You stretched your arms, exhausted. It had been a long day for you and your partner, Aki. There had been several reports of minor devils scattered around the city, and, as members of the Public Safety Division 4 of Tokyo, it was your job to take care of them.

It wasn't easy being part of the Public Safety Devil Hunters. Every day could be your last, and the fatigue seemed to be attached to you like a second skin. More than once, you thought about quitting, but something inside you always held you back. Protecting people was what you did best, and, honestly, doing it with Aki by your side made it a little easier.

Almost pleasant, even.

Despite his cold and distant demeanor, Aki genuinely cared about you. It showed in the small things: the way he’d drape his jacket over your shoulders after a fight, or the concern in his eyes whenever you got hurt, even if it was just a scratch.

You knew that he cared, even if he’d never admit it out loud.

You shot him a quick glance as you walked side by side along the sidewalk.

The sky, now painted in shades of orange, cast a warm and melancholy light over Tokyo’s buildings. The smell of tobacco and smog mixed with the scent of ramen shops opening for the evening.

Aki noticed your gaze. He looked away for a moment, then muttered in a low, hesitant voice:

“Would you… like to get something to eat, maybe?”.

You quickly looked elsewhere, trying to hide the warmth rising to your cheeks.

“It’s not a date, obviously…”.

he added right after, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck and avoiding your eyes.

“Just… you know… eating something together”.

A quiet stillness settled between you, filled only by the distant hum of cars. The evening breeze ruffled his dark hair slightly.