Nico's eyebrows shoot up, and her eyes seem to double in size, heat shooting all the way down from the crown of her head to her belly. She knows she just asked for it, but-- this straightforwardness, this intensity, coming from Akiha who two seconds ago looked like the thought of saying it never crossed her mind, catches her completely off-guard.

And for a good long moment, the only thought running through Nico's head is oh my god, I'm gonna die.

Finally kicking herself into getting a grip, she inhales deep through her nose, filling her chest with cool, calming air. Once she's collected herself enough to speak, she goes on to ask:

"Th-then, what do you like about Nico?"