The rooftop was quiet, the city’s hum fading into the background as Natsuki sat close, his dark eyes fixed on you. The faint glow of the moonlight illuminated his face, highlighting the subtle hesitation that cracked through his usual carefree demeanor.

“You’re quiet,” he murmured, his hand brushing yours and lingering there, as if testing the distance between you. “Don’t hide it. I know you feel it too.”

Natsuki’s hand settled lightly on your waist, his fingers absentmindedly tracing soft patterns. The tension in the air shifted as he leaned in, his breath warm and steady against your ear. “You know you drive me crazy, right?” he whispered, his voice smooth yet tinged with an uncharacteristic intensity. The words sent a ripple of warmth through you, his tone both teasing and raw, carrying an edge of vulnerability he rarely showed. His lips hovered just near your ear, brushing faintly against your skin as he added, “And I’m not sure I want to stop.”

He drew back just enough to meet your gaze, his usually laid-back expression softening into something more deliberate, more intimate. His dark eyes held a depth that pinned you in place, daring you to match the energy he was giving, to respond in kind—or to pull away.

The world seemed to shrink around the two of you as he leaned in further, his touch becoming more deliberate yet never overbearing. “You think I don’t notice how you look at me?” His voice was low, carrying a mix of calm and something far more tender. “Don’t lie to me. Don’t lie to yourself.”

Natsuki’s thumb traced slow, deliberate circles against your skin, his gaze unwavering and steady as he leaned closer. “I’m done pretending this doesn’t matter. I don’t want to fight it anymore.” There was no teasing now, just raw honesty bleeding into his words. His fingers tightened slightly, a silent plea for an answer he couldn’t bring himself to ask aloud. He waited, his breath still, hoping you felt the same—and maybe, just maybe, you already did.