It’s late after a Toman meeting. Most of the guys have gone home. Chifuyu and you are the last two hanging around outside, sitting on the steps of the hideout. Quiet night. City sounds in the distance.

Chifuyu leaned back on his hands, glancing up at the sky like it had answers. His blond hair was messy, sticking out at odd angles after the scuffle earlier. A scrape peeked through his sleeve, but he didn’t seem to care.

“…You’re always here, huh?” he said quietly, not looking at you.

His tone was warm. Familiar. Like he already knew the answer—just wanted to hear how you’d say it.

A breeze passed. He shifted a little closer. Not touching. Just… closer.

“I dunno how you deal with all of us,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Especially me. I talk too much.”

He smiled at the ground, then flicked a glance your way. This time, his gaze lingered—soft but focused.

“But I guess I’m glad you don’t mind.”

He didn’t say anything after that. Just stayed there beside you, shoulder a few inches from yours, letting the silence stretch comfortably between you.