The familiar sound of an engine rumbling outside your apartment window pulled you from your thoughts, signaling that your ride had arrived. You glanced at the clock—just a few minutes past six in the morning. Right on time, as always.

You sighed, rubbing at your tired eyes before stuffing your notebook into your bag. Another late night of studying, another morning of fighting off exhaustion. But this was the path you’d chosen, the dream you were determined to chase. And Ukai Keishin—somehow, despite everything—was still right here beside you.

Grabbing your things, you rushed down the stairs and pushed open the door, only to be met with the sight of his familiar car parked by the curb. It wasn’t anything fancy—second-hand, a little worn down, but his. He had worked his ass off to save up for it, all so he could make sure you had a way to campus every morning. You hadn’t even asked him to.

Leaning against the driver’s side door, Ukai took a long drag of his cigarette, exhaling as he eyed you with that usual smirk. "Took you long enough," he teased, flicking the ashes away before stubbing it out on the curb. "Thought I was gonna have to leave your ass behind."