Kenta didn't think the Commission would actually believe his made-up cover story.
But the next morning, his inbox said otherwise.
Subject: APPROVED — Community Hero Engagement Project
Sender: Hero Commission PR Division
He stared at the screen.
> "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
The memo was short, direct, and absolutely ridiculous:
> "Pro Hero Hawks' public appearances with his designated 'community consultant' have generated exceptional engagement. Continue this project. Encourage natural interaction."
Natural interaction.
A fancy way to say: keep going on dates.
Kenta sank back in his chair.
> "They actually want him to keep doing it…"
Just then, Hawks strolled into the office, coffee in hand and grin in place.
> "Morning, partner. What's with the face?"
Kenta spun his monitor toward him.
> "This! This is with the face! They turned my fake PR stunt into an official project!"
Hawks whistled low.
> "Huh. I didn't think they'd buy it that fast."
> "You realize what this means?" Kenta said, slamming the desk. "You're officially dating her in the eyes of the Commission!"
> "So?" Hawks shrugged. "That's not exactly a problem."
Kenta blinked.
> "You… don't care?"
Hawks smiled faintly, softer this time.
> "Why would I? I was planning to ask her out for real anyway."
---
Later that afternoon, after patrol, Hawks found himself standing outside the familiar abandoned church — Aerith's little sanctuary in Musutafu.
Sunlight filtered through the broken windows, painting her hair in soft gold.
She looked up when she heard him approach.
> "Hawks. You're early today."
He smiled, hands in his pockets.
> "Guess I couldn't stay away."
Aerith laughed, wiping her hands on her skirt as she turned back to her flowers.
> "That's dangerous talk for a pro hero."
> "Maybe," he said, stepping closer, his voice quiet. "But it's true."
For a moment, silence filled the space — just the rustle of petals and the hum of the afternoon wind.
Then Hawks said it.
> "Aerith… I want to be honest with you."
She looked up at him, curious but calm.
> "At first, the Commission thought this—us—was some kind of PR stunt," he continued. "But… that's not what this is for me. Not anymore."
Aerith's green eyes softened.
> "Oh?"
He took a breath.
> "I want this to be real. No cameras. No missions. Just… you and me."
For a second, she said nothing. Then a small, warm smile spread across her face.
> "You're terrible at pretending, you know that?"
Hawks chuckled.
> "Guilty as charged."
She brushed a petal from his sleeve.
> "Then… yes."
> "Yes?"
> "Yes, I'll be your girlfriend. For real."
Hawks' grin widened, his wings fluttering slightly behind him — light, unrestrained.
> "You just made my week."
---
Back at the office, Kenta watched his boss stroll in later, humming and smiling like a lovesick idiot.
> "You told her, didn't you?" Kenta said flatly.
> "Yep."
> "And?"
> "She said yes."
Kenta groaned, rubbing his temples.
> "Great. So now my fake PR project turned into your real love life. I need hazard pay for this."
Hawks just laughed, tossing him a file.
> "Then you'd better start working on the next date plan, wingman."
Kenta stared after him, muttering under his breath.
> "I swear, one day these two are going to kill me—with romance."