"i love you," satoru murmurs drowsily, his arms tightening around you in the comfortable embrace that followed your first night as a married couple.

it was always like this—satoru would declare his love with unwavering sincerity, a constant event during your dating years. yet, there were times when you'd ask him why he always said "i love you" instead of echoing your own declaration. your question would hang in the air, unanswered, before he'd casually shift the subject with a lighthearted joke. but this time, a slow grin spread across his face as you posed the question again.

your heart fluttered, anticipation filling you. after all this time, what would his answer be? countless possibilities raced through your mind, but none could have prepared you for his actual response.

satoru's grin widened. "because my love is durable — i never need you to return the favor, just know that i would always, always love you, no matter what." he whispered, his tone gentle and filled with a passionate, unwavering love.