I...

[Yeah, his flush isn't going anywhere any time soon. He sets the teacup down and rubs a hand over his face, trying to dissipate it, but... That's clearly impossible. His heart is pounding way too quickly for that.

Dating her would be far from normal, he's certain of it. He might still be trapped in his normal, every day life, but... there's something exciting about the kind of uncertainty that comes from hanging around her. How unpredictable she can be. Also she's his literal best friend. His only best friend.]

I... never wanted a normal life, [he says, a little quietly as he glances toward her. Well, it's what he thinks now. Maybe once he's experienced abnormality, he'd change his tune. But for the moment?] A-and like you said, it's not like we're... running off and getting married or anything. I-I really like you, so...

[And then he grins, because he can't help it? Even if his grin is so stupid-looking.]

I'd really like that. Even if it comes with the risk of your brother killing me.

[Ah, wait, maybe he shouldn't joke about that... for all he knows, someone who's the SHSL Yakuza might actually do it.]