A/N: I haven't read DRRR!! SH so I don't know what happens after Ketsu. So yeah.
Also spoilers from Ketsu again.
Mikado had finally recovered from his little stabbing incident and returned to school. People weren't fawning over him like he expected, but it was okay, it was nice going to school again without worries. Mikado sat down and prepared his things for class. As he was preparing, he saw Anri enter the classroom.
"Good morning Sonohara-san!" He greeted. Anri smiled and nodded.
Mikado's heart pounded. He wanted to confess before, but someone named Kida Masaomi interrupted. He had done a lot of thinking back at the hospital, and he decided.
He was going to confess today, no matter what happens.
Lessons went by like a flash. Mikado had a hard time keeping up his other students, and his work as the class representative, but that was the last thing on his mind. It was nearing the end of the student council meeting, and that means he'll have some alone time with Anri.
"As usual, we'll hold meetings after school, if anyone is not available, please speak up. Thank you." Ah. It was over. He didn't pay attention at all. He was too busy thinking of usable pick up lines.
"Mikado-kun? Are you okay?" Anri asked, waving her hand in front of Mikado. He was spacing out.
"I'm fine! I guess I just had a lot to take in at once. Sorry for worrying you, Sonohara-san!" Mikado denied, making a X with his hands. He smiled, trying to seem as natural as possible. There was no way he could give away he was thinking of what pick up lines would work best of Anri.
"Are you sure? Are you still tired? I can take notes if you're unwell." Anri offered again.
"Thanks, but I'm okay! You don't need to worry." Mikado assured. He stood up and got his bag.
"Let's walk home, Sonohara-san." Mikado said.
They walked home, mostly discussing on what Mikado missed during his absence. Mikado's heart was beating a million times every second, and it seemed to beat every faster with each step.
Mikado clenched his fists. He had to say it. If he didn't, he could never gather the confidence again.
"Sonohara-san, ho-how about...we go for some ice cream? Just...just to celebrate me finally able to go to school and all..." Mikado stuttered, scratching his head nervously. His eyes looking off to the side to avoid contact with Anri's.
"I don't think I have enough money...maybe another time?" Anri said.
No. This is the golden opportunity! He won't back out now!
"I'll treat you! I have money from my parents, they gave me some extra...and yeah, I have enough!" Mikado continued, barely containing his voice nor his excitement.
"No thanks, it's really okay!" Anri refused.
"Well, I've been really craving ice cream, and it's kind of lonely..." Mikado grabbed whatever excuse he could think of, babbling on to things that didn't even make sense. He felt embarrassed, and couldn't look her in the eye.
He slowly tilted his head and opened his squinted eyes, and saw Anri smiling. It was genuine, sweet smile with no other intention. Mikado was sweating profusely, she probably thinks he's a weirdo, he would probably think the same as well. What is she thinking! Mikado begged somehow he got esper powers and knew what she was thinking.
If Masaomi was here, he'd definitely know what to do.
"If you insist. I'm craving for some ice cream too!" Anri said smiling.
"Really? Thanks!"
"Umm, can I get a chocolate and a vanilla? Separately please." Mikado emptyed his wallet. He lied about having extra money. But it was worth every penny if he could hang out with Anri, and possibly confess.
"Sonohara-san, sorry for waiting so long!" Mikado apologised, arrived with both scoops of ice cream.
Mikado placed the vanilla flavoured ice cream in front of Anri and sat down. As Anri was eating her ice cream like a normal person, Mikado could hardly get a bite in. He was too nervous. His tongue was in a knot, he felt like he could only watch as his ice cream melted. He needed to turn the tide.
"Sonohara-san, so you like vanilla flavoured ice cream?" Mikado felt himself cringe at his core being after he uttered those words. He mentally facepalmed himself at his fail. Of course she likes vanilla flavoured ice cream, that's why she chose it!
"Yes. The vanilla flavour itself is really sweet, which I like." She replied.
"Well, I like chocolate, since it's bittersweet. At first it's nothing but sweet, but then the bitterness comes, and it balances out. I guess it's sort of poetic." Nice save! Before Anri could say anything, he continued.
"And love, is also bittersweet. When two people get together, it's sweet. All you long for is that sweetness. Then breakups. It's bitter. It's...painful. And, he want to avoid it, but in the end, you get accustomed to it. You long for that sweetness, that's why you love, but it can also bring nothing but sadness. It's a strange cycle, one I do not understand. But something I want to experience. Something, I want to experience, with you. Sonohara-san." Mikado said, looking directly at Anri's eyes.
Anri immediately blushed, behind her eyes were gears loading to process information. Did he really get the message across? He gulped, trying to look as brave as possible.
She laughed. It was small snigger, but she did. There was a huge wave of relief over Mikado, but he couldn't let his guard down. Not for one second.
"Yes. I do. I want to experience love, with you too."
Operation Confession, Success!
"You...you want to h-h-hold hands? Sonohara-san?"
"Yes."
And they did, both blushing.
Love. What a strange feeling.
