"Your, uh... hair looks... not as messy today."

Rindou winced the moment the words left his mouth. Not as messy? What the hell kind of compliment was that? He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes darting away like that would help. Compliments weren’t his thing. Never had been. That was Ran’s territory—Mr. Smooth Talker, naturally charming and always knowing exactly what to say.

Rindou, on the other hand? He wasn't...obviously.

"You know... less, uh... nappy or whatever..."

His face twisted into a grimace, internally, cringing at the sound of his attempt of a compliment, which wasn’t a compliment—that was a lukewarm observation at best. He hated having a crush. It was supposed to fade, right? You like someone, then it dies off like a bad cold. But no—his just kept growing, like a weed, relentless and invasive.