Jakey's POV

I looked down at my feet. I could feel Bryan's eyes on me. My cheeks were burning with embarrassment. I had done it. I told him I liked him.

"I-I-I'm sorry, I just...needed to tell you before the Hanahaki...took you," I stuttered. "I'm sorry if you're embarrassed, I am too. I-I'll leave now."

I made a move to get up, but I felt a hand on my shoulder. With difficulty, Bryan pulled me back down on the couch. I plopped back on it, against Bryan's chest. Literally, my head was on his chest, like we were already dating or something. Of course, I was blushing like nuts, but...I was really excited too.

His breathing was heavier, but it was more even and they were deeper breaths, like he was trying to go to sleep or something. His heart was pounding even harder than mine was. Even in his current state, he was really warm and comfy...my eyelids started getting heavy...

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I don't know when I woke up. All I knew is, I woke up on Bryan's couch, wrapped in his arms. He was already awake. For a second, I thought it was because he had a coughing fit, but the couch was petal and blossom-free. I looked up at Bryan and he did something that completely surprised me. He smiled.

"H-Hey, Jakey," he said quietly. His voice was small and kinda hoarse, but at least he was talking. "Sorry, is this weird? You-you just fell asleep and I didn't want to bother you, so I let you sleep on me."

I blushed, but grinned. "N-No, it's f-fine. This i-is actually kinda nice..."

He chuckled and tightened his hold on me. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I still wiggled a little bit.

"H-Hey!" I protested. "If you do that, I'm gonna fall asleep again!"

He laughed. A real, actual laugh. It sounded better than a master symphony. It made me grin like I had found a gold mine. I rested my head on his chest and sighed. I was in a happy position. And I didn't want to leave.

Lo'Pho's POV

Relena sighed. Kay sprouted fox ears without her even noticing. Bri flipped a dagger in her hand absentmindedly with a glum look on her face. I knew how they felt.

"Can we at least visit Bryan?" asked Kay.

"Yeah, I'm getting seriously bored and we're probably gonna lose him soon," said Relena bluntly.

I sighed and set down my milk bucket. "You're right. Yes, let us go see him. But remember, be gentle."

The girls and I stood up from our seats and left the guild hall. Within ten minutes, we reached Bryan's mansion. We scanned the perimeter. No one around. I caught a glimpse into Bryan's living room and stopped in my tracks.

Jakey was inside. Moreso, he and Bryan were cuddling on the couch. Both boys were grinning and blushing and seemingly talking. Bryan looked...better. He was smiling, some color was in his face and he looked...happy.

Could Jakey have possibly...reversed the Hanahaki?

(Ohhhhh, CLIFFHANGERS!!!)