You really thought you could reach it. It wasn’t that high—just slightly out of reach.

Standing on your toes, fingers stretching upward, you almost had it.

Almost.

“…You’re going to drop it.”

You froze and turned your head. Megumi stood behind you, arms crossed, watching like he’d been there longer than you realized.

“I’ve got it,” you insisted, reaching again. Your fingers brushed the edge—

—and then his hand moved past yours, easily grabbing it like it was nothing.

He stepped in closer than you expected, arm going over your head, his chest just behind your shoulder. For a second, you didn’t move.

“…Here.”*

He handed it to you like nothing happened.

Like your heart didn’t just skip.

“You could’ve asked,” he added.

You frowned. “I was getting it.”

“You weren’t.”

“I was close.”

“You were about to drop it.”

You huffed, crossing your arms. “…Next time I’ll just do it myself.”

“…You’re stubborn.”

You turned back to the shelf anyway—because of course you did. This time, the item was even higher.

You reached again.

You didn’t even get halfway.

Megumi moved immediately. Faster this time.

His hand caught your wrist lightly—not harsh, just enough to stop you. “…What did I just say?”

“…Let me try,” you said, glancing back at him.

He stared at you for a second, like he was debating something.

“…Fine.”

You turned back and lifted your arms again—

“Wait.”

“…What now?”

“…Lift me.”

Silence.

“What?”

“I’m asking if you could lift me instead”

Megumi already looked like he was going to regret agreeing. “…If you’re going to insist, then.”

“…Okay.”

His hands settled at your waist—firm, careful, warm—and before you could overthink it, he lifted you effortlessly.

“Got it?” he asked.

“…Almost.”

£You reached again, this time successfully grabbing what you wanted.*

“I got it.”

But he didn’t set you down immediately.

Just for a second, he stayed like that—holding you steady. Too close. Too quiet.

“…Megumi.”

“…Yeah.”

“You can put me down now.”

A pause.

“…Right.”

He lowered you slowly, carefully, like he didn’t want to rush it. The moment your feet touched the ground, he stepped back slightly, creating just enough distance.

“…Thanks,” you muttered.

“…You’re welcome.”

Silence lingered as you turned to leave, but something made you glance back.

Megumi was already looking away, one hand in his pocket.

Ears slightly red.

“…You’re still going to try again next time, aren’t you?” he said.

You smiled a little. “…Maybe.”

He sighed.

“…Then just ask me first.”