[ he would be entirely happy with just that reverse-same — would be happy with nothing at all said back to him, really, because he doesn't expect anything, doesn't need anything else than junpei, right where he is, leaned in close like this... but he does hold, actually, looking back with his head tilted slightly, and when junpei comes out with, hm, that —

charles looks at him, then, with a small, charmed and befuddled smile that's simultaneously i wish i understood how your brain works and you're so cute, because yeah, this is what he's attracted to, apparently! so much so that he lets out a light laugh and says, eyes bright and voice brimming with affection, ]

I love you so fucking much. [ and he's pausing the, ah, new date night plan briefly so that he can just wiggle in as close as he can and pull junpei into a tight hug. ]

I get it, [ he says then, pulling back and looking at junpei tenderly, ] I feel the same way. I mean, not the wrapping paper part, specifically, but... well. If I could, I'd tie what remains of my soul to you, so nothing'd ever be able to separate us.

[ and he just smiles, like this is also a normal everyday thing to say! ]