"It's really nothing."

"No, it's not. Why else would your face be red? Are you sick? Or tired?"

Thankfully, Mao Mao was VERY oblivious about love. Otherwise, he would have spotted his VERY obvious crush on him by now- Wait, what?!

He would never have a crush on Mao Mao! That's utterly ridiculous! Why would HE, Orangusnake, like MAO MAO of all people?!

"Hey, you okay?" Once again, there was that slightly concerned look on his face.

SOMEONE STOP HIM! PLEASE! The captain could feel his face flare up in embarrassment.

"I-I'm fine," Orangusnake stuttered.

"You sure?" Mao Mao asked again.

"Y-Yeah...." he nodded.

"O-Okay then..." the cat hero finally let it be.

After that, it was just comfortable silence between the two of them, eating sandwiches while watching the stars.

".... Hey Mao Mao?" Orangusnake spoke up.

"Y-Yeah?"

"D-Do... D-Do you like me?...."

Mao Mao stopped, "W-Why do you ask?...."

"I-I'm just a bit curious...." Orangusnake admitted. "Why would you kidnap me of all people to have dinner with me? I thought you would like to have it more with Badgerclops and Adorabat."

Mao Mao went silent.

For a while there, Orangusnake was worried that he had shocked him too much.

But then....

"Y-Yeah....." Mao Mao nodded.

"E-EH?!" His eyes widened. "How?! Why?!"

Mao Mao looked away, "Well, it sorta began with a beating heart.... During our first battle.... I only realised after a while.... But even then I refused to acknowledge it.... My father.... He would be furious if I ended up falling for a villain.... Plus... I want to be a Legendary... A hero must never let their feelings control them...."

Orangusnake stared in disbelief.

"Imagine all the controversies that would happen if I did.... B-But then...."

"Then what?"

"B-Badgerclops approached me with Adorabat," he confessed. "T-They told me to just speak up about this.... Encouraged me.... Told me that a true hero would stand up for themselves... That they would never care for what others thought....

"Of course, I was angry at first. What right did they have to say that? It wasn't like they understood my feelings. They should respect that.

"But.... I don't know... After hearing their words, something told me to just do it...

"T-That's what led to this...." Mao Mao looked away. "T-That's the truth, Orangusnake..."

Mao Mao....

Never in his life has he seen his enemy- no, crush- so indecisive....

It...

It kinda broke his heart.

That's what motivated him to slowly lean over....

And kiss him passionately.