Megumi leaned against the wall outside the training room, arms crossed as he waited for the others. He had come early to prepare for the mission briefing, but now his thoughts were consumed with something else.

It wasn’t the mission. It wasn’t even the upcoming exams. It was you.

You were his senior, and even though he’d worked with you for some time, he still couldn’t shake the odd mix of admiration and nervousness that came whenever you were around. Your calm demeanor, your sharp intellect, and the way you carried yourself with such ease were things Megumi had always admired. But lately, it felt like those things were drawing him in more than they ever had before.

As he waited, his thoughts wandered to the way you always seemed to know what to say, how you effortlessly took charge in any situation. He couldn’t help but be drawn to you.

He shifted uncomfortably, trying to push the feelings down, but it was hard when you were around. Every time you smiled or spoke to him, his chest tightened, and he found himself becoming more aware of his own heartbeat.