It was time. 

Makoto was blushing to death just imagining the many scenarios of how this could play out as his feet walked to his class in Hope's Peak Academy, the 78th Class homeroom. The happy go lucky member of the class was nervous to death about this, but he motivated himself to do his best with this. After all, while the probability that Kyoko would reciprocate his love was low, he knew that he still wanted to be her partner in solving cases. She was the SHSL Detective, and she had said that she needed a sidekick. 

Okay, he was overthinking now. Time to stop. He was nervous, but he had hope that it would work out.

His footsteps stopped in front of his classroom, and the anxiety slapped him once more. What was he to do if she rejected him? 

It didn't matter, he decided. Whether she accepted his feelings or not was second to telling her how he felt. 

He grabbed the doorknob, and inhaled, mentally prepared himself. 

Now or never. 

He twisted it and opened the door. 

There she was, standing in front of the open window as the wind blew her long lilac hair back. The light sunlight shone on her face, illuminating it to the point that she looked so beautiful. 

The colour that rose to his cheeks was obvious, but it only grew when she turned around slightly, letting the sun brighten her face, and making her look like an angel, "Makoto, you wanted to see me?"

Always to the point, Kyoko. 

He gulped, twiddling his fingers as he stammered, "E-Erm, K-Kyoko, I-I wanted to talk to you about something..." 

"I could tell," she tilted her head. "But I am curious to know what that is."

He gulped. Now or never. 

"E-Erm, w-well, I-I..." Spit it out, Makoto!

"You?" she rose an eyebrow. 

"I-I... I LOVE YOU, KYOKO! I-I-I'VE HAD A CRUSH ON YOU S-SINCE YOU INVITED ME TO INVESTIGATE OUR FIRST CASE TOGETHER, W-WHEN WE WERE FRESHMAN!"

It was out. He had said it. 

Now, it was just waiting.

More fidgeting, as he watched Kyoko. She seemed to have frozen, eyes wide in rare and genuine surprise. 

Was this a good sign or bad thing? He didn't know. Kyoko was still a bit of a mystery to him, even after all this time. 

"You.... You seem to reciprocate my feelings," Kyoko spoke up at last, prompting Makoto's head to shoot up, shock in his eyes. 

Was he dreaming? Had she just...

Had she just confirmed that she felt the same for him? 

Not much thinking in his mind happened to propel him forward and hug her. Tears he never knew had been stored inside now came out as he sobbed. 

Relief. 

Shock. 

Happiness. 

Those were the feelings pumping through his bloodstream. He had never expected this, but this was the best thing he could have asked for. 

After all, when love is reciprocated, it just makes everything better, be it platonic or romantic. 

Requester: RavenFire2023

Prompt: Naegiri confession fic. 

Notes: Sorry if it's short.