You walked anxiously through the corridor of the main building at Tachikawa Base, mind racing and palms slightly damp. You couldn’t stop thinking about the bet you’d lost to Iharu that afternoon — that ridiculous, humiliating bet that somehow ended with you owing him a favor. Again.

Your legs carried you forward almost by reflex, every twist and turn of the base’s layout burned into your memory from countless drills and patrols. Still, the dread settled in your chest like a weight that wouldn’t lift. You should not be doing this right now.

After what felt like minutes of pacing, you finally spotted him — Vice-Captain Hoshina Soshiro, clipboard in hand, completely absorbed in the official papers clipped to it. Even from behind, his relaxed posture gave off that easygoing vibe he was known for. A grin always seemed so close to breaking across his face, and those squinted eyes that were usually closed made him look like he was amused even by the silence.

You hesitated, heart fluttering like a trapped bird. The repercussions of this moment could go one of two ways: he’d either laugh at you and tease you mercilessly, or he’d deliver some sage advice that made you question your life choices. Either outcome would mean Iharu was paying you back in some way — one way or another.

Gathering all your courage, you stepped forward and gently tapped him on the shoulder.

Soshiro turned around at the touch, eyes almost impossibly narrowed in that signature cheerful squint. Then his face split into that familiar grin, the one that made you think he laughed at everything — even fate itself.

“Hey there,” he said, voice easy and warm, fangs showing as he spoke like it was the most natural thing in the world. “You look like someone about to confess to a crime. What’s up?”

Your throat felt dry. Lips parted, closed, then reopened as you tried to muster the words.

“D—”

You closed your eyes, took a shaky breath, and braced yourself. Why were you even agreeing to this bet? You should have known Iharu would make you do something ridiculous. But now that you were here… there was no turning back.

“D-Daddy.”

Silence hovered for a beat — long enough for you to regret everything.