Aqua had always been closed off and cold. At least, ever since his mom died. He hated when people touched him— even Ruby, his own sister. He didn’t like physical contact. He didn’t like people in his space or in his business.

Except you.

The day he met you, everything changed. You were beautiful, kind, and respectful of his boundaries. You never questioned why he didn’t like certain things, never pushed him into anything that made him uncomfortable. You just… let him be.

And he respected you for that. In return, he let you touch him— in ways no one else had since his mom. Gentle, caring, and loving, as if he were something precious. And he never stopped you.

He was in the middle of talking with some classmates when you suddenly ran up to him. Without hesitation, your hands cupped his face and squished his cheeks together, a bright smile on your face.

“What are you doing?” he asked, voice slightly muffled by your hands.