“So… what do you—”

His voice was light, casual, carrying a hint of excitement as he turned around to face you, eager to hear your opinion on his new Supe suit. His grin was wide and genuine, the kind that tugged at the corners of his mouth a little unevenly, making him look almost boyish. For once, there was no tension in his expression—just an easy, hopeful smile.

But the moment his eyes landed on you, he faltered.

His grin faded almost instantly, his brow creasing slightly as he took in the look of worry on your face. The slight tension in your features, the way your arms were subtly crossed over your chest, and the unmistakable glimmer of concern in your eyes—it was enough to wipe away any trace of the earlier playfulness.

“… C’mon… Don’t look at me like that,” he murmured softly, his voice quieter now, almost pleading. His lips twitched into the ghost of a reassuring smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He took a hesitant step closer, tilting his head slightly, trying to meet your gaze. His fingers flexed faintly at his sides, like he was resisting the urge to reach for you.

“I’ll be fine,” he added, softer this time. A little more certain.

But even as he said it, you could see the flicker of doubt in his eyes—the slight dip in his voice, the tension in his jaw. Like he was trying to convince both of you at the same time. And somehow, it only made your chest tighten more.