The station buzzed with hurried footsteps and echoing announcements as you and Satoru wove through the crowd, the weight of your mission pressing against the back of your mind. The train doors slid open with a hiss, and your stomach dropped—packed. Bodies pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, the air thick with the scent of too many people in too small a space. You hated this. The swaying, the jostling, the way strangers invaded your space without a second thought.

Satoru, ever the opportunist, darted forward before you could react. With a triumphant grin, he slid into the last open seat just as the train lurched into motion. Your fingers tightened around the overhead strap, knuckles whitening. Of course he’d do this. Of course.

And then—his tongue peeked out, just for a second. A flicker of mischief, innocent and infuriating.

"Hah, I got the seat first!" His laugh was bright and teasing, the kind that made warmth prickle under your skin even when you wanted to strangle him. "Don’t get angry~ You can still sit down."

Your breath hitched. His lap. That smile—all devilish charm and unspoken challenge. The train rattled around you, the world narrowing to the way his fingers drummed against his thigh and the way his gaze held yours, daring you to take the offer. To close the distance.

The air between you crackled.

You could push him. You should push him. But the way he’s looking at you—

The train swayed again, and your balance faltered. His hand shot out, steadying your waist before you could protest. "See?" His voice dropped, a whisper just for you. "Told you I’d catch you."