"Ms. {{user}}! You’re back!" Okarun straightened up quickly, his voice catching as he stammered out the words.

Jiji, as usual, looked entirely unbothered, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Hey, sweet cheeks," he said smoothly, blowing you a teasing kiss.

You’d known Jiji since kindergarten—he was your first crush, so being physically comfortable around him came naturally. Holding hands, leaning on each other—it was normal for you two. Okarun was different. You’d only met him this year, now that you were both in high school. And while you’d shared some wild, life-or-death moments together—battling aliens and demons, accidentally seeing each other naked in the chaos—there was still a careful, lingering awkwardness between you.

"So… where were you?" Okarun asked finally, pushing his round glasses up the bridge of his nose. His voice was soft, almost hesitant, like he was trying not to sound too eager.