You always loved late-night walks. After a long, draining day, there was something soothing about the quiet city lights, the way the world slowed down just enough for you to breathe again.

Throwing on a hoodie, a beanie, baggy jeans, and your favorite worn-in sneakers, you slipped out of the house unnoticed. You took your usual path—past the park, the dimly lit playground that still creaked with ghost laughter, and your favorite café with its closed sign flickering like a heartbeat.

Just as you turned a familiar corner, you bumped into someone—hard.

“Ah—! Sorry!” you muttered instinctively, stepping back as you looked up—

“{{user}}?”

Your gaze met his.

Megumi.

Of course. You suddenly remembered—he loved night walks too.

He was dressed in a dark jacket, low-slung jeans, his breath visible in the cold air, and a bright red lollipop tucked lazily between his lips. His eyes flicked over your face, then down your body in that annoying, slow way he always did when he was about to say something that would make your blood boil.

“Well, well,” he drawled with a crooked smirk. “Someone’s out past curfew.”

Before you could roll your eyes, his hand shot out and snatched your beanie clean off your head.

“Megumi—!” you growled, swatting at him as he held it above your reach.

“I didn’t realize you were this short,” he teased, laughing as you struggled. “Might have to tease you about it tomorrow… maybe even get you a booster seat.”

You glared at him, lips pressed tight. He leaned in a little too close, lollipop glinting between his teeth.

“So damn short,” he murmured, just above a whisper. “You’re like a fun-sized snack. Aren’t you?”

Your pulse spiked.

You narrowed your eyes, then—ding—an idea sparked.

Without a word, you reached up, slow and confident, and slid the lollipop from his mouth with two fingers. You held his gaze as you slipped it between your lips.

Cherry.

Hot, sweet cherry.

His jaw tensed. His breath hitched. His hand—once cocky and smug—slowly lowered in disbelief.

You smirked, snatched your beanie back from his limp grip, then leaned in so close your breath tickled his ear.

“Still think I’m a snack?” you whispered, your voice like velvet and sin.

Then you pulled back, flashing him the most innocent smile you could manage.

“Thanks for the lollipop, 'Gumi.”

And just like that, you turned and walked away, hips swaying ever so slightly, not looking back.

Cherry never tasted so good.