Years passed, and Leo gradually realized that Maru’s feelings for him were more than admiration for an idol. She genuinely loved him, though her actions didn’t always make it obvious. Maru had her own way of expressing affection, subtle and unique, and Leo began to see her love reflected in these small, thoughtful gestures.

Maru finally accepted her own heart, admitting to herself that she was deeply in love with Leo. It gave her strength, drawing from her past experiences of unrequited love. However, her feelings for Leo were different—he opened up a world she hadn’t known before, a blend of mystery, peace, and endless possibilities. It was contradictory yet comforting, and Maru embraced the contradiction wholeheartedly.

Their bond allowed Leo to remain true to his sense of coolness—the dependable provider and protector—while also giving him the freedom to show his playful, childlike side. To Leo, adulthood often felt exhausting, a constant expectation to act mature and composed. With Maru, he could let his guard down and be carefree, finding joy in moments of silliness. She never judged him for this duality; instead, she encouraged it.

Leo had always known how to balance his roles in life—cool and reliable with family and at work, yet silly and relaxed with friends. But with Maru, he didn’t feel the need to separate these parts of himself. She accepted all of him, his complexity without hesitation. Her presence was like looking at the sea: calming and soothing. Coincidentally, her name’s kanji, meaning “sea,” and her birth flower, symbolizing soothing presence, felt like fate to him.

Maru helped Leo confront emotions he had long suppressed, shaped by traditional expectations of masculinity. Growing up as the eldest son in a family with old-fashioned ideals, Leo had learned to suppress his feelings and prioritize others. With Maru, he felt safe enough to explore his emotions and slowly began to express them more honestly. She became a home for him—a place where he could be himself and grow without fear of judgment.

For Leo, Maru was the partner who balanced and completed him. Like two sides of the same coin, their relationship was a commitment that required sacrifices, but one that helped both of them grow. He loved every aspect of her, from her quiet strength to her gentle kindness.

Maru, on the other hand, found Leo’s carefree, spontaneous nature refreshing. His presence encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, dream bigger, and embrace life’s opportunities. With Leo by her side, she discovered a new sense of adventure and freedom. His blunt honesty and sarcastic humor might have seemed abrasive to others, but to Maru, it was exactly what she needed. Leo’s way of challenging and pushing people—even when misunderstood—showed his deep care for others.

Maru saw Leo’s softness and love, even though he struggled to receive love in return. He was so used to giving that he didn’t know how to handle being loved. Her patience and acceptance slowly helped him open his heart, showing him that he was deserving of love too.

Over time, Leo’s openness grew. He saw how Maru accepted his free spirit, and it encouraged him to share his feelings with her. He wanted her to relax, let go of burdens, and embrace her inner child. To him, life was too serious, and everyone deserved moments of carefree fun.

In their quiet times together, it was often Leo who dragged Maru into spontaneous adventures, but he also loved when she took the lead and pulled him into her world. He wanted to see the child in her come alive, to play without restraint and let him be her companion in those moments. Maru, in turn, wanted to pamper Leo equally, becoming not just his partner but also his playmate in life.

Leo’s adventurous spirit balanced Maru’s calmness, while her steady presence anchored his carefree nature.

These two, a pair that works well together.