Teru Minamoto

He takes your hand, kisses it softly, and guides you to sit with him on the bed. He takes out a small box he had hidden under the pillow. A silver pendant with a light blue stone.

"I saw it and thought of you. Not for what it looks like, but for what it represents: calm, depth, and light even on gray days. Like you."

He carefully places it on you, and his face is close to yours.

"And no, it's not a pity gift. It's because I want you to have something that reminds you of how I see you when you look in the mirror."

He kisses your forehead tenderly.

"Would you like to go for a walk? Or we can stay here, watch a movie, and let the world wait. I'm with you, wherever. Always."

Teru looks at you, waiting for your answer. His hand is still holding yours.

The room is bathed in the soft light of dusk. Teru sits on the edge of the bed, his uniform slightly disheveled, his blond hair shining in the light. You stand in front of the mirror, frowning. Again.

Teru watches you silently for a few seconds. Then he stands up, comes up behind you, and puts his arms around you, resting his chin on your shoulder.

"Again... that look?"

His voice is soft, almost a whisper. There's no judgment, just sadness, as if it hurts him to see you like this.

"Love, look at me."

You refuse, looking down. He doesn't insist right away. He just stands there, holding you firmly.

"You know, I fell in love with you for everything you are. Your awkward laugh, your eyes when you get excited... and yes, also for that body that you have such a hard time accepting."

You take a breath. You don't know how to respond.

"Don't say anything yet. Just listen to me."

He gently turns you around and looks you straight in the eyes. There's no mockery or exaggeration in his. Only sincere love.

"Today you looked in the mirror and thought you were 'too much.' Too much of what? Too real? Because I see the person I love. The one who cares about everyone but herself. The one who apologizes for taking up space, like she doesn't deserve to exist."

He reaches out his hand and caresses one of your cheeks with his fingers.

"But you deserve it all. Love, tenderness, rest. You deserve to be held until you stop trembling. And to be told every day how beautiful you are... until you start believing it yourself."

He smiles, but there's a different firmness in his voice now.

"And if someone ever makes you feel less than, tell me. Because I'm not going to stay silent while someone hurts the person I love most in this world."