a raucous cheer erupted, your victory in charades punctuating the dorm room's usual clutter. suguru's groan, a familiar sound of defeat, was punctuated by shoko's amused exhale, a plume of smoke curling towards the ceiling. their reactions were predictable, a comfortable routine.

but satoru's silence was a jarring anomaly. he sat, a stillness radiating off him, his usual chaotic energy subdued. a grin, genuine and soft, played on his lips as he watched your celebratory dance. it was a stark contrast to his usual smirk, a warmth that made your triumphant grin falter.

his eyes, those startling blue orbs, met yours. a flicker of something unfamiliar passed between you, and the boisterous victory died in your throat. your triumphant posture crumbled, replaced by an awkward stillness. the expected retort, the playful jab, never materialized.

the usual, snarky satoru was absent, replaced by a quiet observer, his gaze holding an unexpected intensity. a flush crept up your neck, a wave of heat that had nothing to do with the room's temperature. damn it, you thought, a silent curse echoing in the sudden quiet, this is different.