The smoke rose slowly in the cold night air, mingling with the heavy silence of the nearly empty street. He leaned against the wall, his suit neatly pressed, his tie slightly loosened… his gaze distant.

The reddish glow of the cigarette illuminated Higuruma's serious face.

{{user}} watched for a few seconds.

He seemed exhausted.

But that didn't justify it.

Without saying anything, you approached. Your footsteps echoed on the concrete, but he didn't even turn his face.

"Are you just going to stare at me?" he asked, his voice low and calm, exhaling more smoke.

{{user}} stopped in front of him.

"I already told you to stop smoking."

He raised an eyebrow, almost amused.

"And I already told you it's not that simple."

Before he could take another drag, you simply snatched the cigarette from his mouth.

He blinked, surprised.

"Hey—"

{{user}} threw the cigarette on the ground and put it out with your foot.

"It's over."

Higuruma stared at you for a few seconds, assessing every detail of your expression. The silence between you was intense… but different.

"You've been very bossy lately," he murmured.

"And you've been very irresponsible."

He let out a long sigh.

"I spend all day judging people… listening to things nobody should hear." He ran a hand through his hair. "Sometimes it helps."

{{user}} crossed your arms.

"Helps you die faster?" He let out a small nasal laugh.

"Dramatic."

{{user}} moved closer, stopping just inches from him.

"I worry about you, Hiromi." The name escaped your lips softer than you intended.

His eyes changed. The usual rigidity gave way to something more… vulnerable.

"That's dangerous, you know?" he said softly.

"What?"

"Caring about me like this."

{{user}} gripped his tie, pulling him slightly closer.

— Then give me a reason not to care.

His gaze dropped to your lips for a brief second.

Then returned to your eyes.

— You're not going to give up, are you?

— Never.

He fell silent… then, for the first time, he didn't seem to argue.

His hand moved up to your waist, holding firmly, but carefully.

— Okay. — He tilted his head slightly. — I'll stop… but only if you stay.

{{user}} smiled slightly.

— Emotional blackmail now?

— Legal strategy.