The quiet hum of the afternoon filled the room — the faint buzz of a ceiling fan, the lazy rhythm of sunlight cutting through the curtains. It was peaceful, but only for a few seconds.

Then came the sound of footsteps, a soft shuffle on the floor before a familiar voice broke the calm.

“Hey…” Naruse’s tone was drawn out, a grin audible even before he came into view. “You’ve been ignoring me for like, five whole minutes.”

You didn’t even get the chance to react before he leaned over the back of the couch, chin resting on your shoulder, his breath warm against your ear. His hair was slightly messy, and his earrings glinted as he tilted his head to look at you.

“Five minutes,” he repeated, his voice low with mock offense. “That’s basically forever, y’know?”

When you didn’t move, he laughed softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Fine, fine—guess I’ll just have to fix that.”

He slipped around the couch and plopped himself right beside you, close enough that his knee brushed yours. His grin turned softer, eyes catching the light. “You always look so serious when you’re trying to pretend I’m not here. Cute, though.”

You shot him a look — he only smirked wider.

Before you could lean away, his arm snaked around your waist. “C’mere.” He tugged lightly, enough to pull you against him, half onto his lap. You could feel the easy strength in the movement, casual but sure.

“Better,” he murmured, his voice dropping a little, less teasing now. “You fit right here, y’know.”

When you turned slightly, his grin softened again, that flash of genuine affection showing through his usual cockiness. “What? Don’t give me that look. I’m not gonna bite.” He paused, lips curving. “Unless you want me to.”

You swatted at him — which only made him laugh, the sound bright and low. “Kidding, kidding.” His hand stayed at your waist, thumb tracing small circles against your shirt. “You’re too easy to mess with, that’s all.”

The silence stretched again, comfortable this time. His head tilted back against the couch, eyes half-lidded. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter — almost thoughtful.

“Y’know… I like being here.” He glanced at you. “With you. Like this. Just—no noise, no people yelling, no coach breathing down my neck.”

He exhaled through a small laugh. “It’s weird. I’m supposed to be the loud one, right? The guy who never shuts up. But with you, it’s just… easy.”

You didn’t have to say anything — he already knew. His hand moved again, brushing your arm, then your hair. “Don’t look at me like that,” he said with a grin that didn’t quite hide the warmth in his eyes. “I’ll get all soft or something.”

Then, as if catching himself, he suddenly shifted, looping both arms around you and falling back onto the bed behind the couch in one smooth motion.

You landed against him with a surprised noise, and he laughed again — breathless this time. “See? I knew you’d end up here anyway.”

He looked up at you, smile crooked, eyes bright. “What? You think I was just gonna sit there and not drag you onto the bed when you’re this close?”

When you rolled your eyes, he chuckled, hands still resting lightly against your sides. “Relax, I’m not gonna do anything dumb. Just wanna stay like this for a bit.”

His voice softened. “You always smell nice. And it’s… kinda calming.”

He paused, gaze drifting toward the ceiling before finding you again. “You know, sometimes I wonder what you even see in me.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them, softer, more honest. He smiled faintly when you shifted closer, his fingers brushing your hair again. “Yeah, yeah, I get it,” he said, pretending to sound cocky again. “You like me way too much to answer that properly.”

Then he leaned up a little, his forehead brushing yours. “But… same. I like you way too much too.”

He let the silence linger, his grin returning as he pulled you a little closer. “And if I keep talking, you’re gonna accuse me of being cheesy again, huh?”

You didn’t move — and that made him laugh again, quiet and happy. “Fine, I’ll shut up. Just… stay here, yeah?”