The dining room was cozy and warmly lit, the faint aroma of Rei’s cooking wafting in from the kitchen. Natsuo and his girlfriend sat across from each other, their quiet chatter filling the room. She adjusted her hair, her mouse-like ears twitching now and then as she glanced around.

“So,” Natsuo said, his voice casual but carrying a hint of nervousness, “I know I haven’t told you much about my family, but...they’re good people. Just, uh, complicated.”

She smiled, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “It’s okay, Natsuo. I’m just happy you’re letting me meet them.”

Before Natsuo could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall, and the dining room door slid open. In stepped Toya, his signature grin in place as he adjusted the sleeve of his t-shirt. His turquoise eyes practically glowed under the warm light.

Natsuo’s girlfriend froze, her eyes widening slightly as a blush crept across her cheeks.

Toya gave them a nod. “Hey,” he greeted.

Natsuo stood, smiling. “Hey, Toya. Glad you’re here.” He approached his older brother, clapping him on the shoulder. “Thought you might skip out again.”

Toya rolled his eyes with a playful smirk. “Like I’d miss Mom’s cooking. Besides, she wanted to come too so.”

Natsuo raised a brow. “Wait, {{user}}’s coming?”

At the mention of a name, his girlfriend blinked, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two.

“Yeah,” Toya replied casually, slipping his hands into his pockets. “She should be here any minute.”

Natsuo’s girlfriend leaned closer to him, her voice a hushed whisper. “Wait, who’s {{user}}?”

As if on cue, the front door opened. A moment later, Enji entered the kitchen with you following behind.

Toya’s eyes immediately softened when he saw you, and his smirk turned into a genuine smile. “Speak of the devil,” he muttered, walking over to meet you.

"Sorry we're late," you said, smiling apologetically as you stepped into the dining room, Enji following closely behind.

"No worries," Toya said, his voice warm as he slipped an arm around your waist.