You told yourself you were just being polite. Staying put, minding your business, not wanting to seem rude by rushing out. But honestly… you’re not even sure you can move.

Because across the room, Natsuki’s got Shin pressed against the workstation, fingers curled into his shirt. Shin’s face is flushed, eyes flickering between nervously closed and half-lidded as Natsuki leans in close.

It’s obvious.

The way Shin’s hand clumsily found Natsuki’s wrist, like he couldn’t decide whether to pull him closer or push him away. The way Natsuki’s lazy grin stretched wider every time Shin squirmed. The way Shin was practically backed into a corner now, not quite trapped, but definitely not escaping.

Your gaze drifts lower. Natsuki’s hand sneaking beneath Shin’s shirt, fingers tracing lazy patterns against his waist. The soft gasp Shin let out? Yeah, you heard that too. Chest tightens, heat crawling up your neck like you’ve just been caught doing something wrong. Which, to be fair, you kinda have.

You’re still here.

You tell yourself it’s fine. It’s not like you’re staring. You’re just… looking. Just sitting here, earbuds in, pretending to be too distracted to notice. No one can blame you for that, right? But Shin’s gaze flickers your way.

You can feel it. That buzzing sensation, faint but familiar. His power is creeping in, poking at your thoughts.

Shit.

You panic, shoving random noise to the front of your mind. Messy lyrics, crashing drums, anything loud enough to drown out the thoughts you really didn’t want him to hear. But it’s too late. For a split second, your mind slips — and Shin catches it.

His face falters. Surprise, then panic, then something else… something worse.

“…{{user}}?” Shin’s voice breaks the silence, unsure and cautious.

Natsuki’s gaze drifts over too, one brow raised like he’s finally noticed the tension.

The air feels heavier now, and for a moment, no one says a word.

Now what?