How did you tell someone that you were in love with them?
Technically it should be simple. All you had to do was find them and speak the words inside of your heart, but somehow doing that felt like an impossiblity, something that Mitsunari wouldn't ever dare do. If he were rejected face to face there would be humiliation, shame and perhaps even the loss of a friendship that had taken a long time to form.
Biting his lip a little, Mitsunari frowned and pulled his covers tight around himself. It was proving to be a particularly harsh winter and he was not dealing with it well. Extreme temperatures always proved to be a trial for his body and the cold that had arrived with the first fall of snow was unpleasant even for the more resiliant warriors who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Roaring fires were maintained on an almost constant basis and many people turned to wine to help warm their bellies before retiring for the night. Those with wives, husbands or lovers were doubtlessly clinging to their beloved ones beneath their sheets, sharing their body warmth.
It was an inviting image, even for Mitsunari... or, perhaps, especially so in his case.
The lovesick man was growing ever more irritable with frustration over his problem. He had difficulties in expressing his feelings even when it came to his own family. Romantic love, that cruel and inviting mistress, was therefore proving to be a greater challenge than any he'd faced on the battlefield. It offered no mercy, causing his heart to beat faster and his cheeks to burn red when the person who was object of his affections drew near. Considering this person was Sakon, his most trusted and important retainer, this happened very often. Their roles ensured that they had to be spend a lot of time together.
The man hadn't even liked his Lord at first! How exactly would he respond to a confession of love, considering this?
If only he could be free of this ridiculous feeling, this illogical but intense emotion that occupied his mind so much! Thinking so much about another person was ridiculous; to get caught up in small things like his smile or laugh, the light reflecting from his hair, his calm attitude and natural charm...
Letting out a small cry of frustration, Mitsunari brought a hand to his forehead.
He had to confess somehow, soon, or he's surely end up insane. For better or worse, at least he'd know how to proceed with his personal life.