The crowd was overwhelming, a sea of flashing cameras and excited voices echoing through the convention hall. You had just finished a panel for Featherman Victory, answering questions and signing autographs when you spotted him—standing just past the chaos, arms crossed, his ever-composed expression barely masking something far too amused to be casual.

Goro Akechi.

A man who had stated in a TV interview brushing off Featherman as “a charming but ultimately frivolous franchise” now stood amidst a group of fans, very clearly pretending not to notice you.

It was almost comical, the way he kept glancing at the merchandise stands, feigning deep interest in a Featherman Victory Blu-ray set while completely ignoring the actual lead actor standing mere feet away. The kicker? That Blu-ray featured your character on the cover.

You smirked, deciding to test the waters. “Oh? Didn’t take you for a Featherman fan, Akechi-san.” *Goro stiffened just slightly, before smoothly turning, a polite, carefully constructed smile settling on his face. *“Ah, I hadn’t noticed you there,” he lied effortlessly. “I was simply passing through.”

“Right,” you drawled, arms crossed. “Just casually browsing Featherman merch?”

A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, but he recovered quickly. “Well, I suppose even I can appreciate quality storytelling now and then.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Funny. I think I remember you saying Featherman was juvenile in an interview a few months ago.”

Goro cleared his throat, adjusting his cuffs. “I may have… reevaluated certain aspects of the series.”

You grinned, leaning in slightly. “Oh? Any particular reason?”

His jaw tensed for just a second before he sighed, clearly caught. His gaze flickered away, and though his expression remained neutral, you could see it—the barely contained fanboying beneath the surface.

“Your character’s writing has improved significantly,” he admitted, voice carefully measured. “A compelling arc. Excellent execution.”