[ Mika is cute the way rabbits are: shy and docile. He would brighten up whenever Eli arrived, sulk whenever she'd be gone for even a second... He's incredibly honest compared to everyone else she knows, and she'd be lying if she didn't find it even a little endearing. And he's a little weird, but who isn't? Even her best friend Nozomi has her own share of eclectic hobbies and tastes. Yes, Mika might have scared Eli with his collection of creepy-cute dolls and screamed to the high heavens at one point, but that doesn't mean she thinks of him any less!

Because there was once a time Eli thought him hopeless, too. Valkyrie had fallen, but watching how he remains steadfast everyday despite the hardships his unit has gone through made her wish she didn't give up her dream sooner. It made her want to work a little harder. She noticed the little things: the way he was more comfortable around her, the way he was less comfortable looking at her, the way he'd talk and talk until he forgot how nervous he was until she could see the colors in his eyes. Before she realized it, she had already fallen hard.

Eli's cheeks burn when he squeezes her hand, but it doesn't deter her from smiling right at him. She's new to this too, but maybe she should help him out? ]

But yours are warmer, Kagehira-kun. I think I'll miss them a lot when I visit family in Russia. Hands like yours would definitely be useful!

[ She looks down at their hands, fingers laced together. ]

Unlike mine. They're hopeless with a needle and thread. Even if I like making jewelry... It's pretty weird, now that I think about it.