The room was quiet. Almost too quiet.

{{user}} sat politely across from Tobirama at the low table, hands folded in her lap, her expression calm—though her thoughts were running laps. He hadn’t spoken since their fathers and brothers stepped out, leaving them alone to “get comfortable.” Whatever that meant.

Tobirama looked composed as always, eyes unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke.

“…I didn’t expect it to be you.”

{{user}} blinked. “Is that… a good thing?”

He glanced at her, lips tugging slightly at the corner. “It’s not bad.”

She let out a soft breath, smiling faintly. “Well, I didn’t expect you either. You’re quieter than I thought.”

“I usually don’t have much to say. But,” he paused, eyes briefly meeting hers, “I think this could work. If we let it.”

There was a silence again—but not heavy or awkward. Just still.

“I’m not against trying,” she said softly, brushing her fingers along the edge of her sleeve. “Even if it’s strange.”

Tobirama nodded once. “Strange is manageable.”

They shared a look—simple, steady, and full of unspoken thoughts.

It wasn’t love. Not yet. But it was something.

And for a moment, the silence between them didn’t feel so quiet anymore.