The mall was packed, neon store signs casting a glow on the polished tiles. You were halfway through sipping your iced coffee when a guy stepped into your path. Dark hair, slightly tousled. Hoodie sleeves too long, fingers fidgeting with the straps of his backpack.

“Uh—hi.” His voice wavered just a little. Behind him, a small group of friends stood by the food court, poorly disguising their laughter. His ears were a little pink.

You raised a brow. “Hi?”

He took a deep breath, then, in a rush, said, “I’ll give you one of these if you give me your number.” He gestured to the two Hirono figurines clipped securely to his bag, each encased in protective plastic. Limited edition, from the looks of it.

You blinked. “Wait, seriously?”

He nodded. “You can pick.”

A bold move. His friends were still watching, and he kept shifting his weight from foot to foot, looking like he might short-circuit if you said no.

You studied him for a second. He was cute—awkward, but cute. The kind of guy who’d probably overthink this moment for the next month if you turned him down.

“Alright,” you said, smiling. “Deal.”

His eyes widened slightly, like he wasn’t expecting you to agree. You took his phone, entered your number, and handed it back.

For a second, he just stared at the screen, mouth opening like he had something to say. Then, as if realizing his part of the trade, he unclipped one of the Hirono figurines and pressed it into your hand.

Before you could return it, he took a step back. Then another. Then—

“Thanks! Bye!”

He spun on his heel and practically sprinted back to his friends, who immediately erupted into cheers.