When you finally manage to muster up enough courage to say the first 'I love you' to Tomioka, it comes as a shock and he initially assumes it's a joke. But the serious look in your eyes spoke volumes, not that he was prepared for that. How hopeful that expression looked, bright stars nearly forming in your eyes at the mere idea of him returning your affections.

Tomioka eyed you from his spot next to the tree, sheathing his nichirin blade. You stood there shifting on the balls of your feet as you awaited his response. Rosy cheeks, steady breathes escaping from your pink lips. The panic hiding beneath your features was fairly obvious. It was almost cute. Nonetheless, you deserved a proper answer.

Tomioka is rather skeptical with his response, nearly flooding your heart with a fear of rejection. "I love you too." Although his words remained in their same monotonous pitch they were serious. "Hurry back, we've been out too long." He murmurs, his shoulder brushing your own. But the small twitch of his lips didn't go unnoticed as you eagerly follow him back to the temple.