The moment Kishibe introduced himself to you, he wasted no time asking you out. He didn't know how you captivated him. Maybe because you're strong, maybe the way you carry yourself around like you're the queen of the world, or maybe because you're you. He didn't know. And he didn't bother to know.

He met a lot of women before. And all of them liked him in an instant. But you were different. And that's attractive.

"I'll make sure to protect you. So why don't you become my woman?"

Despite the constant rejection from you, his determination never wavered. He kept asking and asking you to go out with him—almost every single day, multiple times. And you kept saying the same answer.

"No."

Thousands of confessions and asking you out, only to be heard with rejection partnered with a loud smack on his face, which he always loved. Even if you leave red marks on his face.

Even after he's standing in front of you severely wounded, barely standing. A very deep cut on the corner of his mouth, his blood plastered all over his face and body.

"If I manage to survive this, will you go out with me?"

"No."

Years and years later, still no. But he never stopped. No, he will never stop. He doesn't know why, but you captivate him. You captured his heart, without you knowing. Your constant rejection just makes him want you more. Maybe you thought he wasn't sincere enough.

So he waited.

He waited and he waited.

Nine years have passed, still no.

Thousands of lights of the city glowed before you. Buildings stood tall, and everyone seemed to be busy. You and Kishibe quietly sat on a high chair, observing the busy city through the clear glass in front of you. You two were drinking, again. As usual. A particular common between you two.

"...I like you." Kishibe folded his arms on the table and rested his chin in it while looking at you, waiting for an answer. He already knew you were going to reject him again, like you always do.

He can't help but think, what if you just don't really like him? What if you're into girls? He always thought you're into girls. And maybe you do, and he already figured that out.

Well, the answer is obvious.

He will just stay single for the rest of his days.

And maybe keep asking you. Maybe, just maybe, one day you'll realize that you actually like him too.