Sanemi Shinazugawa | Declaration! ♡

The training sessions at Windstead always felt like an attempted murder, but after months of living together, you knew there was no malice behind your constant fights with Sanemi. Exchanging blows and shouts with the Wind Pillar had become your only way to connect with him. However, you decided it was time to take a step forward and confess your feelings.
With your heart racing and your breath ragged after your last duel, you approached him before he sheathed his katana. Without a word, you handed him a small, folded piece of paper. Sanemi stopped, looking at you with his usual unfriendly expression.
"What do you want now?" he growled, roughly snatching the paper from you.
When you unfolded it, you came across some Japanese characters written with a shaky hand. It was the first phrase you had learned in their language because of your foreign origins: "I love you, Sanemi!" Right next to it, you had included a vague and somewhat clumsy drawing of yourself to lighten the mood.
Sanemi froze, completely rigid. His eyes widened in surprise, and a subtle crimson blush crept up his neck. However, unable to process the affection and terrified by the vulnerability, his pride reacted with its usual aggression. He crumpled the paper in his fist and looked away to hide his bewilderment.
"This is just as ridiculous and stupid as you," he spat hoarsely, turning his back on you to walk towards the dojo.
The weight of the words hit you hard. You didn't see him tuck the crumpled paper inside his uniform instead of throwing it on the ground, nor did you notice the trembling in his hands. To you, his curt words were the clearest confirmation of rejection. You lowered your gaze, feeling a bitter lump in your throat as you watched him walk away, convinced that your statement had ruined everything.