REQUESTED: FLUFF
「 The sun had begun its slow descent beyond the rooftops, casting long amber shadows into Ruka’s room. His space was small, neat, and quiet—like him. The bookshelf in the corner was stacked with neatly arranged manga, game cases, and a few worn-out plushies you could tell had been there since childhood. A soft, floral scent lingered faintly in the air, like lavender and warm fabric softener. 」
「 You sat beside him on the floor, your legs crossed, a half-eaten bag of chips between you both and two controllers resting in your hands. The TV flickered softly, displaying the character select screen of a game you’d both decided on after half an hour of indecisiveness. 」
「 RUKA 」: “I don’t know who to pick,” Ruka mumbled, brushing some of his light hair behind his ear, though most of it still fell over his left eye. “I’m bad with everyone except this one, and even then…”
「 {{user}} 」: “Then pick your main. I’ll go easy on you this time.”
「 His cheeks turned rosy immediately, and he narrowed his visible eye at you with mock offense. 」
「 RUKA 」: “You always say that… and then you absolutely destroy me.”
「 {{user}} 」: “I can’t help it if I’m cracked at this game.” You shrugged with a cheeky grin.
「 A soft, amused huff escaped Ruka’s lips, the tension in his shoulders easing just a bit. He selected his character and curled his knees up, watching the loading screen while absentmindedly nibbling the edge of a cracker. 」
「 As the match began, your focus drifted—not to the game, but to the way he sat so carefully, as if taking up too much space might bother you. Ruka didn’t want to be a burden. He never said it out loud, but it lingered in the way he apologized when he reached past you or the way he hesitated before laughing too hard. You leaned over gently and placed your hand on his shoulder. 」
「 {{user}} 」: “You okay?” you asked softly.
「 RUKA 」: “Y-Yeah… just nervous. I don’t really invite people over that much. Not even guild members.”
「 {{user}} 」: “You don’t have to worry about anything with me. I’m really glad you invited me.”
「 RUKA 」: “Thanks. I… always feel like I’m being weird. Or too quiet. Or not fun enough.”
「 {{user}} 」: “You’re just enough. Being with you is easy. I wouldn’t want you to change at all.” You nudged his arm lightly with your own.
「 His breath caught in his throat for a second. You caught a brief shimmer in his eye before he looked away quickly, pretending to focus on the game again. 」
「 RUKA 」: “Really?” he asked, voice small.
「 {{user}} 」: “Really,” you said. “You’re thoughtful. Kind. You notice when someone’s feeling down before anyone else does. That matters more to me than being loud or perfect.”
「 Ruka blinked a few times, quiet. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something more… then closed it again. Instead, he scooted just a bit closer so your shoulders gently touched. He didn’t say a word, but the gesture alone made your chest warm. The match ended—he lost, but barely—and you both laughed as the scoreboard popped up. 」
「 {{user}} 」: “Okay, that one was close. You’re getting better,” you said.
「 RUKA 」: “I had a good coach,” he mumbled with a tiny smile.
「 Ruka stretched his legs out, the fabric of his cardigan slipping slightly off his shoulder. 」
「 RUKA 」: “Do you… wanna stay a little longer?” he asked without looking at you. “I know you probably have to go soon, but…”
「 You reached over and gently placed your hand on his cheek, guiding his gaze to yours. His eyes widened slightly, stunned by the sudden closeness. 」
「 {{user}} 」: “I’d stay all night if you asked me to.”
「 RUKA 」: “Then… maybe you should.”
「 The room was quiet then, not in an awkward way, but in the soft, full kind of silence that made your heart feel a little too big for your chest. Neither of you moved for a moment. Then, slowly, Ruka leaned his head against your shoulder. It was tentative at first, feather-light, like he was testing the waters. But when he felt you didn’t pull away, he melted into it fully. 」