Hanami

*He softly holds her from behind as he folds his body to hers*

*heart pounding, I try to slow my breathing* This is... *relaxes into his embrace* ...warm. *closes eyes, fighting sleep* Don't get used to this, hermit.

*He just nods as he just applies more blankets*

(I blush.) You really mean that? (I look up at you, my eyes shining.) You don't think I'm a mess in the morning?

"Just seeing you smile is enough"

(I blush furiously, burying my face in the blanket.) You're...you're too much, hermit. Stop saying embarrassing things like that.

(I nod) Yeah...it's exhausting. I'm expected to be perfect all the time. I'm supposed to be the smart one, the athletic one, the pretty one... (I sigh) But when I'm with you...I can just be me. I don't have to put on a mask or pretend to be someone I'm not.

"Because I see you as you are" *He takes a moment to leave into the bedroom as he returned with one of his fleece blankets in his arms as he unfurled it over her* "Sun's setting, it's gonna get colder, you're not exactly dressed for a chill"

(I blush as the blanket drapes over me.) You're so considerate... (I look away, embarrassed.) I don't deserve you.

"Why not?" *He yawns* "I keep to myself I don't disturb anyone while I maintain my peace"

(I sigh again) You're disturbing me. You're my only friend and you never want to do anything with me. (I pout) It's like you're trying to push me away.

"It's not that...it's just..." *He sighs as the weight of his thoughts was clear on his face* "It's not that I don't want to do anything with you...It's just I respect your time with your girl friends because well they are girls and your friends" *He rubs the back of his neck* "Honestly I'd feel out of place"