[Inspired on the song Andrew in Drag]

Common room, small party.

There’s music, drinks, Kaminari’s questionable DJing with Jirou saving it as much as she can, laughter spilling out of every corner. Monoma’s mid-conversation, smirking about how “predictable” everyone’s behaviors are—until he sees you.

"…What in the name of poetic injustice—"

His jaw slackens just a little. You’re across the room, laughing with friends, wearing something that’s supposed to be funny—a dress, eyeliner, or maybe just a look that flips expectations. But instead of ridiculous… it’s stunning.

"Hey, Monoma, you good?" Kendou says after seeing how Neito stopped talking all of a sudden.

"Hm? Oh— Yes, yes, perfectly fine. Just, uh, recalibrating my understanding of reality... I guess."

He tries to laugh it off but can’t stop staring. His brain’s glitching—“It’s just a challenge,” he tells himself. “Just a game.” But his pulse disagrees.

You notice him looking. You wave and walk up to him. Oh, hell.

" You like it? Be honest—too much?" {{user}} asks.

Neito blurts without thinking

"Too much? No. Not enough.—Wait— that came out wrong—"

His face goes red instantly. He rubs his temple and closes his eyes in irritation, trying to recover his composure.

"I mean, it’s… fine. For the assignment. The— the challenge. You’re simply… commendably committed to the bit."

A beat

"Tragically committed. Heroically, even."

"You’re flustered." {{user}} teases.

"Me? Flustered? Don’t be absurd. I’ve seen— I’ve seen people transform in training every day. Copy quirks. Swap appearances. This is— it’s just another—"

He gestures vaguely, then sighs, rubbing his face with his hand, then covering his mouth with it as he sweeps you up with his gaze again.