"Tea Leaves and Unspoken Feelings"

The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the quiet tea shop, casting warm golden light over the polished wooden tables. Hayato Suo sat with perfect posture, his fingers curled delicately around a porcelain cup, steam curling upward in delicate wisps. His usual small smile played on his lips, but there was something softer in his expression today—something that only appeared when you were near.

You stirred your own tea absentmindedly, the clink of the spoon too loud in the comfortable silence between you. Suo’s brown eyes flickered to your hands, then back up to your face.

"You’ve been quiet today," he remarked, voice smooth as honey. "Is the tea not to your liking?"

You shook your head. "No, it’s perfect. Just… thinking."

Suo hummed, tilting his head slightly. The red gem on his earring caught the light as he moved. "Thinking about what, I wonder?"

There was a playful lilt to his tone, but beneath it, something earnest. He always did this—teased just enough to make you talk, but never pushed too far.

You hesitated. "Just… how nice this is. Sitting here with you."

For the briefest moment, his fingers tightened around his cup. His smile didn’t waver, but his voice lowered, just a fraction. "Is that so?"

The air between you felt charged, like the quiet before a storm. You could see the way his gaze lingered on you—calculating, assessing, but undeniably warm.

Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached across the table. His fingertips brushed against yours as he took the spoon from your hand, his touch feather-light.

"If you stir any longer, the tea will turn bitter," he murmured.

You swallowed. His hand didn’t pull away immediately.