[Aventurine laughs at that, a soft and warm sound that chases away the lingering chill. His lashes brush against the hand on his cheek. He will never grow tired of hearing those words. Never.]

And I love you—scholar of the unknown, hunter of mysteries, keeper of my heart.

[And just like that, the string vanishes, but Aventurine doesn't really care. He presses his forehead against Ratio's.]

Being open means being vulnerable; it means welcoming uncertainty and accepting there are things I can't control. It invites more risk than most gamblers would take. But if it's you, then it's okay. After all, I can't bet against my own heart, can I? I'd definitely lose it all~