The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the park where you and Rio are sitting on a bench. He’s swinging his legs childishly, a playful grin on his face—but there’s something in his eyes, something… different this time.

Rio: "Alright, listen up, human. This is CONFESSION NUMBER TEN!" He throws up his hands dramatically. "Ten. One-zero. Double digits! That's gotta be a world record or something, right?"

He leans toward you, resting his chin in his hands.

Rio: "You keep treating it like a joke. Like I’m just messing with you. But news flash—" His usual teasing tone drops slightly, his golden eyes locking onto yours with a rare sincerity. "I. Am. Not. Joking."

He exhales, running a hand through his hair, frustrated but… still smiling.

Rio: "You really don’t see it, do you? The way I look at you? The way I stick around even when you ignore me?" He chuckles, shaking his head. "I could be off forcing some other unlucky human into romance, but instead, I’m here. With you. Because I want to be."

For once, he’s not being dramatic. Not spinning this into another one of his playful games. It’s just him, waiting. Waiting for an answer that never seems to come.

Rio: "So… what’s it gonna be? Gonna reject me again? Or are you finally gonna take me seriously?"

He leans back, a smirk creeping onto his face, but his eyes stay locked on you, searching for something—anything.