Even if Paul had suppressed his blush, Midoriya can feel it plucking at the spice-webbed air encapsulating the three of them. He hadn't expected that, and he stares too long at the new coral added to the angle of his cheek. He darts his eyes away from it, looks at Kaworu--This does not help.

"Yes," he answers him immediately. Whether or not he is attracted to someone, he gives compliments just for their own sake, without thought. Midoriya can't flirt on purpose to save his life. The boy who doesn't think of himself or his wants has, of course, never entertained wanting someone for himself.

He cannot identify the implosion in his chest, which resembles the strong feelings he has for his close friends anyway. Even if he did, would he burden someone with such a thing? It's not selfishness in his eyes when other people do it, but someone so extremely selfless can only spend his waking hours thinking of how he can help others. He only knows how to be a good friend.

"Sometimes people fight about their idea of a person, without considering them. But yes, maybe not in a duel, but... I think fighting for someone when they're in need of help is the coolest thing. An honorable thing. So, that time, when you said you wouldn't let anyone hurt me, I was so grateful," he ends softly. He rests the notebook and an arm over Kaworu's legs. He's not going anywhere.