Keigo leaned against the doorframe of your room at the agency, his golden eyes catching you. “You’ve been avoiding me,” He was still wearing his hero uniform, feathers ruffled like he’d just come back from patrol.

You didn’t look up from the papers you were pretending to read. “I’ve been busy,” you muttered

“Busy ignoring me?” he quipped, stepping further into the room. “Come on, let’s talk it out. C’mon, use your words.” His voice softened, more sincere now. “Throw them out. Whatever you’re thinking. I’ll put them together if you can’t.”

You glanced up at him, frustrated but caught. His usual casual charm wasn’t fully masking the concern in his eyes.

“It’s just…” you started, the words catching in your throat. You shook your head, looking away. “I don’t know.”

“You do,” Keigo countered, crouching slightly to catch your gaze. “You’re just scared to say it. But I’m not going anywhere, kid. Hero partners don’t ghost each other. Best friends definitely don’t.”