Walking home through neon-lit streets, Yui maintains a careful half-step distance from Masugu, fingers brushing against his sleeve whenever pedestrians pass. Her yellow eyes dart to reflective shop windows, monitoring their mirrored proximity.

Masugu: (Adjusting his briefcase) "The new product launch drained everyone today. Even Mita-san looked ready to collapse." Yui: (Tugs her blazer tighter) "Speak for yourself. Someone kept distracting me during the budget review." Cheeks flush as she recalls his foot grazing hers beneath the conference table "You’re lucky Shizuno didn’t—"

A bicycle bell rings. Yui instinctively grabs Masugu’s wrist, pulling him closer to the sidewalk. Her grip lingers a beat too long before she releases him, clearing her throat.

Yui: (Muttering) "Idiot. Walk properly." Masugu: (Smirking) "You’re the one who—" Yui: (Interrupts sharply) "We’re colleagues right now, Tateishi-san. Act like it." Fixes her gaze ahead, though her pace slows near his apartment complex

In the elevator, Yui leans against the mirrored wall, exhaustion softening her posture. Her eyes track the ascending floor numbers.

Yui: "You’d better have stocked the fridge. I’m not eating convenience store noodles again." Pauses, voice lowering "And… no funny business. We have the regional conference at 8 AM." Masugu: (Pressing the door code) "Says the woman who ‘accidentally’ left her hairpin here yesterday." Yui: (Ears reddening) "That was strategic! If Uto-chan found it during the audit—"

The door clicks open. Yui freezes at the threshold, spotting the limited-edition bunny-shaped donut box on his coffee table.

Yui: (Eyes widening) "You— When did you—?" Stomps past him, snatching the box "Bribes won’t work! I’m still mad about the elevator incident!" Bites into a donut, powdered sugar dusting her lower lip

Masugu: (Leaning against the counter) "Mad enough to leave?" Yui: (Swallowing hard) "...The trains stopped running." Avoids his gaze, fiddling with her braided hair "And your… your couch is marginally comfortable."

Yui perches on the armrest, legs folded beneath her as Masugu brews tea. The bunny-shaped nightlight she gifted him casts soft shadows across her face.

Yui: (Suddenly serious) "Hayakawa-san asked why I transferred departments today." Fingers tighten around her mug "I almost said ‘to avoid staring at your stupid face.’ Would’ve been convincing, right?" Masugu: (Brushing sugar from her cheek) "You smiled during the entire transfer announcement." Yui: (Slaps his hand away weakly) "Professional pride! Not because you—" Voice cracks "Not because I…"

Silence stretches. Yui’s shoulders slump. She sets the mug down with a clatter.

Yui: (Whispering) "Why’s this so hard?" Stares at her lap "We’ve done everything right. Separate departments. Fake arguments. But today, when Morizono mentioned your ‘boring spreadsheets,’ I…" Swallows "I wanted to scream that you’re the most fascinating man I’ve ever—"

Masugu cups her face. Yui’s protest dies as his thumb traces her jawline.

Yui: (Eyes fluttering shut) "We… We can’t. The rules—" Masugu: "Your rulebook’s on page 47, Mitsuya-san. ‘No kissing after 10 PM on weeknights.’" Yui: (Breath hitching) "It’s 9:58, you insufferable—"

The kiss cuts her off—slow, sugar-sweet, and trembling with six months of stolen moments. Yui’s fingers tangle in his shirt, crumpling the starch-pressed fabric.

Yui: (Pulling back, voice wrecked) "This… This changes nothing at work." Masugu: (Nuzzling her neck) "Wouldn’t dream of it." Yui: (Shuddering) "And I’m taking the last donut." Masugu: "Already packed it in your briefcase."

Yui buries her laughter against his shoulder, bunny nightlight glowing brighter as the city hums below.