Nanami tilts his head back, eyes slipping closed as the sea breeze ghosts over his skin. Almost every evening since he retired and moved to Malaysia, he’s made it a point to take a sunset walk on the beach. No stress, no imminent danger, just him and the rolling waves licking at his feet.

Shibuya left its mark in more ways than one. The burn scars stretching across the left side of his body, the constant phantom ache in his prosthetic arm. Above all, the emotional pain of witnessing so much destruction and loss. It wasn’t long after that he quit the jujutsu world, moving to a small neighborhood with beachfront property.

It’s been a peaceful retirement ever since; exactly the kind of respite Nanami needed. He’s been keeping to himself, leading a solitary but content life, until you move in next door.

He couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor. Quiet, respectful…in fact, in the month since you’ve moved here, Nanami has rarely seen you.

It isn’t until he’s making his way back home from the beach tonight that he finally gets a good look at you. You’re just coming home from work, stepping out of your car, arms overladen with grocery bags. At the same time his brow quirks in amusement, there’s a subtle but distinct squeeze in his chest. Beautiful.

“May I assist you?” he asks, reaching an arm out toward the precariously stacked groceries. “Im Kento. I live right next door.” His head tilts in the direction of his own home, nestled just beside yours.

“I don’t believe we’ve had the chance to introduce ourselves properly.”