...“She is my day, she is my night. She is the sun, she is the moon. Without her, the skies turn gray. Without her, what would be right? And, because, we are One. Without her, My life might turn empty, soon. For My Precious Cinnamon Roll, Grace...”...

...- Tsukito...

I, today, lost the love of my life… My precious, Grace… “What would I do without her?” Thoughts like these ran through my mind as my grief and lamentation consumed me and rejoiced in completely concealing my soul like a parasite.

My one and only close friend, Wataru, comforted me like nobody could have ever done, initially. However, he ended up leaving me alone to cope with my musings, emotions and grief by myself. My gaze slowly moved towards my living room window, gazing outside. The weather outside— rainy, dark and gloomy; just like my day and my mood, without My precious, Grace's loving presence.

I read Grace's most recent letters as I completely indulged and immersed myself in grief over my one and only precious sweetheart… My grace, cherishing all our teeny tiny lovely and adorable memories of our time that we had spent with each other— for about five years.

...“Hey love,...

...I just wanted to let you know that I miss you so much! It makes me extremely glad that I have graduated at the same time as you. I swear to you, I'd come to your town to complete my college. Would it not be such a delightful time? We'd literally see each other, face to face, frequently! Oh my god, I am already getting all excited, even at the thought of having you in sight and hearing your voice every single day.. I love you, my lovely other half, Tsukito~ Lots and Lots of love, kisses and hugs... from me, to you and only you....

...From your precious cinnamon roll, Grace.”...

As I finished reading the letter, I could not keep it bottled up inside any longer! My fists clenched into tight balls, which, as a result slightly crumpled up a tiny part of the old letter that I had in my grasp... I tugged on to my hair and closed my eyes firmly while gritting my teeth due to the excruciating pain going on in my chest and head portion.

The memories of all the moments I had ever spent with my precious and lovely Grace, haunted my mind, causing me to recieve slightly more pain in my chest... A part of me wanted to forget her to get rid of the pain. But the other and even stronger part of me wanted to never forget my Grace... I embraced all the letters roughly under my unknowingly powerful grasp of my lovely dear one, Grace and imagined her in front of me, comforting me; which was all I could do, in order to receive the sensations of her divine lovely presence beside me.

My head was going through a constant excruciating pain which almost made me ponder and seriously think it over, if it would explode in sometime or not. My body felt unusually and oddly heavier, today, for some reason... I couldn't manage my balance and collapsed on to the floor.

My mouth remained slightly agape, "Grace… Grace… Please, come back to me... Come back." A deafening sob escaped my mouth, but, fell onto deaf ears... My sobs echoed in the dark and empty rooms of my apartment, which made me realize how lonely and empty my world has turned into after... Grace— My first love, my only adorable sunshine passed away...

As this realization hit me, My eyes welled up with tears yet again and I sobbed while hiding my eyes with my both hands, my feeble attempts to stop myself from weeping went all in vane, just as I had expected from myself.

“Grace... My grace...”

My mouth could only manage to utter out a mournful plea for my previous and innocent, Grace. She was truly my everything... My first kiss, My first love, whom I could die for.. And whom I could even kill for. She was my first kiss and I wanted her and solely her to be my last, too.

My entire day passed by... with me, spending my entire day in grief, loneliness and isolation.

“I love you, Tsukito... I love you, Tsukito... I love you, Tsukito...” I kept playing the voice message in repeat, which she had sent me last night before going to sleep and never waking up again.

“Why did you have to leave, grace..? I love you, too.. I really really love you, as well...” I murmured under my breath, a single drop of tear escaped my eyes and fell onto my palm.

“I love you, Tsukito... I Love you, Tsukito... I love you, Tsukito... I love you, Tsukito...” Grace's most recent voice message kept replaying constantly in the background along with the pitter patter sounds of the heavy downpour outside, as if a background music for my Grace's honey-like voice being the lyrics of an incomplete yet a truly beautiful melodious lullaby— sending the sensations of euphoria down my body, just like how we had met for the first time and I just... Knew it, certainly for sure that she would become my wife someday...

I then began to listen to another voice message which she had sent to me, a week ago... It made me incredibly mournful. I had really lost the biggest thing in my life and I was certain about that...

“I want to have my first time with you, Tsukito... I really wish to be married to you sooner and faster after we complete college. I'm certain I'll convince my family. I really want you in my life permanently, Tsukito..." I kept that voice message in repeat and kept staring at the picture of Grace in her mother's old wedding dress... I had really lost my most precious thing. I needed her back. Desperately.

I wiped the tears off of my face and scrolled upwards, replaying our memories in the chat...

“Remember our first date to the promenade near your house when we were like thirteen? See, I'm wearing that same jumper outfit. It's kinda tight on me now, though... ^~^” My gaze lingered over the caption and the picture, afterwards.. My precious and most beautiful woman, Grace...

I blocked my mouth with my hand and closed my eyes firmly making even more tears slide down my cheeks and fall on the phone's screen... I needed her back... I don't know if it was codependency, unhealthy attachment or true love. I just needed her back. My heart couldn't bear the fact that she was dead and gone, living in the paradise, the gardens of gods and goddesses.

All our memories that I cherished and I was fond of, were now only like nightmares to my perspective... They were haunting my mind and making me struggle to even survive...

Days passed by..

I was completely restless and in a disturbed and chaotic state. The tears had vanished but the grief hadn't, at all, vanished for good.

“Grace... Grace... Grace... Grace... Grace...”

My voice had fallen silent but my thoughts and mind hadn't. Grace's name echoed in my mind, so much, that it was almost... Suffocating, at some point.

“Grace, please come back to me...”

I wished to God, every single day, for my Grace to be given back to me like the most precious gift she was for me.

“The dead doesn't come back! You're only making a fool of yourself.” My mother scolded me everytime and everyday whenever she saw me grieving over my lost Love, absolutely lost in my own musings. Her words held no meaning to me any longer, for some reason... The silence in my house would echo and my gaze would remain on the mirror, as if questioning if the reality is even real or not...

“I had told you! So many times! Don't have any girlfriend before finishing college and here you are! See, what happens when you don't listen to your mother."

My mother scolded me, it wasn't something new. It had become a part of my new daily routine. But, her words poked me and I really thought for once..

“Perhaps, she was right...”

I thought to myself, silently, in my mind while absent-mindedly having my gaze remain static on the TV screen in the living room.

My father was sat next to me on the couch, he was observing me with a rather concerned expression. He was more afraid of me being silent than me being fully expressive about my emotions.

"Stop." He said to mother.

My mom's eyes slightly widened in disbelief that he was taking my side instead of hers, and she spoke, "But, don't you understand?--" Before my mom could even complete her sentence, he interrupted, "I do. But there's a right time for everything and now isn't the right time for that topic." He folded his arms and sighed.

"Tsukito... Let's go for a walk outside till the dinner is ready. Would you like to?..."

He questioned, for my approval. I slightly smiled in gratitude and appreciation for his understanding and stood up from the couch and followed his lead outside the house.

"You know, Your mom has been like this from the start.…Don't take her words too personal… Do you understand me?…"

My father passed me a fatherly smile as he said that.

“I won't... don't worry, dad.”

I just nodded to his advice and smiled a tiny bit with the continuation of our father-son bonding time.

“Also, it's really sad that your girlfriend passed away... I understand your situation. I really do. But, please, don't step away from taking care of yourself. If you leave yourself. Nobody would be able to save you, as well.”

Dad and I walked by the slightly busy evening streets while he shared some of his teachings and advices for my own sake.

...-AUTHOR'S POV-...

...Tuesday 20 June 2023...

Tsukito; nicely and well-dressed in his best formal attire: White shirt, baggy loose fit pants with a belt around the loops of the pants.

Tsukito rolled up his shirt's sleeves, up to his elbows before fixing the camera on the tripod stand at a slight distance from the dining table which was adorned with a lavishing wine bottle, two wine glasses and a huge massive rose bouquet— Grace's most favorite flowers; set, beautifully, on the dining table, awaiting Grace's arrival.

His breath quickened, his chest rising and falling with a wavering and rapid pace as his gaze remained static on the clock; as it struck seven. He paced around the dining room, restlessly glancing over at the clock to check the time.

Every. Passing. Minute.

His hopes rose up every minute, eagerly and desperately, awaiting his lovely and precious Grace's arrival, which was about to happen in almost thirty minutes.

He paced around the dining room, setting up the fairy lights all around the room; adorning the room with Grace's most favorite yellowish red fairy lights.

His innermost wish was to make the date appear extravagant and make it most memorable, unforgettable and special for Grace. It was his unshakable desire, and he wanted EVERYTHING to be perfect, solely for his love.

He then stopped on his spot and pondered, anxiously, “Oh and... Wait. Does my mouth smell bad?” He took his palm in front of his mouth and let out few pants from his mouth and sniffed in the smell of his breath. “I guess not. Phew...” He sighed in relief, but, as the lingering 'what ifs' crossed his mind...

“But. What if I am just NOT being able to smell it and the bad breath still IS present?...”

He couldn't risk it.

Furthermore, he immediately went to the bathroom and brushed his teeth again for the second time.

The stench of his mouth was better than earlier, but... “Oh, but... But, what if she thinks that I'm trying too hard?... I'll seem so desperate.” He pondered to himself, silently and anxiously.

“Maybe, I should replace the smell of this toothpaste with the smell of the chewing gum. It'll seem more natural... Yeah!”

He applauded himself internally for such a genius thought to have crossed his mind. Hence, without wasting any time, he drank some water and began to chew the chewing gum in mint flavor.

“Hm! Much better! Now, my mouth smells more natural and better. She would definitely love kissing me...” He grinned to himself as he murmured those words under his breath, pacing around the room in excitement, checking the time in his watch again and again, as if... His life solely depended on Grace's arrival, now.

“I just hope and wish that she says yes... God. Please. I really waited so much for this moment. I really hope she'll say yes if I ask her...”

Tsukito felt his body get lighter, as if he had gotten wings due to genuine happiness that he had finally gotten a lot of time to spend with Grace, alone...

“I have made her favorite, small chocolate cake. I hope everything goes perfectly. God. Please, make this night perfect. I have done everything nicely, I really hope so...” He prayed for the night to go perfectly and nicely, without anything missing or imperfect.

...-GRACE'S POV-...

I moved my gaze towards the clock and smiled to myself as I looked back at the mirror. I was truly happy to be able to spend uninterrupted and such a long time with Tsukito, today.

“He had told me, he has a surprise for me... I just want to know what it is, real quick.”

I murmured to myself. A sudden toe-curling thought clashed my thinking and My cheeks flushed red.

“Is it what I think it is?... I really... hope that it really is what I'm thinking that it is.”

I hoped and prayed for my desired thing to be my today's surprise, to be given to me by my lovely and adorable boyfriend.

I had worn a red dress and My nails; which I had painted red just a few minutes ago, looked gorgeous.

“I just know, he'll be drooling for me. I really look pretty today... I think he'll love this look.”

I grinned to my own reflection in the mirror, my aura radiating confidence as usual. I knew how much Tsukito loved seeing me in red; my favorite color and the primary color which suited me at all times.

I slowly walked out of my room after wearing my red heels and pressed my phone to my ear. I had ALL the alibis ready for my reason to be out in the evening.

I cleared my throat before slightly raising my voice just enough for my grandparents in the living room to hear this fake conversation with nobody in the call. “Hello? Yeah. I'll be there in like ten minutes, Stacy. Oh? June is coming too? Oh, that's great. Yes, I'll be there. See ya!”

Grandpa slowly came from the living room, towards me, near the main door. He noticed my fancy clothing style and smiled at me and questioned,

“You're going to meet your friends, darling?”

“Yes, Grandpa.” I sweetly replied to my grandpa.

My grandpa was extremely liberal with me, unlike my own strict parents, so, it wasn't really much of a hazard to convince them to believe my alibis, in order to meet my boyfriend.

Grandpa nodded to my response, he uttered, "Oh and Wait..." I turned back around, only to see my grandpa going to my room and then coming back with my black leather jacket tucked in his hands.

“Okay! Take care of yourself. Here, have a jacket. It can be cold out there.” He advised, in a caring manner; just like the caring person, he was, in general. I just smiled to him in response...

“Thanks, grandpa! I'll be back at nine! Bye bye!” I said, quickly wearing the jacket before walking outside the main door and I smiled to myself in genuine excitement and happiness. Before completely walking away, I waved my hand at him, so... He, too, waved his hand back, in response.

As I reached Tsukito's apartment, I knocked at his main door, whilst giggling a little.

“Knock, knock, knock~”

I childishly mimicked the sound of the knocks, as usual. Nothing new, not only for me, but, also for Tsukito.

I didn't have to wait for even more than a second, before, I heard Tsukito rushing towards the door,, and he opened it, instantly, as if he'd been waiting for my arrival.

“There... You are...” Tsukito murmured under his breath and his gaze moved from my face to the bottom of my body, taking in the sight of my dress and my figure. He looked like he was in awe, and I was literally living for that moment.

“W-wow...”

Tsukito whispered, whilst rushing his hands from my hair down to my shoulder... Then, furthermore, towards my waist. He gave my waist a light squeeze and I moaned softly.

“We can do the rest of the things inside... If you let me in.” I laughed softly while blushing to the Irresistible stimulating sensations, his hands were causing... to my entire body.

Tsukito laughed in embarrassment and shyness when I said that and just welcomed me in.

“Come in! See, I've decorated everything nicely...”

Tsukito showed off the entire dining room to me, his decorating skills and ideas were really something.

The fairy lights... The bouquet... Everything was so beautifully decorated. “You decorated all of this?... It's so pretty... And, by the way... What's this camera for?”

“You'll know very soon. Let's just... Go with the flow and let everything uncover itself, for you. Shall we?” Tsukito whispered into my ear and grinned gently down to me. I felt his warm breath hitting my collarbone.

It really fascinated me, how seductively he was acting with me, on this lovely date of ours. He pulled the chair for me and spoke, “Sit here, My gorgeous lady.” His words made me flattered, but, amused me at the same time.

I blushed and smiled widely; thanking him with an affectionate tone, I caressed his cheek whilst doing so, “Awwww... Thank you so much!” I nodded and sat down on the chair.

I felt a wave of excitement wash over my entire body when I saw him rolling up his shirt's sleeves up to his elbows, to pour me some wine, “Here...” He handed me the wine glass and then sat across my chair.

I chuckled softly, glancing around the room, looking at all the fairy lights... “Thank you so much for all of this-” Before I could complete, he smiled and said, “No need to say thank you. Our dates should all be special and memorable for you.” He truly was a wonderful person. What could I even say...? He had left me speechless and flustered.

He took my hand in his and took it towards his lips, I felt him almost press his lips to my arm, however, before he could... He questioned, “May I?...” I smiled to him and nodded slowly, too flustered to do anything. As soon as he received my approval, he pressed his lips on to my arm and repeatedly kissed up to my elbow and then upwards to my shoulder, tenderly and slowly...

I tried to speak but all I could manage to utter... Was his name and some moans. “Tsuki- Tsukito... Mm- mmh...” Tsukito's gaze lingered over my face and my facial expressions; flushed red cheeks, eyes closed and my mouth slightly agape...

Tsukito moved his thumb towards my lips and rubbed my lips with his thumb, gently, “Do you like it...?” He whispered in my ear, his breath hitting my earlobe... Tickled my senses; goosebumps took over my entire body. I couldn't speak anything at all, however, I managed to just nod slowly, and he simply smiled and took it as a sign to move further

“Tell me when you don't like it... I'll stop. Okay? Don't hesitate. Can I move further?” Tsukito murmured into my ear, assuring me, with a caring smile.

“Y...Yes...” I breathed slightly deeper.

Tsukito nodded slowly, and then he leaned towards my neck and began planting soft and gentle kisses my neck portion up to my jaw. I sensed his hands slowly slide upwards to my shoulders, caressing and rubbing my shoulders and collarbone with his fingers in a rhythmic pace.

“Just relax and let me do everything... Okay? And, let me know if I do something that makes you uncomfortable...” With that, Tsukito passed me a lovely warmth radiating smile. His smile calmed me and made me feel warmth inside my body and my mind...

His fingers traced my forehead, and he caressed and played with my hair gently, tucking my hair behind my ears slowly and softly. I liked how gentle his touch was on my body, so delicate and just so sweet...

“Do you like it?...” He asked, again, for my approval. I took my hands towards his shoulders and up to his head... “Yes... Please, don't stop. I love it...”

Tsukito sighed in relief and gave me a pleasant smile. “Okay... I'll do as you say. I also am loving this, your skin feels like a delicate and soft flower's petals. And, your lips... they feel like the delicate rosebuds.” Tsukito breathed slightly harder and deeper this time as he stared at my lips with a hungry stare; rubbing my lips with his thumb.

“Grace... Can- Can I?... Can I kiss... Your lips...?”

Tsukito whispered, desperately, eager for a kiss, as if he would... perish if he couldn't kiss my lips.

“Yes, you can!” I consented; enthusiastically enough, in a whispery voice, smiling widely at him, my lips awaiting to be pressed against his...

He pressed his lips against mine finally, and I adjusted myself slightly closer to him... I glided my hands from his chest to his shoulders then up to his head; my fingers rushing through his hair, as our lips mingled with one another...

...Tuesday, 19 March 2019...

...-TSUKITO'S POV-...

^^^It is spring season...^^^

^^^The tulips and lavender flowers had blossomed and bloomed. Butterflies and the bees were flapping their wings, wandering around the flowers for the delicious nectar of the fresh and newly bloomed spring flowers...^^^

Grace was hopping around, near the flower shop of my parents. “Can I pluck this flower, aunty?” Enthusiastically, she questioned my mother. My mother couldn't resist her innocence and adorable sight of her enthusiasm and just nodded in response and plucked out Grace's desired flower, herself and handed it to her.

It was a daisy flower.

Grace's favorite were roses, however, as it wasn't the season for the roses to be grown. There weren't any of them. Hence, grace took the daisy one.

Grace came to me after thanking my mom and sat next to me as she moved her gaze towards me, “I absolutely looooove flowers, you must be so happy every day, watching flowers grow. Right, Tsukito?” Grace asked, while looking at me and sniffing in the delicate stench of the daisy flower in her right hand.

“It's wonderful watching them bloom and grow but, it's nothing new for me, so... I am not as enthusiastic about it.” I scratched the back of my head before chuckling softly.

“You're lucky to be living such a life. I would be much more enthusiastic if I were you!” Grace joked and laughed softly while looking around the flower garden and casually sniffing the fragrance of the daisy flower in her hand.

Grace and I spent some afternoon time in the flower shop before moving to the promenade; for a small walk and also to just spend some quality time, alone together, as in it could be considered a small and low-key simple date for the both of us being only thirteen.

“Your parents are very sweet, truly. Wouldn't it be wonderful, when we grow up and finally tell our parents about our relationship? Oh, I can't wait!” Grace spoke, with a usual hint of excitement and enthusiasm in her voice.

I smiled gently in a shy way at her excitement and words, “I know right? We will definitely get married in future! What do you think?” I also matched her vibe and honestly admitted my thoughts regarding our future.

Grace smirked at me softly while blushing subtly. She teased me, “You really like me that much, huh?” She said before turning her head to face away from me for a few seconds.

Fidgeting with my fingers, I muttered, “Of course, I do...” “You don't know how much I like you?” I asked, turning my head away too, to hide my red face which was absolutely in no way possible to hide.

“As you should!” She grinned playfully. “But, don't worry, I also do like you a lot! I cannot seem to hide it, and I don't know if you have noticed it or not... But, I just melt in your presence!” Grace blushed as she mentioned that, slowly lifting her head to look into my eyes.

“Wait a minute...” I said, to which Grace responded by suddenly pausing and looking at me in bafflement. “Hmm...” I took my hand towards hers and took the daisy flower from her hand. “What... what are you doing?...” She asked, not being able to understand the purpose of my actions.

“Just wait... You're going to love it...” Grace, although bewildered at the moment, still just nodded and stayed still, letting me do what I had in mind.

I grabbed her shoulders and turned her around to face away from me and I untied her hair, starting to tie a braid; I then fit the daisy flowers into her hair before commenting, “You look so perfect... Just how I had imagined! Absolutely gorgeous...” My fingers traced ger baby hair on the either sides of her ears before tucking them behind her ears softly.

Grace untucked those baby hairs and muttered, “Don't do that...” She blushed, as if she was embarrassed about something that I couldn't figure out what it was... I furrowed my brows and uttered an innocent question, “Why?...”

“Well, my face is a little too big and round, don't you think?...”

I laughed softly and tucked her hair behind her ears again before assuring her, “No, no. I don't think so! And, even if it is, it's really cute!” I said, whilst walking along with her, holding her hand in my gentle yet firm grip.

“Honestly?” Grace whined and pouted.

“Yes! I'm being honest, really! You look absolutely adorable. Trust me.” Grace was confident, yet, a little insecure at times, which I obviously disliked, because, she was my choice and I didn't, at all, like anybody disrespecting my choice.

“Mhm~” Grace nodded, and she didn't oppose me tucking her hair behind, this time. Which, obviously, made me genuinely glad.

We walked a little longer before, grace spoke, “I'm tired... Let's sit, no?” I nodded and held her hand, leading her to the bench nearby, just beneath a cherry blossom tree.

“Do you feel better?” I asked, smiling at her gently whilst drawing circles on her palm with my thumb.

Grace was swaying her feet while sitting on the bench, “Yes... But, you know what... I want one ice-cream!...” Grace giggled as she said that and blushed.

I looked at Grace as she wished for an ice-cream. I scratched my head slightly and then looked around before murmuring to myself, “Hmm... Where is that...?” I stood up from the bench and Grace, too, stood up; baffled about why did I stand up, suddenly.

She asked, getting my hand in the grasp of hers, “Wait, where are you going?” I smiled at her and then said, “I'll be back, just sit down.” I then removed her hand from mine and quickly walked towards the opposite direction from grace.

......-GRACE'S POV-......

Did I upset him by asking for an ice-cream? “I hope not...” I muttered, biting on to my nails, being worried.

“Should I follow him?...” I questioned myself. I was about to get up, but, then I felt something wet down there... “Huh...? Umm...” I slightly leaned downwards after glancing around. I checked the back of my skirt, and it was stained with some blood.

“Shit! No... Wait, what?...” I anxiously looked around to see if Tsukito has arrived or not. Thankfully, no. I sighed in relief and covered the back of my skirt with my both hands and sprinted towards the girl's restroom in the nearby park.

I saw Tsukito on the way, he was purchasing two butterscotch ice-creams with his pocket money. He glanced around and almost caught the sight of me.

“What should I do...? My home is also a little far from here... I got my first period... What if Tsukito mocked me for this stain...?” I should just act normal. I thought to myself. Furthermore, I just reluctantly went back to the bench where Tsukito and I were sitting, earlier.

I saw Tsukito coming back with a delightful smile, looking at me, his both hands holding two butterscotch ice-creams.

“Here... Your favorite butterscotch ice-cream~”

Tsukito held out his hand towards me, handing me the ice-cream before sitting next to me. He was really a caring person. “Maybe, he wouldn't mock me...” I thought to myself while just staring at Tsukito, feeling a little hopeful.

“It will melt.” Tsukito suddenly said, while looking at me. I was lost in my thoughts, so, when he said that, I jumped back out of my thoughts and I just nodded slightly and smiled, finally beginning to lick and eat my ice-cream.

When it was time to go... Tsukito stood up and held my hand up, saying, “Let's go back home then?” He gently looked at me with an adoring smile.

I reluctantly took my hand away from his, and I insisted, “No... umm, I want to stay here for a bit. You can leave!” I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of him on our proper first date.

Tsukito appeared confused, and he reluctantly nodded but then stepped back and sat down with me. “I guess, I'll stay too...” Tsukito insisted, as well. His gentle smile— still present.

“No no!- I mean, y-you don't have to!”

“Do not worry... I'm staying with you, with my own will... There's nothing much I've to do at home, anyway!” He was making it difficult for me to hide the blood stain. If he wouldn't leave till I do. He would know that I just stained my skirt! It would be so embarrassing!

“No, no, no! I can't let that happen...” I mused, silently.

A look of concern spread on Tsukito's face when I wasn't looking talkative as usual, “Hello? What happened, grace? You're suddenly acting weird, are you okay?” Tsukito asked, holding my hand in his, delicately, rubbing my arm with his thumb.

“Y-yeah, I just wanted to say that you can leave, I want to sit alone for a bit...” Tsukito wasn't buying my excuse, this time, and he looked at me in an accusatory way. “I don't think so.” He said while frowning and expecting me to give him a good and honest reason.

He knew me too well to believe my lies.

“I just... Okay. I will tell you. But...”

“But, what? Please, tell me. Don't hide things from me. You know, I'm here for you!” He pleaded me, looking at me with a soft gaze.

“Well... I got... I got my first period and I was just... Umm...” I stood up slowly, and I turned around and showed him the back of my skirt, slightly stained with some period blood.

“Oh... Got it.” Tsukito laughed softly and shook his head as if it was some joke. “What?- why are you laughing?” I asked, whining slightly. “No, please, sorry... Don't misunderstand. I just- I just couldn't understand why is it something embarrassing...” Tsukito laughed slightly and blushed while scratching the back of his head.

“Here... Take my jacket!” Tsukito smiled and tied his jacket around my waist, which hid the stained part of my skirt perfectly. I blushed slightly and looked down, embarrassed that I even thought Tsukito would mock me for something so natural as periods. “Are you feeling comfortable?” Tsukito asked, with a comfortable and assuring voice. Before I could answer, I felt his hands wrap around my waist, pulling me in for a gentle yet firm hug.

“Mhm...” I just only could nod as an answer. I froze for a second due to the surprising hug, but, I slowly glided my hand up his back to his shoulders and I wrapped my arms, really softly, around his shoulders which gradually got stronger and firmer as a few seconds passed by in that embrace. “Don't ever feel embarrassed with me... It's okay~” He assured me and then leaned backwards for a second, his eyes scanned my face before he leaned back into the hug.

I felt so loved.

How could somebody... Just... not love Tsukito?