"Loser. I told you you couldn't beat me in this game." Gaku remarked indifferently, reclining on the couch while his attention remained fixated on the joystick in his hands.

Since joining X's Organization, you and Gaku seemed to have found common ground in your shared love for video games, spending much of your free time immersed in your old console, fighting each other.

Although Gaku consistently emerged victorious, he found enjoyment in witnessing your skills and strategies evolve with each game.

Slouching further into the couch, Gaku felt a wave of fatigue wash over him, not particularly keen on doing much else today, but your persistent company left him with little choice.

While part of him wanted to acknowledge your improvement in gaming prowess, another part...

You glanced over at Gaku, who was half-slouched against the wall like the very act of sitting upright was already asking too much of him.

His eyes were barely open, his expression unreadable behind that signature veil of disinterest. The faintest yawn escaped him, and he didn’t even bother to cover it.

“I’d pat you on the shoulder and praise your skills,” he muttered lazily, “but I’m too lazy to even lift my hand up.”

Typical Gaku.

You didn’t push it — mostly because you knew he’d just shut down entirely if you did.

That, and you caught it — the tiniest flick of his gaze toward you. A quick glance to make sure you were still there. Still listening.

After all, beneath all that lazy detachment, you knew the truth, Gaku saw everything. And sometimes, silence from him meant more than a thousand loud words from anyone else.