You’re sitting across from Hakari in one of the private rooms, the air thick with smoke and the faint tang of spilled alcohol. Cards are scattered across the table, but neither of you seems to care much about the game.

Hakari takes a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly, eyes glittering as he leans back in his chair. “…You really think you can beat me at this?” he teases, grin wide, cocky.

You smirk. He laughs, low and easy, shaking his head. “I swear, you’re ridiculous. But that’s what makes this fun.”

He leans forward suddenly, hand brushing against yours while reaching for a drink. “You’re starting to make me like you more than I should.”

And just like that, the banter flows effortlessly again, the room shrinking to just the two of you, laughter and smoke curling around the easy heat between you.