.

.

.

You

"Kazuha,"

Kazuha

"Yeah?"

When you uttered his name, Kazuha responded almost instantly, wanting to get away from the embarrassment. He still had his hands on both sides of your face.

You

"Does this mean you like me?"

Kazuha

"I do! I like you a lot!"

His cheeks were flushed from both embarrassment and cold.

You were silent for a time while you processed everything. It's not that there was anything wrong; it's simply that someone's first kiss and sentiments of genuine love for someone may be overwhelming. You had a little smile on your face.

Kazuha

"Y/N?"

You

"Yes?"

You did the same thing, replying almost immediately.

Kazuha

"Do you feel the same way?"

You

"Yes!... I feel... The same way."

Kazuha

"I have... Felt like this for a long time."

You

"You have?"

Kazuha

"Yes. Even when you went 'missing'. It was that night, in my tent, when you crawled into my sleeping bag and slept close to me. The night I caught feelings."

You

"The night you caught feelings... I didn't feel the same way back then, sorry."

Kazuha chuckled uneasily, but considering that this is your first time dealing with such tight ties, he let it go. He understands if you say things that don't help the problem.

Kazuha

"Hehe, it's- It's okay."

You

"But I do like you now, a lot too, I hope that didn't hurt your feelings."

The shrubs' leaves rustled slightly, interrupting the moment, and you both backed away, holding hands once more.

.

.

.

Gorou

"I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself! Haha!"

Kazuha

"You were spying on us?!"

Gorou was trying hard not to laugh when you mentioned you didn't feel the same way back then; he thought it was hilarious. Not only was Gorou hidden in the bushes, but so were the others, Kokomi and Beidou.

Beidou

"I'll have to admit, that was funny!"

Kazuha

"Beidou, you're here too?!"

Beidou

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Kazuha

"So you saw all of that?! How long have you been in there?!"

Kokomi

"First, we were trying to find a good spot to watch the fireworks like you guys. The spot we had in mind just happened to be the same as yours, but you and Y/N beat us to it."

Gorou

"And when we got here, we watched the fireworks from the bushes which probably was the worst idea to have, but y'know what, at least I got a good laugh out of spying on you guys! Totally worth it."

They all chuckled, discussing how it was perhaps the most awkward confession they'd ever seen.

The only thing that mattered was that you felt protected and knew who you could rely on. Love may still be a mystery to you, but you know that when you're with the now-unwanted criminal, Kaedehara Kazuha...

You feel at ease.