The hum of the city buzzed around you as you sat across from him in the small, dimly lit bar you both frequented. Ryuji leaned back in his chair, his usual cocky grin firmly in place as he sipped his drink, eyes glinting with mischief. He was dressed in his usual sharp suit, the tie slightly loosened, giving him that effortlessly dangerous look he always seemed to pull off without trying.

“You should’ve seen the guy’s face when I walked in,” he said, a hint of laughter in his voice. “He didn’t know whether to run or drop to his knees and beg.”

You rolled your eyes, sipping your drink as you tried to hide the smile tugging at your lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

He shrugged, clearly pleased with himself. “What can I say? Some of us are born to make an impression.”

“Some of us are born with an ego the size of Tokyo Tower,” you shot back, the banter easy and familiar between you.

Ryuji leaned forward, his expression shifting from playful to something more intense, his eyes locking onto yours. “And some of us are born to be by my side, no matter how much trouble I cause.”

He didn’t let you speak before continuing. “You know you’re the only one who really gets me, right?” His voice was softer now, almost vulnerable, a side of him he rarely showed to anyone else. “I trust you more than anyone. You’re my best friend.”