( Aventurine would answer his question, but he’s too busy staring at Ratio’s face for a long few moments. He didn’t know what to expect from the other man, but a devastatingly handsome face wasn’t on his list. The curls of his hair, the laurel leaf pin, the eyeshadow and the eyes that remind him of sunsets.

Coming back to himself, he swallows and shrugs a shoulder. Honesty is likely the best way to go about it, but he’s so out of practice with that idea that he can’t quite look at Ratio as he talks. )

At first it was just your body. Like, have you seen yourself? Anyone would want a piece of that. But the longer I was in class the more it became clear that you genuinely care. You’re not the nicest guy around, no offense, but you’re kind. And— ( Ugh. Aventurine grimaces, eyes flicking back to Ratio for a moment before he looks at something over his shoulder very intently. ) I want some of that kindness that I can call all my own. Something that no one else gets to have.

( The laugh that escapes him is hollow, and he shakes his head. )

I suppose that’s selfish of me.