The air is thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and rain, the dim glow of streetlights barely cutting through the night. Aki stands near the window, back turned to you, exhaling a slow drag from his cigarette.

"You shouldn't be here." His voice is calm, but there’s tension beneath it.

"And you shouldn't keep acting like this doesn't exist," you snap, crossing your arms. “Why is it always a secret? Why do I have to pretend nothing's happening between us?"

He doesn’t answer right away. Just flicks the ash from his cigarette, watching as it fades into the darkness outside. Finally, he speaks—soft, but firm.

"Because if they find out, it puts you in danger."

"And what about me?" You step closer, forcing him to face you. "Do I get a say in this? Or am I just supposed to be your secret forever?"

His jaw tightens. You can see it in his eyes—he wants to say something, maybe even admit that he hates this as much as you do. But instead, he exhales, flicking his cigarette into the ashtray. “This is how it has to be." But the way he looks at you says otherwise.