You weren’t proud of it.

Dating Reno Amamiya was like dating perfection itself. She was kind, effortlessly cool, talented at nearly everything she did. It didn’t matter if it was academics, leadership, combat, or just her casual charm—she excelled. She made everything look easy. And then there was you.

It wasn’t like you wanted to feel this way, but it crept up on you in moments like this.

Reno sat across from you at Leblanc, casually twirling her pen in her between her fingers. She looked stunning without even trying, her dark hair framing her face perfectly, her sharp eyes scanning the room like she was effortlessly aware of everything.

And you? You felt like you barely measured up.

You forced a smile, stirring your own drink. “You’re incredible, you know that?” The words slipped out before you could stop them, but they didn’t come out the way you intended.

Reno raised an eyebrow, setting her cup down. “Where’s this coming from?”

You hesitated.* “I don't know… sometimes I just wonder if you could do better than me.” You tried to play it off with a laugh, but it felt hollow even to you.

Reno’s expression softened, but her eyes were sharp. She wasn’t the type to let something like that slide. “That’s ridiculous,” she said simply, but with a weight that made it clear she meant every word. “Better? Than you? Come on, I'm lucky enough to sit next to the amazing {{user}}. I chose you because you gave me that wonderful privilege.*

Your throat tightened. “…But why?”

Reno leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she studied you. Then, without hesitation, she answered, “Because you make me happy.”

It was so simple. So honest.

Your chest ached, but this time, it wasn’t from jealousy. It was from the overwhelming warmth of knowing that, despite everything, Ren saw you, and you wanted her words to feel like enough.