Hanabi and Tatsumi stared at each other for a long moment. Then suddenly, Tatsumi burst into a peal of laughter.

"Hey, Hanabi. You look like you've seen a ghost. What kind of reaction is that?" Tatsumi was back to his usual playful self. "I got you there! Did you actually get nervous over my hypothetical question?"

Hanabi quickly folded her fingers into a fist while pursing her lips. Without further ado, she hit him on his head.

Smack!

"Aww! What is that punch for?" Tatsumi lamented, puffing his cheeks.

"For making fun of me," she replied. Then she let out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were serious. It was so unlike you to say something like that with such a serious expression."

Tatsumi blinked in amusement, rubbing his chin. "Then, what if I'm serious. What would be your response?" He gazed at her expectantly.

Hanabi's eyebrows knitted together as she threw another punch at his shoulder. "Do you really have to ask? I've already cried for you once. Remember when you were hospitalized at the age of twelve? You fell off the cliff during our training while saving me from the wild boar. You were unconscious for three days. I thought you were going to die."

Tatsumi was taken aback the moment he heard her revelation. He had no idea that she cried for him.

"Hmm. That's still different from how you feel about Alexander. You cried for me out of guilt… but you cried for him because you cared," Tatsumi said, smiling faintly. There was still a trace of jealousy in his tone.

Hanabi fell silent, her eyes still fixed on his face, observing him.

"Hey, are you stupid?" Hanabi blurted out, lifting her eyebrow.

"Huh? Why are you insulting me now?! You are always harsh when it comes to me." Tatsumi complained, putting on a pitiful face.

Hanabi could only sigh helplessly before rubbing her temples. "You are truly unbelievable. Why are you suddenly comparing yourself to Alexander?"

"Don't tell me… you are also interested in me?" Hanabi added casually.

Tatsumi's face turned scarlet red instantly upon hearing that.

"Hey! How could you! Don't be so shameless, Hanabi. Even if you already have a boyfriend, don't be delusional. I only like Lady Jane! Don't even dream of me being interested in you! You are like a sister to me! It's fraternal kind of love!" He spoke spontaneously.

Hanabi blinked, torn between laughing out loud and appreciating Tatsumi's feelings for her. The two of them often argued and fought, but neither had ever openly expressed how much they cared about each other.

Tatsumi was forced to say it first today.

"Now, I heard it. You admitted it first. You love me, huh!" Hanabi smiled, teasing him.

Tatsumi could only sigh in defeat. "Well… you know, I only realized it when I saw you cry like that. Seeing you so vulnerable made me feel the urge to protect you like an older brother. But don't get me wrong. This doesn't change the fact that I still want to bully and bicker with you as usual. Hahaha!"

Hanabi slapped his shoulder to make him stop laughing. "By the way, thank you for lightening my mood. I truly appreciate it."

He stopped laughing and looked at her worriedly. "Don't be sad. Alexander will survive!"

Hanabi just nodded with a faint smile. "By the way, he is not my boyfriend. Don't just spout some nonsense, or else, I'll cut your tongue!"

Tatsumi quickly raised his hands. "Hey! You are back to being harsh again, Hanabi! I'm just stating a fact. Alexander is important to you, am I right? Don't tell me he hasn't confessed yet? It's too obvious that both of you like each other. Otherwise, he wouldn't sacrifice himself to be here, if not for you. He wanted to be with you."

Hanabi was at a loss for words. She didn't know how she would respond to him. However, she couldn't deny those feelings anymore.

"Honestly, he already confessed to me. But I didn't know what to do. These feelings are very new to me. I've never felt this way before… so I wasn't sure how to handle them."

She finally confided in Tatsumi.

Tatsumi nodded as though he could relate to her. He even patted her shoulder.

"Hmm. Don't hold back, Hanabi. Just be true to yourself. Don't make the same mistake again. You have to confront your feelings and promise yourself that you'll give yourself a chance to explore them, especially if Alexander survives this ordeal. He needs you by his side. Life is full of surprises, and we never know how long we'll be here on earth, so make the most of it. Don't be afraid to love someone. Open your heart and experience it."

"I don't want you to regret something…" he gently squeezed her shoulder as he left her that meaningful advice.

Hanabi's lips curled up into a smile. "You surprise me again. I thought you were stupid. How could you give me such wonderful advice?"

Tatsumi rolled his eyes skyward at her last remarks. "And you never fail to insult me," he spat back.

This time, Hanabi let out a soft giggle. Thanks to Tatsumi! Because of him, she forgot about her troubles, even just for a while.

"I'll heed your advice, Big Bro," she said with a grateful smile.

"Hmm! That sounds better! Haha. Little Sis!"

Hanabi cringed and smacked his forehead. "Don't call me that. It's cringey!"

Tatsumi chuckled again. "Yeah, I agree. Even I felt the cringe myself. I won't do it again. Haha."

"To me, a little sister should be cute and obedient. But you, Hanabi…" He paused, scanning her from head to toe before shaking his head. "You're the exact opposite of a cute girl. You're domineering and stubborn, and your aura is always intimidating! Tsk, tsk. I can't imagine how you'll act sweetly toward your future boyfriend. I pity the poor guy."

Hanabi squinted her eyes at him. "You have suddenly become annoying once again. I wanna beat you right now!"

Before Hanabi could strike him, Tatsumi quickly stood up, keeping his distance from her. She was about to chase after him when Kazuki showed up, calling their attention.

"Hanabi! Tatsumi! There's an emergency call from the Syphiruz Medical Facility. You have to go there right now!"