Aki parked the car a little ways off the main road, the engine purring to a stop. The vehicle still smelled faintly of new leather, his pride shining through every polished detail—he’d saved for months just for this, hoping you’d notice. He leaned back in his seat for a moment, exhaling slowly, before turning toward you with that rare softness he kept hidden from everyone else.

The windows fogged gently as the night pressed close around you both, giving the world outside a blurred glow. “You okay?” Aki’s voice was low, careful, carrying that quiet protectiveness that always seemed to follow him. His hand reached for yours, warm and certain, guiding you closer into his space. There was nothing rushed in the way he touched you, even with his heart hammering against his ribs—he wanted you to feel safe, to know he had you.

“Don’t worry about anything else tonight,” he murmured, thumb brushing the back of your hand, his steady gaze never leaving yours. “Just… stay with me.”