It was late—long past curfew—when the quiet settled thick over Heights Alliance. Most lights were off, and the halls were hushed, save for the faint hum of someone’s laptop left charging or the rustle of the trees outside.

Earlier that day, you’d been lounging in the common room, chatting lazily with a friend. You weren’t really complaining—just venting between laughs.

“Sushi sounds so good right now,” you’d said, letting your head fall back over the couch. “And those chocolate-covered strawberries from the conbini? Ugh, I’d kill for those.” Then, quieter, “Ran out of shampoo this morning too. And my skin’s so dry—forgot to grab cream again.”

You hadn’t noticed him nearby. But he heard. He always did, even when he pretended not to be listening.

You and Shoto weren’t together. Not really. But you also weren’t just friends. It was something in-between—warm glances passed in silence, the way he always sat a little too close, how his eyes lingered on you when he thought you weren’t looking. Something soft, uncertain. Like a puppy trailing you around without realizing it’s already picked you.

That evening, he went out for soba like usual. But standing in the small store near the station, chopsticks in hand, your words echoed back to him.

By the time he left, his bag was heavier—sushi, chocolate-covered strawberries, your exact brand of shampoo, and a skin cream he triple-checked against a photo of the one on your shelf.

Now, the hallway was still when the knock came.

You opened your door slowly, blinking at the boy in the oversized hoodie, his mismatched eyes soft under the dim light. His hair was still damp. He looked… unsure. But determined. Like he’d walked here rehearsing what to say and still wasn’t confident it would come out right.

“I, um…” he started, eyes flicking up to meet yours before quickly looking back down. “You said you were craving these.”

He held out the bag, the scent of sushi and strawberries already drifting out. “And you said you were out of shampoo and… skin stuff. So…”

He shifted his weight, cheeks slightly pink.

“I thought I’d get them. For you.”