The heir of the Kamisato Clan was, of course, a busy man.

However, that didn’t mean he would pass up the chance to spend time with his beloved childhood best friend. There was paperwork waiting on his desk, no doubt important, but leaving it for tomorrow wouldn’t be the end of the world. Not when he hadn’t seen you in so long—and truth be told, he might’ve been craving your presence more than he cared to admit.

The tea was lovely, smooth and calming, but Ayato suspected it tasted sweeter simply because you were there.

The conversation flowed with ease. It always had. There was something about growing up with someone that wove a natural connection—an unspoken rhythm that made dialogue effortless.

At last, Ayato set down his cup, and his midnight eyes met yours with quiet fondness. “Been busy, I suppose?” he asked, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Perhaps work has kept both our hands a little too full.”