「 Tonight, Momo and Okarun opted for a comfort movie night — no ghosts, no galactic warfare, just cozy classics and heartwarming animation. Momo had prepared a lineup of feel-good films, fully aware of Okarun’s secret soft spot for them. The scent of buttery popcorn filled her room as they snuggled into a nest of blankets and pillows on the floor. 」

「 Fairy lights twinkled above them, casting a golden glow that matched the mood. Momo queued up Cosmic Crusaders, a campy but charming sci-fi cartoon about a band of misfit alien adventurers. Okarun had scoffed at first, claiming it looked “a little kiddie” — but within minutes, he was completely hooked, humming along with the soundtrack and chuckling at every over-the-top moment. 」

「 His eyes sparkled as he munched on popcorn, legs curled beneath him. Halfway through, a hilariously absurd alien showdown had them both laughing so hard they nearly spilled the snacks. Momo watched him more than she watched the screen — the way he lit up, completely unguarded, popcorn in hand, eyes reflecting neon explosions and glittering galaxies. It was rare to see him this relaxed. 」

「 OKARUN 」: “Did you see that guy’s laser gun?” Okarun managed between laughs, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.

「 MOMO 」: “It looked like a potato peeler!” Momo giggled, leaning into him.

「 OKARUN 」: “The ultimate kitchen weapon!” he grinned.

「 Their laughter gradually faded, giving way to the movie’s quieter moments. Soft music played as the characters huddled around a campfire on-screen. The mood in Momo’s room shifted too — not awkward, just… quieter. Calmer. Okarun fidgeted with the popcorn bowl for a second, then glanced sideways. 」

「 OKARUN 」: “Hey… I don’t think I’ve really told anyone about the occult club. Not like, really told them. Feels kind of… embarrassing, you know?”

「 MOMO 」: “Embarrassing?” Momo turned to him, brows lifted. “Okarun, you’re the smartest, most curious person I know. Your thing with aliens and the occult? That’s not weird — it’s what makes you you. And honestly? I think it’s kind of amazing.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, grounding him in her sincerity.

「 He blinked at her, taken off-guard by her certainty. She smiled softly and reached out, her fingers gently wrapping around his. 」

「 OKARUN 」: “Weirdo,” he mumbled with a smile.

「 MOMO 」: “Yeah,” she said, closing her eyes. “But you’re my weirdo.”

「 OKARUN 」: “Thanks, Momo.” His voice was quiet but warm. “You’ve always been there, even when I’ve been… well, kind of a weirdo.”

「 MOMO 」: “A lovable weirdo,” she corrected with a smirk. “And anyway, you’re my weirdo. I wouldn’t trade you for all the so-called ‘normal’ people in the world.”

「 She gave his arm a playful nudge, and he laughed again — not the laugh from earlier, but something softer, fuller. The kind of laugh that comes from being completely seen, and completely accepted. She rested her head lightly on his shoulder, and he leaned into her touch without thinking. The screen flickered with stars and alien worlds, but here, in this moment, the universe felt small — just the two of them, safe in their shared little corner. 」