Gingka stood at the edge of the sparring field, his usual grin plastered across his face as he watched Mendacious expertly take down a training dummy. She moved like a force of nature—her precision unmatched, her strength undeniable. She had this intense aura, yet whenever Gingka spoke to her, she was always kind and considerate. It was that kindness that made his heart race.
He took a deep breath. Alright, Gingka, today's the day. Time to tell her how you feel!
Mendacious finished her routine, wiping the sweat from her brow. She glanced over and saw Gingka approaching, his red hair ruffled by the wind, a look of pure determination on his face.
"Hey, Mendacious!" Gingka called out cheerfully, waving as he neared.
"Gingka," Mendacious greeted him with a small smile, which only made his heart skip another beat. "You here to spar? Or just watch me beat up these poor dummies?"
Gingka chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I was hoping for something a bit more... personal." He stepped closer, standing before her with that signature enthusiasm that radiated from him like the sun. "I've been thinking... you and I—we work great as a team, right?"
Mendacious tilted her head, her icy eyes narrowing in confusion. "Of course. You've always got my back in battle."
"And... outside of battle?" Gingka's voice softened as he took a brave step forward. "I think we'd make a pretty good team in life too. I mean, you're strong, caring, and—uh, well—I think you're amazing, Mendacious."
Mendacious blinked, unsure of where this conversation was going. She shifted her weight slightly, one hand still on her weapon. "What are you saying, Gingka?"
"I'm saying... I like you!" Gingka blurted out, his smile wide, genuine. "Like, more than just teammates, you know?"
...
Mendacious's eyes widened for a brief moment, then her expression hardened, her mind struggling to process the confession. Kind and caring she was, but when it came to emotions and relationships, she had a... more direct approach. "I see," she said slowly. "But... Gingka, this isn't the time or place for this kind of thing."
Her hesitation made Gingka's confidence wobble, but he wasn't about to give up. "We could make it work! I mean, I'm positive we're a perfect match!"
Mendacious sighed, stepping back slightly. She wasn't sure how to respond. Battle, she understood. Feelings? Not so much. "Gingka, listen. I respect you, but—"
Before she could finish, Gingka took another step toward her, reaching out as if to grab her hand. "Wait!" Mendacious's instinct kicked in. Feeling cornered, her hand moved before her mind could catch up. In a split second, she flipped Gingka over her shoulder and sent him crashing to the ground.
"Oof!" Gingka groaned, his eyes spinning. "W-What was that for?!"
Mendacious blinked down at him, her expression blank but slightly guilty. "You came too close too fast. My instincts kicked in." Gingka, dazed but still as positive as ever, sat up slowly, rubbing his head.
"Ow... Okay, okay. So maybe I should've been more patient." He gave her a sheepish grin. "You've got one heck of a way to say 'no,' huh?"
"I wasn't saying no," Mendacious replied quickly, looking conflicted. "But maybe you should focus on training before you think about anything else."
Gingka's grin returned, albeit weaker. "I'm starting to see why people say you're hard to figure out." Mendacious crossed her arms, looking down at him thoughtfully
. "I'm not used to... this. I don't even know if I'm good at it."
"Well, lucky for you, I'm not giving up that easily," Gingka declared, wobbling to his feet. "Maybe next time we can start with a conversation that doesn't end in me getting thrown around?"
Mendacious smirked, the faintest hint of warmth in her cold eyes. "Maybe. Just... be ready. I don't go easy on anyone."
Gingka dusted himself off and laughed, the fiery spirit in him refusing to fade. "Good! I wouldn't want it any other way."
And thus, Gingka learned that sometimes, confessing to a warrior like Mendacious could be a battle in itself—one he was more than willing to keep fighting.
