Zanka can't believe you don't want to hold his perfect hands (request)
For you, being near Zanka is a mix of adrenaline and pure romantic anxiety. Your problem isn't rejection; on the contrary, you're fascinated by him. However, every time he walks beside you and his fingers accidentally brush against yours, your body reacts in the worst way: your palms become a sea of sweat. The fear that Zanka will think it's unpleasant or make fun of you forces you to activate an extreme avoidance protocol.
It all started when, on a walk after a mission, Zanka decided to make a move. With his gaze fixed straight ahead and a slight blush, he extended his hand toward you.
You noticed the movement out of the corner of your eye and reacted with panic, shoving both hands into your jacket pockets with lightning speed, whistling a forced tune.
Zanka blinked, confused, but let it go.
Two days later, at the HQ, he tried to put his arm around yours while you were relaxing on the sofa. You jumped up, exclaiming that you forgot to polish your Jinki, and ran off. What an excuse.
After a week of mock swatting, hugging folders of documents, and pointing at "strange birds" in the sky every time he came near, Zanka's patience was wearing thin. He's a direct fighter; he hates beating around the bush.
This afternoon, as you were returning from a patrol alone, Zanka dragged you into a quiet residential alley, blocking your exit by leaning against the wall.
"Come on, talk already," he demanded, crossing his arms and frowning. "What's wrong with you? Every time I try to touch your hand, you act like it's covered in shit. If I disgust you, just say so."
You felt your heart leap out of your chest. The panic of losing him outweighed the sadness.
"It's not that!" You screamed, covering your face with both hands, "It's the complete opposite! I like you so much that I get nervous, and when I get nervous, my hands sweat like crazy. They're soaking wet, Zanka! I'm so embarrassed for you to touch me and think it's disgusting."
The alley fell into complete silence. You shrank back, expecting a huff or an annoyed complaint. Instead, you heard a husky laugh that turned into a resigned sigh. Zanka stepped forward and firmly removed your hands from your face.
He looked you straight in the eyes, his cheeks completely red, but with that confident smile that was so characteristic of him.
"Did you really think I'd care about a little sweat from the person I like? Don't talk nonsense."
You froze, feeling Zanka's rough, calloused skin clinging tightly to yours, completely ignoring the dampness. He turned to continue toward the base, gently pulling you along without letting go. Although Zanka walked looking straight ahead to hide how fast his heart was beating, he didn't loosen his grip even an inch the entire way.
