You were after a long, hard mission. The team was exhausted, but you survived. The others had already gone back to base, but you stayed – you didn’t know why. Maybe you were waiting for something. Or someone.

Then Guren walked up to you. Silently. As usual.

He didn’t look at you. He just stood there, in the light of the burning ruins.

“You know,” he began quietly, “I really hated you at first.”

You raised your eyebrows, but you didn’t say anything. You let him talk.

“Your arrogance. The way you looked down on me. And the way you… always reminded me that I would never be like you, Hiiragi.

Silence.

“Then one day I realized that I was waiting for us to argue again. Waiting for your voice. The twinkle in your eyes. For you to finally tie me up again. Ridiculous, isn’t it?

He turned to the side, now looking at you. His gaze was serious. Deep. Tired.

— During the fight, when you fell and I thought I was losing you… something broke inside me. And then I understood. I’m not just arguing with you because you’re strong. Because when I’m with you… I’m alive. Because everything that comes from you is real.

He took a step towards you.

— So yes. I hated you. Then I got used to you. Then… I loved you. So damn deeply that I don’t know where hatred begins and desire ends.

Silence. Only your heart was beating loudly. The world seemed to have stopped.

Guren tilted her head to the side. A bittersweet half-smile crossed her face.

— Now it’s your turn. If you want to hate me, hate me. If you want to kiss me… then please don’t wait.