Byakuya's expression shifted with genuine surprise—he truly hadn't expected Eto to actually kiss him.
"You—"
"Oh come on~ You can't be that gullible, can you? Falling for it so easily makes you such a cute little fish to tease~"
Byakuya had been about to say something, but Eto's words cut him off.
"..."
His expression darkened instantly. So much for trusting her.
But after a moment's thought, he reconsidered. Even if Eto wanted to mess with him, she wouldn't joke around with her first kiss. So her reaction just now meant...
"So... you got embarrassed, didn't you?"
Byakuya asked with a calm expression.
Eto's face froze for a split second.
It seemed he'd hit the mark.
"Impressive. And here I thought you couldn't figure that out..."
Eto didn't bother hiding it, instead responding with her usual casual teasing tone.
"So I was right. Then... do you really have those kinds of feelings for me?"
Byakuya asked.
"What an idiot. Do you really need to ask?"
Eto rolled her eyes at him. "What kind of girl would joke around with her first kiss? Unless she's not exactly proper."
"Fair point..."
Byakuya smiled slightly.
"So, what's your answer?"
Eto complained, "Don't always make the girl take the initiative. Even I can't help feeling embarrassed about this."
"Sorry, that's on me."
Byakuya said, "As for my answer—of course I accept. I have absolutely no reason to refuse. Even though Eto-san likes to tease people, that doesn't change how cute she is."
"Oh? Didn't know you could be so smooth."
Eto immediately began teasing him.
She appeared composed, but the deepening blush on her face betrayed her once again.
"No, I'm not smooth at all. But Eto-san seems to be getting embarrassed again."
Byakuya said bluntly.
"...Shut up!"
Caught out, Eto's demeanor immediately shifted.
"Still... I'm curious. When did you start having feelings for me, Eto-san?"
Byakuya asked.
"I'm not really sure exactly when it started. I just know that besides you, there was no other choice."
Eto said frankly. "After all, you saved both me and my father, brought my mother back from the dead, and even helped me achieve my greatest wish..."
"No matter how I think about it, I already owe you too much in this lifetime. So I might as well just offer myself in return, right?"
The way Eto said this made it sound almost like a joke.
"That's a bit casual..."
Byakuya quipped.
"Not really. Doesn't it still depend on whether you're willing?"
Eto smiled lightly. "Since you're willing, then I'll marry you. Simple as that."
"...How is that not casual?"
Byakuya couldn't help but say.
Just then, Ukina happened to walk out from the kitchen.
"Oh? Has little Eto already confessed to Byakuya?"
Ukina chuckled. "Keep at it. I've been wanting to become a grandmother, you know."