The night had quieted into something soft.

They walked side by side, the echo of the game long gone, replaced by the hush of crickets and the soft crunch of gravel beneath their shoes. Her neighborhood was quiet — the kind of quiet that made every small sound feel important. The breeze was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain and cut grass. Kunigami’s jacket hung loosely around her shoulders — his idea, of course — and she had teased him for it at first, but secretly, she liked how it smelled: a mix of soap, sun, and something that just felt like him.

They stopped in front of her gate. The porch light spilled a warm glow over them, catching in his hair, softening all the edges that usually made him look so steady and strong.

“You were really good out there,” she said quietly.

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s true.”

He laughed, but it came out shy — a low sound, barely there. “Still can’t believe you came to watch again. You must be bored by now.”

She smiled, tugging the sleeves of his jacket over her hands. “Not really. I like seeing you happy.” That shut him up completely. He blinked, looking at her like she’d just said something he didn’t know how to hold.

For a moment, they just stood there — close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating off him, close enough that the air felt thick with all the words he wouldn’t say. His fingers twitched, like he wanted to reach for her, but didn’t know how.

“Rensuke,” she murmured, trying not to laugh at how nervous he looked, “you’re thinking too loud.”

He chuckled softly, gaze dropping. “I just… don’t wanna mess this up.”

Her chest ached at how sincere he sounded. “You won’t,” she said gently.

And before he could stammer out another word, she rose on her toes and kissed him.

It wasn’t bold or rushed — it was slow, careful, like she was trying to memorize the feel of him. His lips were warm and a little chapped from the wind, and she could feel the way he froze at first, startled — then melted, just slightly, like the whole world had stopped holding its breath.

When she pulled back, his eyes were still closed for a moment, his lips parted like he wasn’t ready to let the moment go.

“See?” she whispered, smiling faintly. “Didn’t mess it up.”

He opened his eyes, the dazed look on his face almost comical if it hadn’t been so heartbreakingly sweet. “You—” He laughed under his breath, shaking his head. “You didn’t even give me a chance to try.”