AHHH I'M REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS CHAPTER! Also, I recommend reading this fic in the app, just in case the whole text gets italicized or something. (ugh)

"I..kuno?"

At the sudden call of her name, said girl turns to see someone she least expects,- sharp teal eyes full of question framed by vivid pink locks and distinct red horns that shined by the moonlight. Slowly, the pinkette walks towards her, immediately plopping down with a thud once they were near each other. With an unwavering gaze, Ikuno could feel herself tense up, prompting her to speak;

"Zero Two...fancy seeing you here.."

"Same sentiments." the pinkette retorts, squinting at the dark haired maiden's unruly appearance and reddened eyelids. "I heard some sniffling..are you okay?" she asks, genuine concern lacing over her voice. Ikuno shakes her head then brings her hand to her face to wipe off any remaining tears. Shooting a small, shaky smile, she says;

"This..these are allergies.." she sniffles, "I'm fine Zero Two, thanks for asking."

Said girl shrugs, "Well if that's the case..then I'll be going now." Zero Two says before heading off. Once she's out of sight, Ikuno heaves out a deep sigh. Hugging her knees tighter to her lithe frame, another wave of pain hits her chest as memories from earlier begin haunting her conscience one more time…

FLASHBACK

"Ichigo...I.."

It was only a matter of time before she finally seals the deal between her and her precious friend. One last push till the final centimeters disappear, and so does her own doubts and regrets. To Ikuno, seeing how peaceful Ichigo was, there was no way in turning back. The sin will be done and it will be hers to bear. If to sin is so sweet, then she'd gladly accept hell.

Just three more centimeters

Two..

One..

.

.

.

Yet, before she could touch the most enticing temptation laid bare before her, a cold dread washes all over her. Here Ikuno was, practically hovering over Ichigo….Ichigo..

Her kind and precious friend…

..Friend…

So naive, and so pure..to taint her with sin..to satisfy her own desires..

'selfish..So selfish!'

'Ichigo has done nothing but kindness towards you..she accepted you..loved you and trusted you with all her heart!'

"I-I…"

'-and here you are, all over your PRECIOUS FRIEND'S sleeping body, with nothing on your mind but yourself and your twisted obsession for her!'

'Disgusting! Utterly disgusting!'

Tears began pouring from her cheeks, staining the bluenette's sleeping face. "I-I...can't..!" Ikuno cries softly, the guilt of the situation overwhelming her. She hears shuffling and turns to see Kokoro peacefully dreaming as well; all the more for her to feel angry at herself. With trembling legs, Ikuni hastily pulls away from Ichigo, hot tears on her face; immense self hatred pooled within her gut, thus, the impending need to vomit started kicking in.

'Why do I have to feel this way? Why did it have to be me? Why did it have to be Ichigo, my friend for God Sakes?! Why must I always hurt?'

WHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHY?!

.

.

.

.

'...Because you're disgusting…'

"Disgusting..I'm disgusting..!" she wheezes, before running towards the door.

'DISGUSTING!'

"I'm...disgusting…" Ikuno murmurs sorrowfully to herself. The pain she was feeling right now was making it so hard to breathe, the need to spit out bitter bile was coming once more. 'If only I could get rid of these feelings, then maybe I wouldn't suffer-

LICK

"Hyie!" the sudden sensation of warm, wetness on her neck alarms her, making Ikuno screech out a surprised yelp. Turning to see where that suddenly came from, she finds Zero Two once again staring back at her, this time, with a smug expression. With a hand on her exposed neck, Ikuno says, "W-what the hell are you doing?!" although, annoyed as she may be, the dark haired girl couldn't stop the blush forming on her cheeks.

Zero Two hums, amusement written all over her face, "I taste a secret~" she teases while licking her lips.

"W-wha.." Ikuno stutters out, taken aback, before trying to divert Zero Two's attention over a feeling the pinkette isn't clearly over with the talk they shared earlier. "I thought you were gonna head off somewhere?"

A serious glint in her teal eyes shine greatly, making Ikuno waiver. "Did you really think I wouldn't catch up?" Zero Two exclaims. "Something's obviously up, and I ain't going nowhere till you tell me about it." the girl in question sighs as she takes off her glasses. She was too tired to tell anyone what happened.

"You...why do you even bother? It's not like its your business or anything.." Ikuno tries reasoning out, only to make the pinkette scoff.

"Hey, can't a girl comfort a sad person? A friend no less?" Zero Two speaks out before taking a seat across the other woman, ready to listen to her woes, yet, all she was given was a stubborn silence. A little ticked, Zero Two speaks, albeit with more force, once more; "Yah, if you think I'd give up so easily, then guess again." still silence..

"If you keep things like that, then I have no choice but to tell Ichigo..-"

"Stop!" the sudden outburst nearly makes Zero Two stumble. With Ikuno's hands holding onto her tightly, she has no choice but to stare down at light green eyes full of panic and..'hurt..?' "Please Zero Two...don't tell Ichigo anything.." her voice falters into a murmur. Once she slowly lets go of Zero Two, another silence ensues between them, until the horned girl finally puts two and two together.

"..It's about Ichigo, isn't it?" Zero Two asks carefully while looking over at Ikuno. Seeing the flash of pain in her eyes confirms her suspicions.

"What happened?"

Ikuno bows her head, too ashamed to face Zero Two. "You...you wouldn't wanna know.." she mumbles
.

"Try me." the horned girl challenges.

"Please no..cause if you do..you'd find me disgusting.." heaviness weighs down on Ikuno's chest with every word uttered. "I hate it..how disgusting I am..if only I were like the others..if only I wasn't born like this..I..I!" she doesn't care anymore as fresh hot tears spill from her eyes. "I hate myself so much, I wish I could just die!"

THUMP!

A light sting from her head paralyzes the emotional girl for a bit, till she realizes what Zero Two just did to her. 'Did she really just-?' slowly lifting her head, she unexpectedly sees the pinkette smirking at her with an unknown emotion glazed all over her intimidating stare. "Zero..Two..?" was all Ikuno could say as the said girl only sighs before laughing ruefully.

"I'm sorry, but did that hurt?" Ikuno slightly nods. "Good, cause someone's gotta smack some sense in ya." Zero Two exclaims with a smirk.

"..What do you mean?" she asks the pinkette, clearly confused.

"You're worried I'd find you disgusting…" Zero Two starts, stifling a chuckle. "You're worried over someone who has been avoided by, just because of these?" she points to her horns, "I've been called different things, disgusting, too actually. Who am I to call you that, huh?"

"But-

"Look, if you really see yourself as such, then why not open up to someone disgusting as well?" Zero Two smiles wickedly. "I mean, at least you don't look disgusting.."

"Zero Two..I.." Ikuno feels the guilt bubble up once more, but Zero Two immediately brushes it off.

"Don't worry, It's not a big deal to me anymore." she says reassuringly, "I found my darling now, that's all that matter to me now.." Ikuno smiles sadly at the thought of having someone to cherish and to lean on, but with what she is right now, all she expects is nothing but despair. No one will understand her, not even Zero Two or Ichigo.

'Ichigo..'

"Hey, you're spacing out again.." Zero Two flicks her forehead before grinning. "Don't make me lick you again or something.." this momentarily breaks Ikuno out of her stupor as she quickly backs away from the pinkette with a blush.

"N-no please, thank you!"

"Heh, I'm just trying to lighten up the mood!" Zero Two says lightly before turning to look at Ikuno once more. "Hey..if you really are uncomfortable sharing things with me, it's okay..but if you do, I promise I wouldn't judge you or anything.." back then, Zero Two would never, ever, let out sincere words to anyone else. Truth be told, she wouldn't even give a single damn over people's problems. To her, these are only weaknesses that should be best ignored, as it wouldn't change the fact that she, herself, would be ignored as well thanks to her condition. At most, seeing people cry made her scoff at laugh at them in her own, twisted way; yet, right now, things have changed.

Finding her darling, her world had greatly expanded. She gained friends, something she never dreamed to have, and felt what it's like to share happiness, and now, pain. She at least felt a little more human than what others claim her to be thanks to her horns.

Oh how a fated meeting could change a person.

"So Ikuno, tell me-

"-I..tried to kiss Ichigo…" her words momentarily stops Zero Two. Seeing the silence as a bad sign, Ikuno continues on shakily, "-earlier, while she was sleeping.."

" Is that so.." the pinkette says in deep thought. "Why? Was it out of a whim?"

"No!" the dark haired girl replies hastily before holding back once more. "It's not like that all...I..these feelings of mine, are just so jumbled right now, I couldn't think clearly!" she cries out. "these feelings are so confusing, I feel like I'm about to burst!"

"Your feelings..what's it like?" the pinkette carefully asks.

"Seeing Ichigo smile or cry..brings a tightness to my chest. I want to be there for her through the best and worst times.." Ikuno speaks out slowly, but with all her feelings flowing out. "To me, Ichigo is someone precious..everything about her, I know and I wanna know more! What makes her eyes twinkle in joy, how her nose slightly scrunches up when she's about to cry, the way she sleeps on her right side..all of those quirks of hers, I want all to myself.." she shakes.

"These feelings..are too strong that it scares me! I know that I'm not myself, and it really scares me.." Zero Two continues to listen to her friend's woes. "I'm afraid that there may come a day where I couldn't control myself, how a dark part of me would want to actually monopolize Ichigo..and I wouldn't want that for her..my friend.."

"B-but!" Ikuno exclaims in panic, "I couldn't bear the fact of losing her! Without Ichigo, it hurts! It hurts!" Zero Two watches as Ikuno's resolve slowly breaks down as her breathing becomes frantic. With contradicting thoughts invading her mind, the dark haired maiden clutches unto her head; fisting and pulling out long strands of hair.

"Ikuno" Zero Two calls out but fails to gain her attention.

"These..! These heart of mine aches to be with Ichigo, but this is wrong! So so wrong! I don't wanna hurt her, yet I don't wanna lose her to anybody else!" Ikuno sobs, "I'm so messed up I..I.."

'Selfish! Selfish! Selfish!'

'You're disgusting!'

"I hate this..I wish these feelings would just disappear…" 'For Ichigo..and for myself..'

Overwhelmed by finally letting every bit of burden out of her system, Ikuno continues to sob uncontrollably. The sight must've been unruly for the pinkette accompanying her, but at this point, she couldn't stop herself. Right now, Zero Two knew just how messed up she was under her cool exterior. A part of Ikuno knew there was no turning back, all her secrets are now let loose, yet, what she doesn't expect is how an arm extends towards her, to pull her into a warm embrace, or rather, side hug. Looking up from tear stained lashes, she sees Zero Two looking ahead with an unreadable expression.

Yet when she gazes at her eyes, she too, identifies a sadness hidden beneath its twinkle.

"You.." Zero Two murmurs softly, "You must be really in love with Ichigo, huh.."

'I-in love..?!' Ikuno blushes at the revelation but chooses to remain silent.

"Knowing a person..wanting them all to yourself to the point of selfishness...isn't that normal?" her words strike a chord in Ikuno.

'Normal…'

'But we both are..'

"It doesn't matter on what you are and who you are..those feelings of yours, are real." Zero Two says with a smile. "The happiness, sadness, and everything in between..all of those makes your feelings for her special. It'll be such a waste throwing it all away, don't you think?"

"Y-yes..it is.." Ikuno trembles.

"Then! If I were you, embrace those feelings of yours, and keep on going!" the pinkette squeezes her friend closer to her body. "Never be ashamed of what you feel because if you do, you'll be living a life full of regret..!"

"Zero Two..!" Ikuno finally breaks with Zero Two's words of encouragement. "I..thank you!" she sobs on the girl's shoulder, thankful with how she finally finds the strength to accept her own feelings. Somehow, as more tears fall, she could feel herself getting lighter. The pinkette notices this and sighs.

"To love someone..is so beautiful..you're beautiful.." she murmurs to Ikuno.

With nothing but sniffles filling the warm, summer night, Zero Two couldn't help but smile.

"Hey..you sure you alright?" Ikuno smiles over the pinkette's concern over her. Once she has poured all her feelings out, she finally felt a bit better enough to go back. Drying what's left of her tears, she sends Zero Two a reassuring smile.

"Yeah..it's getting pretty late too.." Ikuno murmurs before preparing to head back. "..Ne, aren't you coming as well..?" she asks, turning back to see Zero Two shaking her head.

"I wanna check out something first." Zero Two explains. "It would be a waste if I don't enjoy what's left of this fine night!"

"Mou.." Ikuno sighs, yet a small smile makes its way on her lips. "..just don't do trouble, okay?" she laughs when she sees the horned girl pout.

"Of course I won't!"

"Yeah, yeah.." Ikuno chuckles. Before heading off, she manages to whisper just loud enough for Zero Two to hear. "Zero Two...thanks for everything...I truly appreciate it.." she turns to see Zero Two turned at her as well, with a ghost of a smile etched unto her somber expression- to Ikuno, it seemed her whole being took on a more ethereal glow under the moonlight.

"Say Ikuno.." she sees Zero Two speak before turning back. "Those feelings of yours..remember to cherish them.."

"Eh?" Ikuno is left standing in confusion, especially with the words the pinkette left her with heading off to God knows where. She would never forget the melancholic tone in her voice when she said;

"..until nothing else remains but memories.."

'..Memories of a distant past..'

Hiro couldn't sleep.

It's been hours, and he still couldn't get over all the tossing and turning; his roommate must be annoyed at him by now. 'Sorry, Goro..' he thinks to himself, silently thanking God his best friend was sleeping soundly; still, this doesn't help his tirelessness at all.

From a long trip on the train, to cleaning up all the ruckus from earlier, to finally relaxing in the hot springs, Hiro figured he would be knocked out in a couple of minutes just like the rest, but noooo. Here he was, just aimlessly staring at the ceiling. He really doesn't know what was keeping him awake- was it because of the humid nightly breeze? Or perhaps there were some things he'd still want to do? Maybe it was a combination of both.

'I think I need some air..' he thinks to himself, carefully getting out from the sheets. Quietly, he tiptoes out of his and Goro's room. Fortunately, he managed to slip out without his friend knowing.

'That's Goro for you.' he chuckles to himself, reminded of his friend's deep sleeping nature.

Outside of their room, the inn's lights were already dimmed, and if it weren't for the moonlight, the place would've already given Hiro the creeps. Although, with nothing much to see with the interior, coupled with the overbearing warmth, he decides to take a little walk outside. Once he exits the inn, Hiro immediately lets out a sigh as a much colder air brushes his skin.

"Now this is more like it.." Maybe if he had done this sooner, then he would've gotten fast asleep in no time; although, there was something in him preventing him to do so. Something he isn't quite sure of.

"Maybe summer really just isn't for me.." Hiro sighs to himself.

A few moments of walking later unknowingly brings him farther from the inn. Hiro pauses when he seemingly approaches a bridge. Since it was night time, he wasn't quite sure if he was seeing some figure so he had to squint harder to confirm. When he does though, he is left speechless seeing a certain person all by herself.

'Zero Two?'

Contrary to all the times they were together, Hiro is entranced with how the way she leaned ever so carefully by the railings with her pink flowing locks dancing in the air; how her lashes touched her cheeks as she blissfully basked in the warm glow of the night sky; or how her lips usually curved into a playful grin was now etched into a smile so serene, it made Hiro's heart flood with a warmth so tender

And when she finally acknowledges his presence, he realizes just how long he was staring at her, making him burn bright red on the spot.

"Darling?" she calls out to him, light confusion dawning on her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I..I.." Hiro tries speaking up, but the way Zero Two tilts her head towards him distracts him greatly. "I..don't know?" 'How great of you to say that, Hiro..' he mentally berates himself, and if he could, he would've face palmed right on the spot..

And when Zero Two bursts out giggling, he feels his heart thumping wildly. "Did you actually forget?" she tells him, eyes sparkling in pure mirth. He recognizes her teasing expression, and this makes Hiro's lips puff up in a pout as he settles right beside her. In silence, they both enjoy the nightly scenery, with Hiro peeking at the horned maiden from time to time-tracing the path of her gaze focused on the sky.

"How about you, Zero Two? What are you doing, outside?" Hiro asks her.

"Hmm? Perhaps I forgot as well..?" the pinkette shrugs before smirking towards his direction. "Nah, I'm just kidding. I just wanted to see the sky. That's all."

"The sky?"

"Mhm!" She nods, "You see darling...it's gonna rain soon, so I want to look at the stars before it does!"

"Rain?" Hiro questions the pinkette. "But it's summer, right?" No way was it gonna rain tonight, Hiro thought, because of how hot and humid the night was. Zero Two shakes her head at him and shoots a knowing smirk.

"Believe me, darling." she challenges; "It will rain." Hiro just nods at her claim, it was no use arguing with her, after all. They continue on with the silence until Zero Two suddenly points at the sky with childlike wonder; the raven haired male slightly jumps in surprise.

"Look! Look!" She cries happily. "Darling it's Orihime sama! And oh..! It's Hikoboshi sama!" Reflected indeed in her eyes were the stars of Vega and Altair twinkling brightly in the sky. Hiro immediately recognizes them as the deities from the Tanabata legend.

"You know the Tanabata as well, Zero Two?" Hiro asks said girl whose attention was still towards the sky. Turning to face him, Hiro could clearly see the excitement in her eyes.

"Of course I do! Their story.." Zero Two points out once more to the two stars respectively, "...was heartbreaking, but also so beautiful.." she smiles for a split second before her expression takes a more somber tone. Hiro notices this;

"Zero Two..?" He reaches out, "Are you oka-

"Ne Darling, would you want to hear a story?" the pinkette suddenly speaks out.

"Huh?" he pulls back slightly. "Oh, um..sure I guess?"

"It's similar to the Tanabata legend..although I'm not sure if you know it!" she gives out a small chuckle before continuing, teal orbs glued to the pond underneath reflecting the starry sky slowly being filled by dark clouds. "The story's called 'The Beast, and The Prince'.."

"In the deepest, darkest part of a forest lived a tribe, hidden from all. They had large wings on their backs and were beautiful, but they were what would be called beasts. Among them was their princess, who had huge, ashen wings. Their law said that once one turned sixteen, they would be allowed to fly outside the forest…" Zero Two began in a subdued manner,

"-And on her sixteenth birthday, the princess took flight to the world beyond the forest. She crossed the steep mountains and the surging rivers and reached a world of humans. The moon shone brightly in the sky.."

"...She landed in a castle garden, where she found a young man gazing up at the moon. The princess hid in the bushes and stared at the young man, and for the first time, love bloomed in her heart. But he was clearly of a different race. A beast and a human could never be together…"

"..And so, the princess went to see a witch who lived in the same forest and said, "I want to live as a human. I want to be united with him." The witch replied like so: "I can help you if you offer me your wings. But keep this in mind. No matter how you disguise yourself, you are a beast, and you will consume the prince's life one day."

"The princess ripped off her wings and was assaulted by pain far more intense than she had ever felt. She could never fly again."

"..Even so, she smiled happily, with tears of joy streaming down her face. "I'm human! I'm human! I'm the same as him now!"

"..The princess once again set out for the land of humans, this time on foot. In the desert, she spotted a group of people. "Oh no! Is there anyone who can save him?!" There lay a young man, his leg bitten by a snake. The princess rushed to his side and sucked the venom out from his wound. "Thank you, o brave lady. I am the prince of these lands." It was the same young man she had met in the castle. "I owe my life to you. Please marry me"

"A wedding ceremony was held soon after. The priest asked the princess, clad in a wedding dress of pure white, "Do you vow to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do." The two exchanged rings, and when the priest said so, they sealed their vows with a kiss. And cheers rang out across the land. "Bless the brave girl who saved our prince's life!" The whole kingdom celebrated their marriage."

"Humans! Humans! They have neither the wings to fly nor the claws or fangs to hunt. Such weak and frail creatures, but they are so, so warm. Humans are wonderful!"

"After the wedding, she lived happily as the princess of a human land. She supported the prince in his work, traveled the world, and saw oceans studded with glints of sapphire, sparkling grasslands, and auroras that swayed like raging flames."

"The princess took the prince's and said to him with a smile on her face, "Grab on to me and never let go…."

"But the princess's happiness was short-lived…" Zero Two frowns

"She woke up one night to a pain that threatened to rend her asunder and found her body turning into one of a beast. "Why? I asked you to make me human!" On her back were jet-black wings, tearing through her flesh and skin to spread. "Using magic comes at a price. You've attained plenty of happiness as a human. Now, it is time for you to lose yourself and turn into an ugly monster," the witch of the forest whispered to her. "However, if you kill the person you love most, you will be freed of your curse and return to the beast you originally were."

"The princess gazed at her beloved prince as her claws reached for his throat. She loved him more than anything and anyone, but the desire to rip his neck apart welled up inside her. As she desperately tried to clench her fist and stop herself, her claws dug into her skin, and blood started gushing out."

"If I kill the prince, I will be freed of this curse..."

"...With tears streaming down her face, she kissed the prince on the cheek…." Taking a deep breath, she goes to the conclusion,

"...When the prince awoke, the princess was no longer beside him...Instead, the bed was covered in jet-black feathers and in profound sadness, the prince searched all across the land for her….but nobody had seen the princess…" Zero Two ends in a whisper, opting to peer at Hiro's expression. To her surprise, she sees a melancholic glimmer in his aquamarine eyes.

"Is..that all?" he faintly asks, to which she nods.

"That's it."

"Oh.." Zero Two notes the change to his disposition; he seemed to be truly upset with the story. "..how tragic…" his voice shakes.

"Don't worry darling, it's just a story.." she says with a reassuring smile but he quickly defers her statement.

"I know that!" he exclaims to her sudden surprise. "I-it's just...one of the saddest things I've ever heard.." Hiro tilts his head down to the ground. "I-if I could..if I had the chance..!

I'd rewrite the story to a more happy one. Wouldn't you think, Zero Two..?" he ends with a smile, momentarily bringing the horned girl into a stupor,

"..Is that..so..?"

Ne, how come that story of yours is so sad!

"Hm? Is it really that sad to you?"

Of course it is! The beast leaves forever and the prince doesn't even find her in the end!

"Ehh? That's really the end?! I thought I was just missing a page or two..?"

No not really- Hey, why are you crying?!

"B-because! *hic* it really is sad!"

Hey hey..don't cry..! Tell you what, I have an idea!

"Idea..?"

When we grow up, let's rewrite the story into a happy one!

"Eh? Why do we have to wait until then..?"

Cause we have lots to learn about writing and drawing stuff! Now what do you say? Zero Two!

"...wo...Z..T..w.o"

"..Zero Two..?"

huh?

"Zero Two..you're.." Hiro looks on to her with a worried expression. Once she suddenly became unresponsive, he tried shaking her to no avail. Luckily, by the call of her name, it seems that she was slowly gaining her senses back as her eyes slowly focused on his own.

"..You're..crying?" he whispers, staring at the drops falling down her cheeks.

"What..?" Zero Two could only utter in disbelief. Truth be told, when she swipes a hand to her face, she feels cold dampness- yet, it seems that more and more drops keep falling, not from her eyes, at least;

"These ain't tears.." she reassures the raven haired teen with a smile. Pulling away from Hiro's hold, she looks back to the sky and sees she indeed was correct, rain droplets begin accumulating from the sky down to the earth, bathing her and Hiro. Hiro panics when he sees the both of them getting wet; what if they catch a cold after? That would be troublesome no doubt.

"Zero Two!" he calls out while starting to head back to shelter, "Let's go before the rain worsens..-" his breath hitches once he turns back to see the pinkette in all her enigmatic glory. There she was, pink locks damp and messy with a few strands sticking to her forehead. Her white dress clung to her body and to be honest, she looked like a mess; but the way her eyes shone brightly amidst the gloom; the way she twirled and jumped like a child playing in the rain, yet also with a grace only she could manage; and most importantly, the way she was able to laugh and smile so freely under the pouring rain made Hiro feel warmer than colder. He stares at her for so long that the moment their eyes met, and she flashes her usual, playful grin at him, it was at that moment Hiro realizes one thing.

The moments they've shared, the time they've spent and all the good and worst they've managed to overcome- all these come crashing down on him like a wave. A million of questions still ran inside his head, but this time, in the middle of the summer rain, does he find the answer he was looking for.

He, indeed, was undoubtedly in love with Zero Two.

And somehow, a lot of things suddenly became a lot more clearer to him. Now, Hiro truly understands what Futoshi was talking about, or what Goro was implying to him. Truthfully, he was feeling quite stupid for not noticing it sooner; or perhaps, he knew from the bottom of his heart but he just chose to deny it in fear of his own insecurities.

But now, Hiro's realization overwhelms him- adrenaline coursed through his whole being. He was more aware with the pinkette's existence, if that was even possible.

He wants to make her happy.

He wants to know everything that's going on in her the deepest depths of her mind

He wants to be part of her life till she no longer needs him.

He wants to love her till it hurts,

And for once...he wants to be loved back as well.

Opening his mouth to speak, Hiro finds himself being cut off by no other than Zero Two, herself."Ne darling, there's something I'd like to tell you.." despite being curious, Hiro chooses to keep quiet and let the pinkette continue. "This summer has been memorable for me!" she smiles at him in gratitude. "Thanks to you darling, and to the others too, I was able to experience stuff I haven't done at all!"

"I.." Hiro gulps, "..well, as long as we're together..we could do anything,right?"

"Mhm!" Zero Two nods fervently, however, her excitable expression is soon replaced by a frown. "Although...there is ONE thing I really wanted to do this summer.." she crosses her arms in frustration.

"And that is..?"

"It's the Tanabata Festival!" she exclaims in a huff. "-But! Gramps just HAD to end summer vacation so early! And right before the actual festival.." the pinkette sighs and mumbles. "..I really did wanted to go.."

"-Well then, why don't we go to the festival? It wouldn't be a hassle, I suppose." Hiro suggests, resulting in Zero Two turning to him with a childlike sparkle in her eyes. "It's on the 7th, which is a Saturday-I think?" he further adds,

"Really? We can go?" Hiro responds to her with a smile. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Zero Two, overwhelmed with happiness, runs towards the raven haired teen and glomps at him, unbothered by their damp and disheveled appearances. "We gotta tell the others as well!" she chastises while squeezing him tighter.

Hiro blushes nervously over their closeness. He should've been used to this by now, but because of his sudden realization, he couldn't help but feel giddier than before. Hesitantly placing his hands on her upper back, he speaks with his words muffled by her hair, "I-I..was thinking..if we could go together..j-just the two..of us.." he sees Zero Two jerk back and look at him with wide eyes, before smiling fondly.

"I'd like that too, darling!" They stay in the same position for a while, smiling at each other.

"I..-" he begins, 'It wouldn't hurt to try, right?'

.

.

.

"ACHOO!" Zero Two sniffles. "Oh no no no! Let's head back before we catch a cold, darling!" she says while holding his hand; Hiro notices, that her hand was smaller, compared to his, and her fingers were white and slender-

'And she's so warm..'

His heart skips a beat, but nevertheless, he interlocks his fingers to hers, like two puzzle pieces fitting each other. He really was an idiot for not noticing it sooner, but he'd make up for it. He doesn't think he'd feel the same way for others; No, cause for him, Zero Two is all he sees.

.

.

.

.

.

"...ve you.."

A whisper made within the pitter pattering of rain drops.

"Hrm?" his first love turns to look at him. "Did you say something, darling?" Hiro blushes madly. Once he realizes what he has done, he turns into a stuttering mess,

"I-I..u-um..The moon's beautiful, isn't it?" he exclaims with a nervous grin.

Zero Two blinks once, twice, before bursting out in a fit of giggles. "Silly darling! ,There's no moon in the sky tonight!" she points out to the sky filled with rain clouds, yet slowly, her lips curve into a smile,

.

.

"But you're right. The moon really is beautiful.."

FINALLY, THE POOR BOY REALIZES HE LOVES ZERO TWO AFTER 1202109 YEARSSS!

Also, the statement The moon's beautiful isn't it? is a more indirect way of saying 'I love you' in Japanese soooo...kekeke

Anyways, thanks for reading and tune in for the next chapters!