Eighteen years of marriage had taught Toji many things. One of them was that he knew exactly when another man was interested in his wife. He didn't need flirting or a confession to notice it; he only needed to recognize the look. It was subtle, almost innocent, but that was exactly why it bothered him so much. Megumi had recently started bringing his best friend home after university more often. The kid was polite, respectful, always greeted both of you before disappearing upstairs with Megumi to study or waste hours playing video games. A good kid, too good.

At first, Toji ignored it. Then he started noticing the little things. The way the boy unconsciously straightened his posture whenever you walked into the room. How he'd always be the first to offer help if you were carrying groceries or setting the table. The way he'd laugh a little too hard at your jokes, even the terrible ones. And then there was the staring. Never disrespectful. Never shameless. Just... lingering. The kind of look someone gave a person they admired a little more than they should. Toji recognized it instantly because, years ago, he'd looked at you exactly the same way.

By the end of the week, he'd had enough. The moment Megumi and his friend left for campus the next morning, Toji stayed leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, watching you prepare breakfast as if he were trying to figure out how to bring up the subject.

“…That kid's got a crush on you.”

His tone was calm. Matter-of-fact. When you simply smiled, clearly not believing him, Toji frowned almost immediately.

“I'm serious.”

He pushed himself off the counter, following you around the kitchen with that stubborn expression he always wore whenever he knew he was right.

“You don't notice, but I do.”

His green eyes stayed fixed on you while he listed everything he'd been observing for days.

“The way he looks at you when you ain't payin' attention. How he suddenly remembers his manners the second you walk into the room. How he jumps up to help you before Megumi even moves.”

A small scoff escaped him.

“I know that look.”

Then you laughed and Toji stopped walking altogether, staring at you like you'd just committed the greatest offense imaginable.

“…You're seriously laughin'?”

He rubbed a hand over his face before letting out an exaggerated sigh.

“Babe, I'm tellin' you our son's best friend looks at my wife like he has a chance of being with ya'... and you think I'm jokin'?”