
Kiriha nearly choked on his own spit at that out of surprise.
But just as suddenly as he was thrown off, his startled look was quickly replaced by an indignant expression.

“…What?” He barked out, just barely restraining his irritation. Though for some reason a part of him was actually hurt by the hypothetical question, but he dared not to show any signs of it.
“Look, didn’t you get it the first time? I am tired of you asking these things about Nene. Leave her out of this, and whatever goes on between us is none of your fucking business. So quit pulling these stupid ‘what if’s out of your ass, it’s annoying as hell.”
“Now get out of my sight.”

[ Now look at me dead in the eye and tell me that wasn’t one of Kiriha’s most badass moments ever, if not the most.
It takes a lot of guts and willpower to sass back at a giant powerhouse beast who’s perfectly capable of crushing your neck in a heartbeat, trust me. ]
“Me, blushing?” He scoffed. “Hah. Ridiculous. No one’s that delusional.”

“You’re getting the wrong idea. And so what if I like her? She’s a close friend to me; of course I’d like her. As a friend. I don’t see how that’s such a big deal.”
“Besides, what’s not to like about her? She’s a strong and capable woman. She works hard, she’s persistent and no matter how hard she falls, she’ll still get up and keep going… Some times quicker than others. And if she doesn’t, I’ll be there to pull her back up whether she likes it or not. Tears don’t suit a lady like her at all.”

“…She’s… important to me.”
[ I like how genuinely surprised he seemed when Taiki refused. I mean, just look at that confidence. ]