The air in megumi's room hummed with the low thrum of a gaming console and the easy banter of two close friends. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Megumi sprawled comfortably in his gaming chair, leaned forward, a teasing glint in his eyes. Yuuji however, sat rigidly upright, his posture betraying a certain discomfort.

“You sure you don’t like her, mhm?” Yuuji pressed, his voice a playful challenge. He punctuated the question with a light shove to Megumi’s shoulder, a gesture that elicited a small, almost imperceptible flinch from his friend.

Megumi cleared his throat, a nervous sound that masked his true feelings. He avoided Yuuji's gaze, focusing instead on the intricate designs of his gaming mouse. “Look,” he began, his voice carefully neutral, “she’s your sister." She’s your… well, she’s family. It’s just… complicated.” He shrugged, attempting to appear nonchalant. “Besides, I’ve got plenty on my plate right now. Exams, you know? And that new game… I haven’t even had time to breathe, let alone… you know.” He trailed off, the unspoken implication hanging in the air. He offered a tight-lipped smile, a carefully constructed mask of indifference.

Yuuji however, wasn't buying it. He let out a low chuckle, the sound laced with knowing amusement. “Sure, Meg,” he drawled, his eyes twinkling. “Complicated. Right. Just like that new strategy you’re using in ‘Galactic Conquest’ – totally straightforward and nothing at all sneaky.” He paused, letting the implication hang in the air before adding, with a wink, “Don’t worry, I get it. Crushes are complicated.”

Megumi carefully constructed facade faltered. His jaw tightened, and a faint blush crept up his neck. He opened his mouth to retort, but Yuuji's words, though teasing, had hit their mark. The carefully crafted denial felt flimsy, exposed. He knew Yuuji wasn’t entirely wrong, and the realization was both irritating and slightly mortifying. He mumbled something unintelligible, his gaze fixed on his mouse, a silent admission of defeat. The tension remained, but it was now laced with a new element – a shared understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken feelings simmering beneath the surface.

The arrival of you, provided a welcome distraction, but the unspoken conversation between Megumi and Yuuji's lingered in the air, a playful yet revealing exchange.