The hallway light spilled into Maki’s room in a thin line before you pushed the door open wider. She was sitting cross-legged near the headboard, glasses slipping slightly down her nose, phone balanced in one hand.

“You’re overthinking.” A pause. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Texting Yuta

You dropped onto her carpet with a dramatic thud.

She didn’t flinch.

“You didn’t even look up,” you accused.

“I knew it was you.”

“How?”

“You stomp.”

Her thumb moved again, steady, unhurried. A faint buzz. Another reply sent.

You crawled closer to her bed. “What if I shaved my head.”

“I’d buy you a hat.”

“What if I failed everything.”

“I’d help you study.”

“What if—”

She finally looked down at you, eyes sharp but calm “Are you done.”

“…No.”

She reached out, pushing your forehead lightly with two fingers until you tipped backward onto the floor.

“Text Yuta you love him,” you mumbled from below.

“I did.”

You shot upright. “You did?!”

“Yes, we’re dating.”

No blush. No smile. Just fact.

Her hand reached over the edge of the bed, resting briefly on the top of your head before withdrawing.

“Close the door when you leave,” she added evenly.

You didn’t.

She let you stay anyway