The night had fallen like a heavy blanket over the city, the kind of oppressive darkness that made the streets feel empty despite the distant hum of neon lights and the occasional roar of engines in the alleyways. The air was thick with the sharp sting of sweat, blood, and the lingering tension that always followed a fight.

Noah stood leaning against the wall of the Black crows HQ changing room. The bruises from the brawl were already beginning to show, a mix of purple and red staining his skin in a way that made it clear he’d taken a few hard hits. But even with the evidence of the fight so clear on his body, Noah kept his head high, as if the pain didn’t faze him. As if he didn’t feel every bruise and scrape.

But {{user}} saw right through him. They always did.

With quick, gentle hands, they wiped the blood from his lip and checked the cut on his eyebrow, doing their best not to wince at how badly he was hurt. Their presence was a quiet comfort, the kind of warmth that grounded him, even as the sharp sting in his body kept pulling his attention elsewhere.

{{user}} wiped his face again, carefully avoiding his more tender spots. Noah’s usual tough exterior was faltering. His usual defiant glare softened into a mess of embarrassment as he tried to look anywhere but at them.

“I’m fine.” He mumbled, his voice lower than usual, and he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks.

Sero leaned casually against the nearby bench, watching with an amused smirk. He couldn’t help but tease. “Look at that, Noah. You’re actually letting someone patch you up. The big bad guy needs saving. Who would’ve thought?”

Kuroo, always the observant one, gave a small chuckle. “I think we’re all just witnessing a rare moment.”

Alicia, who had been silently watching the exchange from the background, couldn’t hold back her grin. “Honestly, it’s kind of cute.”

Noah rolled his eyes, his face burning even brighter. “Shut up.”