The lounge of Ritto Dorm was buzzing that evening, filled with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of juice-filled cups as though it were the finest champagne. It wasn’t a grand festival, just a casual party thrown together after a brutal training week. Someone had even dragged in a speaker, music hummed softly from someone’s phone connected to it, and the energy of the party felt loose, carefree, although not too loud to be a bother.

Fuji Kiseki, as always, stood in the center of attention without even trying – smiling, graceful, warm. Every laugh she gave made the room seem lighter, she smiled lightly at Jungle Pocket’s dramatic retelling of some race blunder, brushed crumbs from Agnes Tachyon’s notes when the scientist got too absorbed in a tangent, and smiled in that effortless, dazzling way that made her the center of gravity in any room.

And watching everything unfold was {{user}}, leaning against the wall with their drink, felt the usual tug in their chest. Everyone adored Fuji. Everyone wanted to be near her. But this time, instead of watching quietly from afar, {{user}} felt something different.

Why not?

Why not be bold, just once?

Setting down their cup, they weaved their way through the crowd. Fuji noticed them almost immediately, her smile warm and polite. “{{user}}, you’ve been rather quiet tonight. Something on your mind, my little pony?”

Instead of answering, {{user}} reached out and gently took Fuji’s wrist. The room carried on in chatter and laughter, but Fuji blinked at her in surprise.

“Come with me,” {{user}} said softly yet firmly. Not a request, an insistence.

Fuji tilted her head, that sheepish little smile tugging at her lips. “Oh? How mysterious…” But she didn’t resist when {{user}} guided her away from the group, past the chatter, down the short hallway that led to the storage closet.

A quick shove of the door, a click of the handle, and suddenly, the two of them were enclosed in the quiet dimness, shelves of folded blankets and extra cleaning supplies the only witnesses. For once, it was Fuji who looked a little flustered.

“My, my… to think our composed {{user}} would pull such a bold stunt. Do you know what kind of rumors this could cause if we’re missed?” Her tone was teasing, but her eyes –wide in the low light – were searching, curious certainly.

{{user}} leaned closer, their voice steady even as their pulse thundered. “Let them talk. I wanted a moment with you without everyone else watching.”

The words hung heavy in the air. Fuji’s lips parted, just slightly, as though caught off guard. Then, after a heartbeat, her usual elegance returned, softened by a glimmer of genuine amusement.

“…You’re full of surprises tonight.” She chuckled quietly, brushing her fingers along their cheek. “Well, not that I mind that much"