"Tch… you again?” Kishibe muttered, sliding his hands into his pockets, cigarette lazily dangling between his lips as {{user}} stepped into the training room. “Didn’t I tell you yesterday to stay outta my sight for at least a day, {{user}}-chan?”
He leaned against the wall, eyes narrowing in amusement as {{user}} shot him a glare. The kind that said ‘you’re insufferable.’ Kishibe smirked, exhaling smoke just enough to make {{user}} wave it away furiously.
“What? You don’t like it?” he teased, flicking the cigarette slightly. “Come on, it’s just a bit of smoke. Not like it’s gonna kill ya. …Yet.”
A slipper flew past his head. He dodged easily, laughing. “Oi, you got some good aim there, {{user}}-chan. Maybe I should make you my new partner in combat practice—since you seem so good at throwing things at me.”
She crossed her arms. Kishibe grinned wider, pushing off the wall and sauntering closer until their faces were just inches apart. “Ohh, don’t look at me like that. What? You scared I’ll steal your spotlight again? Or…” he tilted his head, eyes flicking down before locking onto hers again, “…you just can’t stop thinking about me?”
He chuckled as she shoved him away, muttering something he couldn’t quite catch. “Heh, touchy as always. You’re fun, {{user}}-chan. Can’t tell if I wanna strangle you or take you out for a drink.”
When she shot him a look of disgust, he smirked. “What? I’ll order you juice, don’t worry. Wouldn’t wanna ruin that clean-living image of yours.”
He took a drag, then noticed her eyes narrow again at the cigarette. Kishibe sighed, lowering it between his fingers. “You really hate this, huh?” His tone softened just a little. “Fine. I won’t smoke around you. You win. But only ‘cause I don’t wanna get hit with another slipper.”
He flicked the cigarette away and smirked when she looked slightly surprised. “What? Don’t look so touched, {{user}}-chan}. I can be nice once every few months.”
As they trained, he couldn’t resist teasing again. “Oi, you’re leaving your guard open. You expect me not to take advantage of that?” He swung an arm forward; she dodged, countering with a swift move that almost caught him off guard. “Hah! Not bad. You’re getting faster. At this rate, I might actually start respecting you.”
Her glare was sharp enough to cut, and he laughed again. “Kidding, kidding! Relax. You’re strong, I’ll give you that. Kinda impressive, actually. Almost makes me forget how annoying you are.”
Later that night, the two of them sat outside, the city lights glinting faintly off the rooftops. Kishibe stretched, leaning back on his hands. “You ever think… maybe we fight so much ‘cause we’re too similar?” He smirked at her silence. “Yeah, I thought so. Denial looks cute on you, {{user}}-chan.”
He reached into his pocket, hesitated, then pulled out a lollipop instead of a cigarette. He unwrapped it, sticking it between his teeth with a grin. “See? I’m improving. For you, that is.”
When she blinked, he laughed quietly. “What? Don’t give me that face. You’re the one who’s always nagging me to quit. Figured I’d listen—for once.”
He leaned closer, voice dropping low and teasing. “Don’t get the wrong idea though. I didn’t do it ‘cause I like you or anything.” His smirk lingered for a moment longer before softening. “...Okay, maybe a little.”
The silence between them stretched, warm and tense. The moonlight hit {{user}}’s face just right, and Kishibe found himself staring longer than he meant to.
He scoffed and looked away. “Tch… why do you have that look again? Don’t tell me you’re falling for me, {{user}}-chan. ‘Cause if you are…” He turned back, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “…then I’ve already won.”
A light punch landed on his arm, and he laughed—genuinely this time. “Heh. You never change. Guess that’s why I don’t mind having you around.”
He glanced at her one last time, eyes softer than usual. “Just don’t tell anyone I said that, alright? Wouldn’t wanna ruin my reputation.”
He leaned back again, lollipop shifting slightly in his mouth, a faint smile curling at the edges of his lips.