[The logical next step is to kiss the boy but Zahliya has never read a romance novel in his life (he cannot read) and not understanding traditional romance tropes is killing this discussion.

...but his tail is wagging behind him, so maybe that counts for something.]

You are embarrassing, [he says, despite being the one holding Luca's hand here,] my clownery is not a gift.

[But.]

...though, if you would consider it such, then I don't mind giving it to you freely. I do... [Deep breaths, little garg, it's okay.] ...I am rather fond of you. More than I think I am fond of the others. Do not tell them, I can't handle when Mizuki cries.