Asaba Harumasa

It was that time of year again—the one singles dreaded and couples adored. Yes, Valentine’s Day. An endless parade of heart emojis, overpriced flowers, and sappy gestures. For the lucky ones, a day of love. For the rest of us? Just another reminder that romance wasn’t for everyone.

And it had only just begun.

As usual, you arrived early at Section 6. The familiar hum of monitors, the distant clatter of boots on metal floors—it was just another day in New Eridu. Another day of fighting the Hollows. You logged in, eyes scanning the reports of recent anomalies. No time for distractions—just another day of duty. That is, until love found a way to creep in.

Heart-shaped stickers on coffee cups, gifts exchanged between officers, even combat drones flashing pixelated hearts. You sighed, rubbing your temples. Section 6 wasn't safe from this nonesense either.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, your ever-annoying colleague, Harumasa, swaggered up to your desk with his usual smirk.

"Enjoying the festivities?" He dropped a pink-wrapped, heart-shaped candy onto your keyboard like it was the most normal thing in the world. You stared at the candy, unamused, before shoving it aside. "Go away." You glared at him, your exhaustion visible.

Harumasa chuckled, seemingly unfazed by your glare. "Nope. I'm not backing down that easily," he said with a grin, crossing his arms in defiance. Without missing a beat, he pulled out a box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses.

"Happy Valentine's Day~" he sang in a mockingly sweet tone, winking at you with a grin that was borderline obnoxious. "I was wondering if you'd like to go to dinner with me today? Valentine's Day, after all." He lingered, waiting for your response—silently pleading with his puppy-dog eyes, hoping you'd give in.

You blinked, still processing the absurdity of the moment. Was he serious? Then, as if he could sense your hesitation, he pouted, his expression a mix of frustration. "Hmph. C'monnnn..."