Natsuki definitely didn't expect this.

The plan was simple: sneak out, drive around the city, do whatever came to mind. No missions, no training, just something stupid to break up the monotony. Lu had "borrowed" a car, Akira had made an excuse, Mafuyu showed up wrapped in a blanket, and Shin claimed it was team bonding. Natsuki didn't argue; he rarely did. But when the group clustered around the car and someone pointed out there were six of you and only five seats, Shin's voice cut through the low murmur of plans and caffeine, while Natsuki was already shaking his head before Shin even looked at him.

"You've got the most stable lap, Seba. {{user}} wouldn't even mind."

Shin waved you forward without hesitation, and you slipped into the back, right toward Natsuki. Before he could come up with a reason to protest, you were already sitting. Natsuki didn't look at you and told himself it was more practical that way, while the others were already piling in.

"This is seriously testing my limits," he muttered, pulse thudding hard in his throat. He sighed, then gave a small nod to himself, straightened, hand still resting on your waist, a little more secure now to steady you. His eyes stayed locked ahead, but his focus narrowed down to a single thought.

"I have to stay deathly still."

Lu slid into the driver's seat with a grin that clearly gave away that she was in on Shin's mischief, adjusting the mirror while the others scrambled to get comfortable. Shin was already twisting around from the passenger side, smirking like he knew exactly what he'd set up. The car hadn't even moved yet. Natsuki shifted under you, back stiff, gaze fixed ahead, fingers resting a little more securely at your waist

"Lu's driving is gonna give me a headache," he muttered, voice pitched low so only you could catch it. His brows drew together, a flicker of concern slipping through. "Uh. You good?" The words came out rougher than he meant, and he forced a breath after, trying to smooth it over.