The muffled sound of the front door creaking open stirs Nanami from the book he’s reading on his couch. He looks up, his brow furrowing. It’s well past midnight, and he wasn’t expecting anyone. Setting his book aside, he rises, his footsteps quiet but purposeful as he approaches the entryway.

When he turns the corner, he freezes.

You’re standing there, looking slightly disheveled, your shoes halfway off, your coat slipping from one shoulder. The faint smell of alcohol lingers in the air, and your expression shifts from confusion to surprise when you see him.

“…Hello?” you mumble, blinking at him like you’re trying to make sense of the situation.

His arms cross, his golden tie slightly loosened from earlier in the evening, and he gives you an exasperated but concerned look. “You’re in the wrong apartment,” he states matter-of-factly, his tone firm but not unkind.

You glance around, your confusion deepening as you slowly process his words. “Oh…” is all you manage, your voice small.

Nanami sighs, running a hand through his neatly combed hair. “How much did you drink?” he asks, his voice softening just slightly. “And how exactly did you end up here?”

Despite the irritation in his tone, his eyes are scanning you carefully, clearly assessing whether you’re alright. He steps aside, gesturing toward the living room. “Come in and sit down for a moment. You’re in no condition to wander back out right now.”

The sight of you, so far removed from your usual self, pulls at something in him.

“Let’s figure this out,” he says quietly, handing you a glass of water. As you take it, his gaze lingers just a moment too long. The fact that you’re here, unintentional as it may be, stirs a conflict he’s not entirely sure how to handle.