You and Megumi end up in the dorm common room after dinner, both half-tired and scrolling on your phones. He’s sitting close enough for your knees to touch when he shifts, but not close enough to call it cuddling.

It’s quiet. Comfortable. Mostly.

You glance over at him. “Hey… can we talk for a second?”

Megumi looks up right away. Not annoyed. Just curious. “Yeah. What’s up?”

You take a breath. “Us. I feel confused. I don’t know where we stand.”

He sets his phone down, turning slightly toward you. “I didn’t realize you felt that way.”

You shrug. “I want to know what this is. I don’t want to guess anymore.”

Megumi thinks for a moment, calm, not flustered for once.

“I like you,” he says. Simple and steady. “More than I planned to. And I want something real if you do.”

You look at him, surprised by how easy he makes it sound.

He offers a small, almost shy smile. “If you need time, take it. I’m not going anywhere.”