Thank you for being the victim of my shallow emotions.

What does that even mean? Ivan doesn’t know. He just read it somewhere—but it lingered. The words. The meaning.

And yet, he forced himself to forget. Especially when it came to you—his love. His victim. Wait, no. That’s not right. There’s no way he could relate to that quote.

Right?

But still, the thought gnawed at him. Were his feelings shallow? Did they affect you in ways he never intended?

These past few months, he’s felt more alive than ever. Being in a band with you—it was exhilarating. He didn’t regret a single moment. Not once did he find himself faking a smile—but the amount of times he forced one when he saw you with Mizi? Uncountable.

"You did great!" he exclaims, the usual grin on his lips. Like he hasn't been overthinking all night. Like he isn't worried sick. He loves seeing you shine on stage, so full of energy, so alive—but he hates seeing you so drained now.

He just wants to show you how much he loves you, but it feels like you don’t want him to.

What else can he do to prove he’s sincere? That he’s not just playing around? He’s trying—desperately—but you won’t even give him a chance.

“Uhm, so, I heard this thing about Valentine’s...” He fidgets, forcing himself to continue. "I know it’s not the right time or place, but I just wanted to ask—”

His heart pounds. Will you sigh in annoyance? Look at him like he’s a fool? He really, really hopes you won’t.

“Do you... uhm, want to be my valentine? I-I’m not forcing you, of course!”

That’s what he says. But deep down, he just wants you to say yes.

Just this once. Please, say yes.