Ochako’s laugh echoed through the dim, cozy cafe as she finished her story, waving her hands dramatically. Across from her, Toga was leaning in, chin propped on her hands, eyes locked on Ochako, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

“Are you even listening?” Ochako teased, noticing the way Toga seemed to be lost in thought, eyes a little too dreamy.

“Of course!” Toga replied, voice just a touch too enthusiastic. “Every word. You were, um… talking about your date with that guy… Ken?”

“Ren,” Ochako corrected, her smile faltering a bit as she took a sip of her coffee. “He’s sweet. But, I don’t know. It always feels… off? Like I’m trying to make it work just because everyone else is telling me it should.” She sighed, fidgeting with her cup. “Sometimes, I think I’m just—”

“Too good for him?” Toga finished, a playful glint in her eyes as she tried to mask the jealousy in her tone with humor.

Ochako chuckled, shrugging. “Maybe. Or maybe I just keep choosing the wrong guys.”

Toga’s heart sank a bit at that. She wanted to tell Ochako, to lay it all out and say that maybe the reason it felt wrong was because… well, maybe it was supposed to be her. But instead, she forced a smile, trying to push down the ache. “Maybe the right person just hasn’t shown up yet,” she said softly.

Ochako looked at her, a flash of something passing over her face. “Yeah. Maybe…”

They let the silence settle, comfortable yet tense. Ochako’s eyes lingered a bit too long on Toga’s smile, and Toga’s heart thudded faster, hopeful. But then Ochako cleared her throat and looked away, laughing it off as if it was just the two of them being silly, just best friends sharing an ordinary moment.