A very specific set of three words never came easy to Cyno. Whenever they'd be spoken to him, he'd just nod or say, "you too". In his defense, he was seldom given any "I love you"s from his adoptive dad, so it doesn't exactly come natural to him.

But, he's trying.

He's trying so damn hard. With Collei, with Tighnari, with Nilou, with all his friends. Especially you, everyone has embarrassingly enough noticed.

When he said it for the first time, it was strained. He looked as if he was cringing into himself, trying to disappear as he said, "You mean a lot to me. I love you."

It just felt so out of character for him, he thought. It was a sign of weakness, and even though he was permitted to be himself outside of work, he knew his personal life would become a part of his reputation regardless of if he wanted it to or not, so he supposed it was fair he didn't feel comfortable saying it in public.

Currently, he was in Puspa Café with you and a couple mutual friends, working up the courage to say that. He decides to frame it as another one of his less than good jokes. He gets your attention, looks down at his coffee, and says, "You know, I love you a latte."