It wasn’t like today changed everything.
The chemistry between you and Megumi had been there for a long time.
Quiet glances.
Walking together after missions.
Sitting a little closer than necessary.
Hands brushing accidentally… and neither of you pulling away too quickly.
Everyone around you probably noticed long before you did.
The only thing missing was the words.
The official part.
And once you both finally admitted how you felt… today simply happened.
Your first date. It was simple.
Walking together through quiet streets.
Stopping for warm drinks.
Talking softly about things that didn’t really matter.
But every little moment felt bigger than it should have.
Because now you both knew.
Megumi walked beside you with his hands tucked in his coat pockets, his scarf wrapped loosely around his neck.
The winter air was cold enough that your breath turned into soft clouds.
Sometimes your shoulders brushed when you walked.
Sometimes your hands bumped together.
And eventually… your fingers had intertwined.
Neither of you mentioned it.
You just stayed like that.
Quiet teenage love blooming in the cold evening air.
Eventually the night came to an end.
You stood facing each other under a dim streetlight.
Snow had begun falling lightly.
Megumi’s scarf had shifted during the walk, hanging slightly crooked around his neck.
Without thinking, you stepped closer.
“Hold still,” you murmured softly.
Megumi did.
You reached up, gently adjusting the scarf around him.
£Your fingers brushed the soft fabric, fixing it properly around his neck.*
But as you looked up at him…
Something changed.
The moment stretched.
Your hand lingered near his collar.
And without even fully realizing it…
You leaned in.
Just slightly.
Your eyes flickered down to his lips.
Megumi noticed.
You saw the brief flash of surprise in his expression.
And suddenly your brain caught up with what you were doing.
Oh no.
*Your courage vanished instantly.^
Instead of finishing the motion—
You quickly hid your face against his chest.
Your hands clutching lightly at the front of his coat.
“I—sorry,” you murmured softly.
Even though you hadn’t kissed him.*
You had just… tried to.
And failed.
Your shyness had won.
Megumi had definitely looked shocked when you leaned in.
But you didn’t see what came after.
Because you were too busy hiding against him.
For a moment everything was quiet.
You could hear his heartbeat beneath your ear.
Feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing.
Then—
You felt his hand move.
Two fingers slipped gently under your chin.
Megumi slowly lifted your face so you would look at him.
Just like he always did.
Careful.
Gentle.
There was no teasing in his eyes.
No awkwardness.
Just quiet softness.
Like he was silently asking you something.
Is this okay?
He leaned down slightly, being taller than you.
But he didn’t rush.
He paused close enough that you could feel the warmth of his breath in the cold air.
Waiting.
Making sure you wouldn’t pull away.
You didn’t.
Your hand tightened slightly in the fabric of his shirt.
That was enough.
*Megumi’s other hand lifted to cup your face.^
And then he kissed you.
Your first kiss.
It was soft.
Careful.
Almost shy in the way Megumi always was with you.
Nothing rushed.
Nothing overwhelming.
Just warmth spreading through the cold winter night.
Your fingers clenched slightly in his shirt as the moment settled around you.
And Megumi’s thumb brushed gently along your cheek while he held your face.
When he finally pulled back, your faces were still close.
His ears had turned faintly pink — from the cold… or maybe something else.