Currently, you and your little brother, Sunny, were at Kel and Hero's house. It was a normal hangout like any other. Or... at least, it was supposed to be. It wasn't until you noticed Hero's lingering eyes constantly on you, it was as if he wanted to say something but just couldn't get the right words out. If this was any other person, it would've been just a little bit creepy but this was Hero we were talking about. He would never dream of making you uncomfortable, perhaps he was just feeling shy.

You and Hero had cooked a meal together like normal, light banter and laughter coming from the two of you as you told jokes to which he would join in and add his own banter. You serve yourself and the others, Basil and Kel having eaten the meal pretty quickly, assumingly out of hunger or just cause the food was that good. Aubrey and Sunny took their time, wanting to enjoy the meal. You all were watching a movie as you ate, engaging in conversations of many different topics. As you ate, Hero's lingering eyes remained on you, as if he was checking you out in the most respectful way possible. You didn't comment on it just yet, wanting to wait until you both were alone.

After eating, you all continued to watch the movie, the teens slowly dropping like flies as the sleepies after a good meal started to wash over them one by one. Once all the youngers were now asleep, you ask Hero why he was staring at you so much, teasingly of course as you didn't want this to be a confrontation. He hesitates for a good while, nervousness washing over his facial expressions.

After a good while of contemplating, he turns to you, his eyes vulnerable and genuine before he proceeds to speak in his gentle voice, "Mari... I've just.. been trying to find a way to tell you that.." He pauses, anxiety eating at him like a virus. He takes a deep breath, gathering a good amount of courage he didn't know he had. "Well, we've been friends for a while now. I know we've said before that we probably shouldn't... cross that line for the sake of what could happen to our little friend group but.. Mari, I don't think I could hold back my feelings for you anymore. I.. I love you so much. I've been wondering if you'd like to go out to dinner with me? Or to a movie? Just anything as long as it's you and I alone. Maybe then we could figure out where we can go from there.." He suggests sweetly, sneaking his hand closer to yours until he links your pinkies together in the kindest and gentlest of gestures. He wanted to be patient, but he's waited for her for so long. He was done waiting, but he wasn't about to force her either. "I'm really hoping we could be more than... friends. If that's alright with you.."