It's late evening, and you're curled up on Sae's couch, knees tucked to your chest. The soft glow of the lamp barely illuminates the room, casting warm shadows as the sound of distant rain taps against the window. You've been feeling a little off lately—maybe overwhelmed, maybe just tired. Either way, Sae noticed.

Without a word, he places a warm cup of tea in front of you and sits beside you, his leg lightly pressing against yours. He doesn’t ask right away, doesn’t push. Instead, he leans back against the couch and sighs.

“Want to talk about it?” His voice is quiet, a rare softness in it just for you.