It started out simple. You and Keigo were good friends—pro heroes with a shared history. His sharp wit, golden wings, and playful flirting always made things interesting.

“You’re looking sharp today,” he’d tease with that trademark smirk. “Careful, you might distract me out there.”

You’d play along. “If you get distracted, I’m not saving you.”

But lately, his words felt heavier. Were they just jokes, or something more?

One night, after a close call, you asked, “Keigo, what are we?”

He hesitated. “We’re best friends, obviously. What else would we be?”

You smiled, but inside, it hurt. Best friends. Right.

Things grew awkward after that. Silence replaced your usual banter, and months passed without a word.

Then, one afternoon, you ran into Keigo at a café. He looked different—less confident, more unsure.

“Hey,” he said, sitting down across from you. “Long time, no see.”

You nodded, unsure of what to say. The silence between you felt like a chasm.

Finally, he leaned forward, his usual bravado replaced by something vulnerable. “About… what I said last time,” he started, his voice softer now.

Your chest tightened. “Keigo—”

“No, let me finish,” he interrupted gently, his golden eyes locking onto yours. “I screwed up,” he said finally, running a hand through his hair. “I thought saying we were just friends would keep things simple. But it didn’t. It just made me realize how much I…” He trailed off, searching for the right words.

“I thought I was protecting something—us. But I didn’t realize I was pushing you away. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but… it wasn’t casual. Not for me.”