[ oh, something in that sentence has baein's throat tighten a bit and he swallows to abate it, wets his lips, opens his mouth, and then closes it. it's not that he thinks that koa is lying, far from it, but it still makes something curl in his chest and baein isn't sure if it's happy or sad or a mix of both. probably both. which is odd and baein isn't sure what he can attribute it to.

besides being low key confessed to, he supposes. ]

I'm really not all of those things, but... I try to be. It makes me really happy you think I am.

[ baein clears his throat as he takes another sip of tea, though he's smiling again. ]

You're cute, and so incredibly kind. More than what I deserve, probably.