( kaoru @ theo ) " can i hug you ...? "
he blinks at first, unable to fully process and register her words — likely because he never thought that the day she’d ask something like this from him would ever happen — and it’s almost comical when it finally does hit him, the way red blooms across befreckled features, lighting up like the fourth of july. it’s unlikely she knows the blooming affections he has for her, and even more unlikely that she’ll do this on purpose. light brown hues flicker over her small physique, him a whole foot taller than her — and his heart clenches and flutters. so precious ——
theo nods furiously, blue bangs falling from his headband. he doesn’t trust himself to speak at this moment, god knows what pathetic noise would leave him if he does, and extends his arms, gently pulling her against his broad torso, practically engulfing her in his embrace. he doesn’t want to take advantage of this hug, so he does he best to keep it as platonic as possible — but theo can’t help but brush his nose against the back of her head as he rests his cheek against the top of her head, taking comfort in her warmth. it ignites his urge to protect her, what with her barely coming up his shoulder. ❛ you’re so small, kaoru. ❜ he marvels absent-mindedly, hiding red cheeks against black tresses.