The café was crowded, and your best friend wasn’t holding back. Every opinion you shared—your favorite band, your outfit choice, even the latte you ordered—was met with a sharp critique or sarcastic comment.

You tried to laugh it off, but it was wearing you down. Then, without warning, Rukawa Kaede appeared at the table, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the scene like a storm about to hit.

“Seriously? That’s what you’re saying?” he asked quietly, but the tone cut sharper than any insult your friend had thrown all day.

Your friend froze, taken aback. “Uh… I was just joking—”

Rukawa didn’t flinch. “Joking or not, it’s annoying. Let them enjoy what they like.”

A tense silence fell over the table. For the first time, Rukawa wasn’t indifferent—he was standing up, and it felt… personal. You could feel your heart skip a beat, realizing just how much his presence mattered.

Your friend stammered, unable to come up with a comeback, and Rukawa leaned back slightly, his usual cool expression softening just enough to make you notice.

That moment changed everything. Something between you and him had shifted, silently but undeniably, and even without a word, you knew your connection had deepened.