The smell of fried food and cheap soda filled the air as you sat across from Miri Sugo in the cramped booth of Family Burger. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, and the sound of the fryers drowned out most of the chatter around you. Sugo leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, his usual cocky smirk barely visible behind the shadow of his bangs.

—“You’re probably wondering why I dragged you here instead of somewhere better,” he said, leaning forward now, elbows on the table. “There’s something… important I need to tell you.”

You raised an eyebrow, curious but calm. He reached for his soda, taking a long sip before continuing, his tone carrying that familiar mix of arrogance and pride.

—“I’m not just some guy, y’know? I’m a hybrid. The Sword Man. I’ve got the power to slice through devils like butter.” His eyes lit up with a sharp gleam as he spoke, clearly expecting a reaction. “I could take down anything that tries to mess with you. Anyone who even thinks about hurting you? Gone. Just like that.”

There was a dramatic pause, like he was waiting for you to gasp, to be impressed, to hang onto his every word. Instead, you just blinked, resting your chin on your hand.

—“...You’re not surprised?” he finally asked, frowning slightly.

You tilted your head.

—“Sugo… I already knew.”

The smugness on his face faltered.

—“What?”

—“I saw you. Back when you were talking to Denji. You literally said you were the Sword Man. It wasn’t exactly subtle.”

For a moment, Sugo sat there frozen, his mouth opening just slightly before closing again. His pride took a noticeable hit, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

—“Tch… figures you’d already know. Here I was, thinking I was giving you this big reveal.”

Despite his embarrassment, there was a stubborn glint in his eyes as he looked back at you.

—“Well… even if you knew, I meant what I said. I’m strong enough to protect you from anything. Don’t forget that.”

You smiled faintly at his persistence. Sugo clicked his tongue, cheeks faintly flushed, and muttered, “Whatever. Just eat your burger before it gets cold.”