effects some of the photos.

Nana and Lal went to the snack bar to have some early lunch while the models return to the dressing rooms to change out of the costumes.

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Time: Morning of 11:34

Tsuna changed back to his clothes, grabbed his lunch and decided to sit with his mother and Verde's manager.

Nana beamed at her son, "You did wonderful today, Sora-chan." She is proud of him.

"Thanks." Tsuna smiles back, he opened the plastic lid, today he chose chicken noodle salads for lunch. His caramel-eyes observed his surrounded with curious. "Where's Verde-san?" he asked with confusion.

Lal swallowed her soda, "He's probably resting in his dressing room alone. He preferred to be alone, he doesn't like socialize with people." She explained.

Tsuna frowned, "Oh…" he went back to his meal while feeling concerned for Verde, 'He must be lonely though… but if Lal-san that Verde-san preferred to be alone, then I guess it would be best to leave him alone. I don't want to bother him.' He mused.

Nana glanced at her son, "Ne, Sora-chan, Lal-chan is a former leader of COMSUBIN." Lal sent her dark glared at Nana who is oblivious. Tsuna noticed it as he sweatdropped but remembered that Colonello used to be part of COMSUBIN.

"Oh! Like Colonello-kun, he was from COMSUBIN." Tsuna blurted it out with surprised.

Lal blinked in stunned that Tsuna knew this piece of information, "H-how did you know that?" Lal demanded.

"A-ah… Colonello-kun told me." Tsuna stuttered nervously, leaned away from the anger Lal. Except that Lal disbelieved that idiot told the young model so blunted but when she carefully examined Tsuna.

"It doesn't bother you?"

Tsuna frown in confused, "Iie, it does not." He answered.

The Arcobaleno manager was surprised to hear this but she started to like this petite model bit by bit. 'Sora isn't so bad just as she wasn't so bad at her modeling experiences…' Lal mused with wonder and curious more about Sora character. Lal went back to her meal while watching Nana informed Tsuna about Verde's other job as a scientist and Tsuna showed amazed expression easily. However, Lal narrowed her eyes, 'It's a good thing she is different from other models, but the problem is… I know he will be interested in her as soon as he learns how different this Sora is. I hope he won't make her uncomfortable. Unfortunately, knowing him, he will make her uncomfortable and miserable.' She grimaced at the thought of handling him someday. Lal mentally shook that thought away, 'Right now, I need to focus today with Verde.'

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"You both look wonderful!" the workers approved the outfits the two models' outfits. Verde is wearing a white dress suit with a green vest and open collar, black trousers, black dress boot, and a silver wristwatch wrapped around his left wrist. His hair is combed back with gel and emeralds studs. Tsuna is wearing a green spaghetti strap top, white long cardigans with green lightning bolt mark on the back, dark blue shorts, white flip-flops, and his hairstyle changed to messy low side bun with a dramatic side sweep. The accessories he wears is a silver chain with a lightning bolt shape anklet on his left ankle, a silver ring with a green stone on the middle in his right pinky finger, and a silver ring on his right thumb.

Kikyo led his models to the new set, the background was dark green, "This is where Fulmine helped Cielo and when they finally touch and met properly." The photographer informed as he gently grabbed his camera from the worker who handed it to him. "And Sora, you will have a few books to carry that will be dropped and Verde will help." One of the workers gave Tsuna six books stacked up in his hands. "Now, let's get started!" Kikyo watched his models walked into the set and lifted his camera. Click. Click. Click.

In the set; Sora and Verde are feet away from each other and started to walk to each other slowly. When Sora kept her eyes on the books in hands, unfortunately, or fortunately for Sora's natural clumsy, she tripped over her flip-flop and ended up dropped the books.

Sore flinched at the loud thud, she bends down and carefully gathered her books. Meanwhile, Verde saw the whole thing, he immediately helps Sora as he bends down and picked up a couple of books. Sora blushed in embarrass, she couldn't believe she needed up tripped during the photo shoot, "Th-thank you." She whispered with grateful.

Verde glanced up and stared at her grateful caramel-eyes, she genuinely meant it. Which sparks interested in Verde, "…your welcome." He whispered back calmly. Sora beamed at him and took a book from his hand gently, however, their fingers brushed against each other that brief tingle from electric shock.

Sora and Verde blinked at each other and shared amusement at this ironic. Click. Click. Click.

Kikyo beamed with a pleased smile, "Bravo! Wonderful job!" he praised his models' work. And quickly went to the section of reviews the photos from the monitors. While Nana and Lal went to their models and congratulate them to succeed the lightning theme.

"Today has gone very smoothly!" Nana said happily, and Lal nodded her head agreed.

Tsuna smiles wide at his joyful mother, he is happy to see her having fun. Verde pushed his glasses up to his nose and glanced down at his partner, "…you're tolerable to work with." He said the managers and Tsuna were caught off in surprised that Verde is speaking. "I'm looking forward to working with you again soon." He tipped his head politely then walked away to change his clothes.

Three eyes blinked in shocked then Lal shifted her eyes back on the petite model with astonished, "That's a first time I've heard him admitted that he likes working with you, Sora. He normally preferred worked alone or his group. Never like it to work with outsiders, but… yet, you are tolerable in his opinion." Lal shook her head, "I'm impressed with you, Sora."

Tsuna blushed, "A-ah… I didn't do anything." He said humbly, and Nana smiles softly at her son with knowing eyes. 'You didn't do anything, true. But you were being you, Tsu-kun. That's how people let you in their lives because you change them with your wonderful magic.' She mused with a secretive smile. She is so blessed to have the amazing son.

Meanwhile, Tsuna thought about working with Verde, it wasn't awful experiences but not boring. In fact, it's interesting to work with someone who is only interested in a job and never socialize anyone. Tsuna has learned that not all models like to socialize but they were serious with their job and succeed. Tsuna admired that, and he hopes that maybe, one day, he and Verde can be friends. For now, they are workmate and that is enough for him. At least there's no bad blood, so that's a plus for Tsuna. Now, he is curious who is the next model for the new theme?