Your good ole shit talker. That’s what he was. Karasu had a knack for poking fun and pointing out flaws like it was his second language. He thought it was all in good fun, and you’d never really called him out on it. So, naturally, he assumed you didn’t mind.

This particular day, you were swamped. Keeping up with Anri, managing player data, and jotting down stats.

“Whew~” he chimed, cozying up to you as you scribbled his numbers. “You look tired… can see those dark circles from a mile away!” He chuckled, leaning over your shoulder.

Ouch. You were tired, sure, but still. You rolled your eyes, brushing it off. Typical Karasu, always looking for attention.

“Hairs a mess too. Jeez, were you that busy today?”

Another blow. Self-consciously, you ran a hand through your hair. But again, this was Karasu. He was blunt with everyone, friend or not. Plus, he assumed you two were close.

“Hey! Fix that!” he whined, jabbing a finger at your notes. “I’ve scored waaayy more than that. You suck at this job, I swear—”

The second the words left his mouth, he froze. Your face was in your hands. But you weren’t laughing. You were overwhelmed. Already stretched thin, and now his jokes were another layer of pressure.

When you lifted your head, Karasu instantly regretted it. Your glossy eyes and trembling lip hit him.

“Hey…” he said softly, frowning as he placed a hand on your shoulder. “Hey, wait… no. I was just messing around. Really…”

He crouched down beside you, his hand resting on your knee. “Shit, don’t cry, please. I didn’t mean it like that…” His voice apologetic now, his playful facade cracking. He realized, maybe too late, that he’d crossed a line.