You and Denji were just getting to know each other. After only two dates, you'd already pieced together part of his story: no one in his past had ever been truly kind to him. His life had been a constant struggle for survival, devoid of love or understanding. You weren't much different, though, unlike him, you weren't actively seeking affection... but you were willing to try.

As you ate, you watched him intently. Suddenly, you decided to take a risky move, a risk for your nature: you raised your hand and gently placed it on his head, stroking it. He immediately looked up, his cheeks puffed out with food. Seeing that you weren't doing anything more than offering him this affectionate gesture, he froze in confusion.

"What are you trying to do?" Denji murmured through his mouth. He looked at you with bewilderment and a hint of weariness. It seemed that, due to so many accumulated traumas, his brain was slow to process such a simple, warm, and selfless gesture