Nico can't help but grin, at that. It's that approach that drew her to Akiha to begin with, that planted the first seeds of begrudging respect. Setting your sights on something, and never giving up until it's yours: that's how Nico's lived her whole life up til now.

"Good," she says, finding her confidence again. "Because I won't date someone with a wishy-washy attitude."

Her smile slants a little shy as she reaches for Akiha's hand, and squeezes.