you’d invited kei over without thinking much of it — just a casual hangout, nothing serious. but right before he was supposed to arrive, your mom texted saying something came up and you’d have to watch your little brother for the night. you called kei, fully prepared to cancel, but he just brushed it off with a quiet, “i’m already on my way.”

when he showed up, he didn’t seem the least bit bothered. now he was on the couch, legs stretched out, half-focused on your little brother rambling about some new game release. kei actually listened — even asked questions — and the two of them were surprisingly in sync. you blinked at the sight of it, then told them you were gonna shower and wash your hair, asking them not to burn the place down while you were gone.

nearly an hour later, you came back, towel around your shoulders, still drying your hair. the living room lights were dimmed, the TV volume lowered. your little brother was curled up, fast asleep against kei’s side, his tiny hand gripping the fabric of kei’s hoodie. you opened your mouth to say something, but kei looked over and held a finger to his lips.

“you’re gonna wake him,” he whispered, voice softer than you’d ever heard it. he didn’t move, didn’t try to shift the weight off of him — just let the kid rest, his hand gently resting on your brother’s back like it was the most natural thing in the world.