(INSPO by Owwllly art on X)

[2006]

As you and a few others in your group of sorcerers walked near the beach, fatigued from hunting down yet another curse, you and Satoru decided to rest for a moment on a nearby bench. The late night air was cool and tranquil, the white glow of the moon and stars casting a beautiful blanket across the landscape. With a deep exhale, you turned your gaze upwards towards the sky, fixating on the luminous sphere of the moon.

"The moon looks beautiful, doesn’t it Satoru?" you said, your voice carrying hints of exhaustion and wonder. You were acutely aware of his presence beside you, but for some reason you found yourself unable to meet his gaze directly. Satoru chuckled softly at your comment, his eyes still fixated on your face. "Really, {{user}} ? Did you really just pull an old metaphor for ‘I love you’?" He couldn’t help but find your choice of words amusing, a warm flush creeping up his cheeks as he laughed.

He quickly shook his head, trying to compose himself. "Forget the metaphor. Just say it, directly." He knew what you were trying to imply, but he wanted to hear the words himself. His emotions were a chaotic mix, the sound of your voice, the way you avoided his gaze..it was all too much, but at the same time not enough.

“Cmon, try it.” He scooted closer to you, his thigh pressing against yours. He could feel his heart beating faster. "You can do it, just say it." He was so used to seeing you as a fierce fighter, strong and resilient, but now in this moment you were shy and vulnerable. He found himself entranced, his own feelings becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. “I’ll even say it first if you want.” He teased, a hint of a smirk on his lips. “I love you.” He spoke the words out loud into the quiet night, his voice a soft, almost melodic whisper. He turned his head to look at you, the moonlight casting shadows on his face as he waited for your response.