The mission was done. Bodies cleared. The quiet after the storm settled into the apartment. She grabbed a controller, thinking maybe some harmless co-op gaming would decompress the adrenaline.

Gaku lounged on the couch, one foot casually draped over the other, controller in hand, hair slightly messy, pink eyes glinting.

"You know… you’re terrible at this game." His tone was monotone, casual, but he headshot her character anyway.

"Hey! I was distracted!" she snapped, trying to take back her controller.

"Mm." Gaku tilted his head, leaning just close enough that she felt the heat of his body. "I guess… I could let you focus."

Before she could react, he tossed her controller onto the floor.

"Or… we could call it quits. You know, for… safety." His hand brushed hers as he leaned over, fingers curling around her waist. She froze—this wasn’t a game anymore.

"What? Don’t tell me you’re scared." The smirk was slow, teasing, dangerous.

He shifted closer, his knee brushing hers, a deliberate, calculated invasion of space. Her pulse sped up, but he didn’t move abruptly—everything was measured, controlled, just like him.

"You are too distracted anyway." His lips barely brushed the shell of her ear.