The corridors of Rhodes Island were unusually lively, filled with the scent of chocolate and hushed whispers. Valentine's Day had arrived, and many Operators had prepared gifts for their beloved leader, the Dokutah. Among them was Yato, standing stiffly in front of her locker, staring at a small, meticulously wrapped box of chocolates. Her hands trembled slightly as she hesitated to pick it up.

"Alright... I just have to give this to Dokutah," she muttered under her breath. "That's it."

For as long as she had been under the Dokutah's command, Yato had admired their tactical prowess, their ability to lead Rhodes Island through countless battles, and most of all, the way they always valued their Operators' safety. She had fought alongside them, bled for them, and yet… she had never truly been able to express what they meant to her.

She hoped the chocolate would be enough to convey even a fraction of that admiration.

As she was lost in thought, a familiar voice rang out behind her.

"Well, well. Look who's being all sentimental today."

Yato stiffened.

She knew that voice.

Noir Corne, her longtime squadmate, leaned against the locker beside her, arms crossed and a mischievous grin plastered on his face. His tail swayed lazily as he looked at the box in her hands. "Are those for Dokutah?"

Yato shot him a glare, shoving the chocolates into her pocket as if that would erase what he just saw. "Mind your own business, Noir."

"No can do. This is way too interesting." He chuckled, eyes glinting with amusement. "I mean, you? Giving chocolates? That's got to be the rarest thing in all of Rhodes Island."

Yato sighed and turned away, ready to leave before Noir made things worse, but he quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Hold on now, no need to run. I'm just saying, it's kind of cute."

Her ears twitched in frustration. "It's not—! I just… respect Dokutah. That's all."

Noir smirked. "Mmm-hmm. And that's why you look like you're about to go into battle instead of delivering a simple gift?"

Yato groaned, rubbing her temples. "Why are you like this?"

"Because you make it too easy," he said, laughing. "But hey, don't chicken out now. If you're going to do it, do it right. Otherwise, someone else might beat you to it."

That thought sent a jolt through Yato's heart. She glanced around, noticing that other Operators were already carrying their own gifts. If she hesitated too long, she might lose her chance.

Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders. "Fine. I'll do it."

Noir's eyes widened slightly, surprised by her sudden determination. "Oh? Just like that?"

"Just like that." Yato pushed past him, heading straight for Dokutah's office before she could second-guess herself.

As Yato neared Dokutah's office, she spotted two familiar figures already there—Amiya and Nearl, both carrying small, neatly wrapped packages. She cursed under her breath. Of course, they were already here.

Amiya noticed her first, her ears perking up. "Yato! Are you here to see Dokutah too?"

Yato hesitated for only a second before nodding.

Nearl smiled warmly. "Then let's go in together."

Before Yato could respond, the door to the office swung open, and out stepped Texas, her hands in her coat pockets, looking as unbothered as ever. "Dokutah's inside. They seem a bit overwhelmed, though."

Yato clenched her fists. Was this a mistake? What if she just looked like another Operator in a line of people giving chocolates?

Noir's words echoed in her mind. If you're going to do it, do it right.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, past Amiya and Nearl, and entered the office.

Dokutah was seated at their desk, surrounded by a small mountain of sweets. Various boxes of chocolates and handwritten notes were stacked haphazardly around them, and they looked both touched and overwhelmed.

Yato felt her nerves creeping back in. "Dokutah," she called, her voice steadier than she expected.

Dokutah looked up, their masked gaze settling on her. "Yato? Do you need something?"

She approached the desk, carefully setting down her chocolates. "I… I wanted to give you this."

Dokutah tilted their head slightly, reaching out to take the package. They examined it for a moment before looking back at her. "You made this yourself?"

Yato hesitated before nodding. "Yes. I—" She swallowed. "I respect you, Dokutah. More than I can put into words. I just… wanted you to know that."

There was a pause. Then, Dokutah gently placed the box among the others, their voice soft. "Thank you, Yato. That means a lot to me."

Yato exhaled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Good."

As she turned to leave, she heard Dokutah open the box, unwrapping one of the chocolates. She paused, waiting.

"…They're really good," Dokutah said after a moment.

Yato smiled. A small, rare smile. "I'm glad."

And with that, she stepped out of the office, heart still racing but lighter than before.

Outside, Noir Corne was waiting, looking at her expectantly.

"Well?" he asked.

Yato crossed her arms. "It's done."

Noir grinned. "And? What did Dokutah say?"

"They liked it," Yato replied simply.

Noir let out a dramatic sigh. "That's it? No heartfelt confession? No dramatic moment?"

Yato rolled her eyes. "This isn't some cheap romance novel, Noir."

He chuckled. "Still, I'm impressed. Didn't think you'd actually go through with it."

Yato glanced back toward the office, a soft expression in her eyes. "…Neither did I."

Noir smirked. "So, what's next? Planning to confess your undying devotion next year?"

Yato shoved him playfully. "Shut up, Noir."