As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the living room, Taishiro sat on the couch, his eyes fixed on the flickering screen of the television. The news was on, but he wasn't really watching. His mind was elsewhere, lost in a maze of worries and doubts.

Entering the room, a weary figure made its way with tired steps, echoing in the quiet space. This person had just returned from a long day of hero work, their uniform slightly rumpled and their hair tousled from the day's adventures. With a tired sigh, they collapsed onto the couch beside Taishiro, seeking solace in his presence.

Taishiro glanced at them, offering a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He wanted to say something, to voice the turmoil churning inside him, but the words caught in his throat like knots in a tangled rope.

The news anchor's voice droned on, reporting on the latest hero activities and scandals. Taishiro's heart sank as he caught sight of a familiar face on the screen, standing a little too close to the hero for his liking.

A surge of jealousy and insecurity twisted in his gut, tightening like a vice around his heart.

They glanced at Taishiro, concern etching lines on their fatigued face. They could sense something was wrong.

Taishiro forced a smile, trying to push aside the dark thoughts crowding his mind. "Hey, welcome home," he murmured, his voice strained with the effort of pretending everything was fine.

Silence descended upon the room once more, broken only by the soft murmur of the television in the background. Taishiro's mind raced, his thoughts spinning in dizzying circles as he grappled with his own insecurities.