Midnight had always been known for her playful and sometimes mischievous personality. She was also perceptive and keen on observing the dynamics between people. So, when she noticed the growing connection between David and Star and Stripe, she couldn't resist playing matchmaker, even if it meant putting her own feelings aside.
One evening, during a teachers' meeting at U.A. High, Midnight leaned over to David, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"David," she whispered, "have you ever considered that you and Star and Stripe would make quite the dynamic duo, not just in heroics but in life as well?"
David blinked in surprise at Midnight's unexpected comment. "Well, Midnight, we work well together professionally, but…"
Midnight interrupted him with a sly grin. "I mean romantically, David. You two have chemistry, and it's clear you both are hot for each other."
David's cheeks turned slightly pink as he considered her words. He had been grappling with his own feelings for both Star and Stripe and Midnight, but he hadn't expected Midnight to bring up the idea of a romantic connection. As the meeting continued, Midnight couldn't help but drop more hints and make subtle comments about David and Star and Stripe's compatibility. She hoped that her playful nudges would encourage them to explore their feelings for each other. However, Midnight was skilled at masking her own emotions, and she pushed her own feelings for David deep down inside, not wanting to complicate matters further. She cared for him deeply, and their friendship meant the world to her. She didn't want to jeopardize their bond or create any tension.
As the days passed, Midnight continued her playful matchmaking attempts, all the while pushing her own desires aside. She had always been the type to put others first, and in this situation, she felt it was best to let David and Star and Stripe explore their feelings naturally, without any interference.
'Please... Don't hurt him'
Star and Stripe had always been a dedicated and composed hero, known for her unwavering determination and sense of duty. She had faced countless challenges and villains in her career, but there was one challenge she never saw coming: her growing feelings for David, the quirkless student life counselor.
It had started as a simple professional respect, admiring David's dedication to his role and the unwavering support he provided to his students, especially to Sakura. But as they interacted more frequently, working together on various school-related matters, Star and Stripe found herself drawn to his kindness, his intelligence, and the warmth he exuded. At first, she dismissed the feelings as mere admiration, a result of spending time together in a professional setting. But as the weeks turned into months, she couldn't ignore the subtle butterflies in her stomach whenever she saw him, the way her heart raced when they shared a conversation, or the fact that her thoughts often drifted to him outside of work hours.
'What is wrong with me...'
One day, as they were discussing a school event in the teachers' lounge, Star and Stripe found herself staring at David, lost in her thoughts. She realized that her feelings had deepened far beyond admiration, and she was beginning to develop a genuine crush on him.
The realization hit her like a lightning bolt, and she felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She had always been focused on her hero duties, and this was uncharted territory for her. Star and Stripe wasn't sure how to navigate her newfound feelings, especially when her responsibilities as a hero were already so demanding.
As she continued to interact with David, her heart would flutter whenever they shared a smile or a laugh, and her cheeks would turn rosy when their eyes met. She found herself wanting to spend more time with him, not just as colleagues but as friends.
But the fear of jeopardizing their professional relationship and the uncertainty of how David would react to her feelings kept her from revealing her emotions. For now, Star and Stripe kept her newfound crush a secret, content to admire David from a distance and cherish the moments they spent together, all while trying to figure out the uncharted territory of her heart.
*David's apartment*
Sakura had observed the growing romantic tension between her "Papa" David, Midnight, and Star and Stripe for quite some time. She had grown close to both of the heroes and, despite her young age, had developed a keen understanding of the dynamics at play. It was clear that her Papa and the heroes cared for each other deeply, but they were all tiptoeing around their feelings, unsure of how to proceed.
One day, as she was sitting in her room, Sakura couldn't help but feel frustrated with the situation. She believed that they would be happier together, and their hesitance was preventing them from exploring the potential for a deeper connection. Determined to see her loved ones happy, she hatched a plan.
Sakura approached David one evening, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Papa, can we talk?"
David, always attentive to Sakura, nodded and sat down with her. "Of course, Sakura. What's on your mind?"
Sakura took a deep breath. "I've noticed that you, Midnight, and Star and Stripe all have feelings for each other, but you're all too afraid to do anything about it."
David's eyes widened in surprise, and he stammered, "Sakura, I—"
She held up a hand, cutting him off. "Let me finish, Papa. I think you would all be happier together, but you're too worried about messing things up. So, I've come up with a plan."
David leaned in, curious about what Sakura had in mind. David always loved how her mind worked, she somehow was able to think of things no one else could.
"We're going to have a special dinner at our apartment," Sakura continued, "and I'll invite Midnight and Star and Stripe. But here's the catch: I'll conveniently 'forget' something, leaving the three of you alone to enjoy the evening."
David blinked, realizing what Sakura was suggesting. "You want to play matchmaker!?"
Sakura nodded, her determination unwavering. "Yes, Papa. I can't stand seeing you all so uncertain about your feelings. It's time to give love a chance."
David smiled, moved by Sakura's caring and thoughtful nature. "Sakura..."
Sakura beamed with excitement. "Papa. I'm planning this, and you just need to accept it."
As Sakura embarked on her matchmaking mission, David couldn't help but feel grateful for his extraordinary daughter. Her determination and love had sparked a new hope that perhaps, with a little push in the right direction, they could all find happiness together.
*TIME SKIP*
The evening of Sakura's planned dinner had arrived, and David's apartment was adorned with warm lighting and a cozy ambiance. He had prepared a special meal for their guests, and the table was set for a memorable evening.
As the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their guests, Sakura couldn't contain her excitement. She had been eagerly anticipating this moment, eager to put her matchmaking plan into action. David opened the door, and there stood Midnight and Star and Stripe, both looking elegant and a touch nervous.
"Welcome Nemuri, Cathleen." David greeted them with a warm smile. "Thank you for joining us."
Nemuri and Cathleen exchanged glances and then returned David's smile. "Thank you for having us, David," Cathleen replied.
Sakura stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Please, come in, both of you. Papa has prepared a special dinner for us tonight."
As they entered the apartment, Sakura couldn't resist teasing them further. "You know, it's not every day that we have such distinguished guests. I hope you're prepared for a wonderful evening."
Nemuri and Cathleen exchanged amused glances, understanding that Sakura had a hand in orchestrating this dinner. The meal was filled with laughter and engaging conversation. Sakura was a natural at keeping the atmosphere light and cheerful, making sure to keep the focus on her Papa and their guests. She played the role of the perfect host, ensuring that everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves.
Throughout the evening, Sakura couldn't help but drop subtle hints and playful remarks, encouraging Nemuri, Cathleen, and David to engage more intimately in their conversations. Her matchmaking mission was in full swing, and she was determined to see it through.
As the evening came to a close, Sakura excused herself from the table, feigning a need to retrieve dessert from the kitchen. It was her final move, leaving them alone at the table. As she stepped away, Sakura couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. She had done her part to bring them together, and now it was up to fate to decide where their hearts would lead.
In the quiet moments that followed, the three adults exchanged glances and smiles, each feeling a newfound sense of connection and affection. Sakura's matchmaking scheme had set the stage for something beautiful, and they were all eager to see where the journey would take them.
After dessert, Sakura excused herself from the table, leaving the soon to be couples alone in the cozy living room of the apartment. She couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement as she headed to her room, where she planned to give the trio a little nudge in the right direction.
Once inside her room, Sakura took a deep breath to steady herself. She knew that the moment had come to be more direct with her intentions. She had seen enough hesitation, and it was time to make her feelings crystal clear.
With resolve in her heart, Sakura returned to the living room, her gaze steady and unwavering. She addressed the trio with a tone that brooked no argument.
"Alright, you three" she began, her voice firm "I've had enough of your tiptoeing around your feelings. It's clear to everyone, including me, that you care for each other deeply."
Nemuri, and Cathleen exchanged surprised glances, unsure of what Sakura was getting at.
Sakura continued, her eyes locking onto each of them in turn. "I want all of you to be happy. It's painfully obvious that you have feelings for each other, and it's time to stop pretending otherwise."
David started to speak, but Sakura held up a hand to silence him. "No more excuses, Papa. No more hesitating, and no more tiptoeing around your feelings. You're all wonderful people, and I want you to be together. It's as simple as that." There was a tense silence in the room as Sakura's words hung in the air. The weight of it was clear, and she wasn't going to back down.
The three of them exchanged glances, this time with a sense of determination. Sakura had laid down the gauntlet, and they realized that they couldn't keep denying their feelings any longer. Nemuri spoke up first, her voice filled with sincerity. "You're right. We care for each other deeply, and it's time to face our feelings."
Cathleen nodded in agreement. "We can't keep avoiding the truth. Thank you, for pushing us to be honest."
David smiled at his daughter, grateful for her wisdom and determination. "You're a remarkable young woman, Sakura. We'll take your advice to heart."
Sakura's heart swelled with happiness and relief. She had taken a bold step in pushing them toward happiness, and it seemed that her ultimatum had struck a chord with all three of them.
As they sat together in the living room, the tension of the past moments began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of possibility and openness. Sakura had given them the nudge they needed, and now the future was full of potential and the promise of love.
After delivering her ultimatum and making her feelings clear, Sakura sensed that it was time to give them some space to process their emotions and take the next steps in their relationships. With a small, understanding smile, she stood up from the living room and addressed them one more time.
"I'll leave you three to talk things out," Sakura said, her voice filled with warmth. "But before I go, I want to say something."
The trio looked at her with curiosity, eager to hear her parting words.
Sakura continued, "I care about all of you deeply, and I want you to be happy together. I know I'm too young to be an older sister or a mentor in matters of the heart, but I can be your biggest supporter."
With a gentle smile, Sakura turned and walked toward her room. But before disappearing behind the door, she paused and looked back at them.
"Be safe," she said, her eyes filled with sincerity, "and take care of each other."
With that heartfelt message, Sakura entered her room and closed the door, leaving the three adults in the living room to begin their conversations about their feelings and the future.
As Sakura settled into her room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. She had done her part to encourage their happiness, and now it was up to them to navigate the complexities of their relationships. She knew that they were all strong individuals who had faced formidable challenges, and she had faith that they would find their way to the love and happiness they deserved.
In the quiet moments of her room, Sakura offered a silent wish to the universe, hoping that the bonds between her Papa and her heroes would continue to grow and flourish, creating a future filled with love, understanding, and joy.
*An uneasy amount of time*
Left to themselves in the cozy living room, the trio felt a mixture of embarrassment, uncertainty, and excitement. Sakura had pushed them to acknowledge their feelings, but they were still unsure of how to proceed.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, Nemuri finally broke the ice, her voice slightly shaky. "Well, this is certainly a… unique situation."
Cathleen nodded in agreement, her cheeks tinted pink. "Yes, unique is one way to describe it."
David, ever the voice of reason, suggested, "Perhaps we should talk about our feelings and what we want from this."
The two women both looked relieved at the idea of an open conversation. They began to discuss their emotions, sharing their thoughts and desires with vulnerability. Nemuri admitted that she had been harboring a crush on David for a while, and Cathleen confessed to feeling the same way.
David, in turn, shared his feelings, acknowledging that he had developed a strong affection for both heroes but had been unsure of how to proceed. He wanted to ensure that their relationships didn't jeopardize his bond with Sakura, whom he cared for deeply.
As they continued to talk, the atmosphere in the room began to relax, and the tension gradually lifted. They found common ground, realizing that their shared affection for each other was genuine and worth exploring.
In the midst of their heartfelt conversation, they decided to open a bottle of wine that had been part of the dinner Sakura had prepared. They hoped that it would help ease their nerves and foster more open communication.
However, as the night wore on and the wine continued to flow, their inhibitions gradually faded away. Laughter and smiles filled the room as they shared stories, hopes, and dreams. Nemuri playfully teased David, and Cathleen joined in, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Eventually, the wine took its toll, and the trio found themselves feeling drowsy and lightheaded. They decided it was time to retire for the night, with David offering his bed to two of them, while he opted to sleep on the couch. But the heavily wined women took no argument and dragged him with them.
As they drifted off to sleep, they were filled with a sense of anticipation and curiosity about what the future held for their budding relationships. Little did they know that their night of revelations would set the stage for a new chapter in their lives—one filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a shared future.
*Next morning*
As the trio emerged from David's room, they were met with an unexpected sight—a tired and grumpy Sakura sitting on the living room couch. Her hair was disheveled, and her eyes carried a clear message of exhaustion.
Sakura sighed and rubbed her temples as she addressed the trio. "You three were way too loud last night. I couldn't sleep because of your... 'spicy' activities."
David's face turned beet red as he stammered, "Sakura, I assure you, we were just talking and—"
But Sakura cut him off with a stern look. "Save the explanations, Papa. Just remember to use protection next time."
David's embarrassment deepened, and he buried his face in his hands, while the two women their best to hide their amusement. Sakura's straightforwardness had caught them all off guard.
Sakura, despite her exhaustion, couldn't help but smirk at their reactions. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a good, long nap to make up for the sleep I lost."
With that, Sakura got up from the couch and headed back to her room, leaving the trio in the living room, their faces still flushed with embarrassment and laughter.
As they processed Sakura's unexpected wake-up call, they couldn't help but appreciate her candidness and her role as a guiding force in their lives. Sakura had a way of keeping them grounded, even in the most unexpected moments, and they knew that her presence would continue to be a source of love and support as they navigated the complexities of their new relationships.
With smiles on their faces, they settled into the living room, ready to face the day together, their bonds stronger than ever, and a sense of love and camaraderie filling the air.