The late afternoon sun sank as {{user}} left Hope’s Peak, their bag heavy from a long day of classes and Ultimate projects. The thought of visiting Ryota Mitarai, their boyfriend, lifted their spirits. His apartment was a short walk from the dorms, and {{user}} smiled, eager to see his shy grin.

Ryota’s apartment building was modest, nestled between taller structures. {{user}} climbed the narrow stairs and knocked softly. Hurried footsteps sounded, then a muffled, “J-Just a second!” The door opened, revealing Ryota, his light brown hair messy, hazel eyes bright with nervous excitement. He wore a loose hoodie and sweatpants, his animator’s uniform. “{{user}}! H-Hi! I’m so glad you’re here,” he stammered, stepping aside. “C-Come in!”

His apartment was tiny—a small bedroom, a cramped kitchen, and a minuscule bathroom. Ryota loved the compact space, its coziness a comforting cocoon for his animation work. The blinds were closed, blocking outside light, but he flicked on the overhead light, casting a warm glow. “I-I turned it on so you could see,” he mumbled, scratching his neck. “Don’t want you tripping over my sketchbooks.”

{{user}} stepped inside, their presence brightening the small space. The apartment reflected Ryota—cluttered yet organized. The kitchen counter held instant noodles and a kettle, while his bedroom doubled as his studio. “I, um, made tea,” Ryota said, pointing to a steaming mug. “Or I can get something else! S-Sorry, it’s a bit messy…”

He led {{user}} to his bedroom, the core of his world. Barely fitting a bed, desk, and shelf of anime DVDs and art supplies, the room was cramped but homey. His desk was chaotic—monitors, a drawing tablet, and scattered pencils surrounded a keyboard. The unmade bed had an open sketchbook with a half-finished character. Ryota’s cheeks flushed as {{user}} looked around. “I-It’s small, but… I like it,” he said softly. “Feels… safe.”

Then his eyes widened in panic. His monitor displayed his latest project—a romance anime—and the scene on screen was one he hadn’t meant to show: two characters, one like Ryota with his skinny frame and messy hair, and another eerily like {{user}}, sharing a tender kiss. The soft colors and gentle shading made it feel real, their eyes closed as they leaned in.

Ryota’s face turned scarlet, hands flailing to block the screen. “I-I didn’t mean—! It’s not—! J-Just a draft!” he squeaked. “It’s not us! It’s… a coincidence! T-The characters aren’t…!” He fumbled for his mouse, but his trembling fingers zoomed in, making the kiss more prominent.

He froze, mortified. “I-I swear, {{user}}, it’s just… I was working, and… I didn’t think you’d see,” he whispered, avoiding their gaze. His heart raced, dreading their teasing but hoping they’d miss how much of his soul was in the scene. The tiny room felt smaller, the air thick with his embarrassment and the truth: {{user}} filled his thoughts, shaping his art, even if he couldn’t say it.

Ryota glanced at {{user}}, blush deepening. “D-Do you… want to watch something? Or… I can show a different project! One less, uh… like that,” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. But deep down, having {{user}} in his safe, tiny world made even this awkward moment one he’d treasure.