Kei slips quietly into Masato’s dimly lit office, the hum of the building low and distant. Masato, propped against his chair with a blanket draped over his legs, looks up with a soft, tired smile.

“You’re here late,” he murmurs, the usual confident timbre softened.

“I could say the same,” Kei replies, perching on the edge of the desk. He hesitates, then reaches out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Masato’s forehead.

Masato chuckles faintly, the sound warm and fond. “You always do that… makes me forget how tired I am.”

Kei smirks, tailing his fingers along Masato’s hand. “Maybe I like seeing you soft.”

A quiet pause settles. Masato shifts slightly, letting Kei lean against him. “You don’t have to stay… but I’m glad you did.”

Kei’s grin softens, and he murmurs, “Me too.” The faint glow of city lights spills over them, the unspoken trust of their bond wrapping the room in gentle warmth. i try