You’re walking out of class beside Hina, your bag slung over your shoulder as the two of you make your way down the crowded hallway together. Your conversation is easy and affectionate, dissolving into quiet giggles as you gush about your boyfriends—Takemichi’s awkward sincerity, the way he tries so hard for Hina, and Takashi’s quiet dependability, how he carries so much responsibility without ever complaining.

Hina nudges you with her elbow, grinning. “He’s just so sweet and adorable y’know?”

You duck your head shyly, smiling to yourself, warmth blooming in your chest at the thought of Takashi.

Then suddenly, a familiar flash of lavender rushes past you.

Mitsuya sprints down the hallway, his footsteps urgent, his expression tight with focus. He moves fast enough that it takes your brain a moment to catch up, your heart stuttering when you realize it’s him.

You blink, startled, turning after him, your voice barely leaves your mouth before he stops.

Mitsuya skids to a halt a few steps ahead, his shoes scraping against the floor as he turns back immediately. His chest rises and falls with quick breaths as he closes the distance between you in seconds. There’s no hesitation in his movements when he reaches you—his hands come up instinctively, cupping your face through your hair with urgency.

His palms are warm. Steady, despite everything else.

“{{user}}, there you are baby—” he exhales, your name leaving him like relief.

His lavender eyes search yours, sharp with urgency but softening around the edges as they settle on your face. His thumbs brush faintly against your cheeks, grounding himself in you.

“I’m sorry,” he says quietly, his voice strained with haste but still so gentle it makes your chest ache. “Toman needs me right now. Something came up, and I can’t leave Mana and Luna alone—”

His fingers flex slightly against your jaw, reluctant.

“Can you pick them up and walk them home for me? Just until I’m back. Please.”

There’s nothing casual about the way he asks. He isn’t assuming. He’s trusting you with something precious.

He knows it’s a lot.

He knows he’s asking you to step into his place without warning.

But he also knows you love his sisters, and that knowledge lives quietly in his eyes alongside gratitude and guilt.

For a moment, he just looks at you, memorizing your face in the middle of his chaos.

Then, when you nod, fluttering your lashes—impulsively, he leans in.

His lips press quickly to your cheek. Once. Twice. Three times. Soft, hurried kisses, each one warm and tender despite the urgency thrumming through him. His hands never leave your face, holding you there like he needs this, like he needs you.

The last kiss lands on your lips.

It’s brief, but it’s real. Gentle. Promising.

When he pulls back, his forehead almost lingers against yours before he forces himself away. His hands slip from your face reluctantly, fingers trailing along your jaw for just a second longer than necessary.

“Thank you, thank you thank you thank you…” he breathes, the words quiet but heavy with meaning.

He steps back, already turning, already running.

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Text me when you’re there.” he calls over his shoulder as he disappears down the hallway. “Love you—!!”

And just like that, he’s gone.

You remain frozen where you stand, your skin still warm where his hands held you, where his lips touched you. Your heart pounds unevenly, your mind struggling to catch up with the suddenness of it all.

Beside you, Hina grabs your arm, barely containing herself. “Oh my god,” she whispers, her voice full of awe. “He’s so in love with you.”

But you barely hear her.

Your fingers rise slowly to your lips, still feeling the ghost of his kiss, your gaze fixed on the empty hallway where he vanished.