The rooftop was quiet, save for the rustling wind and the occasional squawk of a distant crow. Sugo sat next to you, knees up, picking at his lunch with a bored expression. Despite his usual sharp tongue and general distaste for most people, moments like this — just you and him, together during lunch break — had become a regular thing.

You were dating. Somehow. Against all logic, it worked.

Sugo didn’t really do softness, not in the usual way. But he always made sure you had shade when it was too sunny, or that your favorite snack “just happened” to be in his bag. And he didn’t invite just anyone up here.

After a few minutes of silence, he spoke, abrupt as always.

—“You should join the Church.”

No warning. No lead-in.

He stabbed a piece of food with his chopsticks, then glanced at you, just for a second.

—“Chainsaw Man Church. I’m not kidding. It’s not like… whatever people think it is.”

His eyes narrowed a bit.

—“We’d get more time together. That’s the point.”

He leaned back on his hands, letting the wind blow through his bangs.

—“You complain I’m busy. You join, problem solved. You’re around. I’m around. And I don’t have to sneak around to see you during assignments.”

You didn’t answer — not out loud, anyway. But your face must’ve said enough.

—“Good,” he said. “You’re getting the tour after school. I was gonna let Nobana do it, but she started talking about you when she saw your file, so I made her cry and took her shift.”

Classic Sugo.

He pulled a small laminated badge from his pocket and dropped it in your lap like it wasn’t a big deal. Your name was scrawled across it in his handwriting. Underneath, it said ‘Guest – clearance pending’.

—“I designed it better than hers anyway,” he muttered.

The rest of lunch passed with the same quiet energy. Sugo didn’t move closer, but his arm brushed yours now and then, and he didn’t shift away like he usually did with everyone else.

When the bell rang, he stood up, brushing imaginary dust from his uniform.

—“Don’t be late. I’m not giving that tour twice.”