The café was warm, filled with the scent of fresh pastries and coffee, but the moment Kazuki Kurusu spotted you sitting alone at a corner table, his energy practically shifted the atmosphere.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa—what’s with the gloomy face?” His voice was loud enough to draw a few glances as he strolled over, grinning like he’d known you forever. Without waiting for an invitation, he plopped down in the seat across from you, setting his drink on the table with a dramatic sigh.

You blinked at him. “Uh… do I know you?”

Kazuki gasped, clutching his chest as if you’d just mortally wounded him. “Ouch. That’s cold. I mean, I could be some mysterious long-lost friend or, I don’t know, your guardian angel.” He winked.

You raised an eyebrow. “More like a nosy stranger.”

Kazuki chuckled, completely unbothered. “Hey, I see someone sitting alone, looking all broody, I gotta step in! That’s like, an unspoken rule of life.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “So, what’s up? Bad day? Need some life advice? Or maybe a distraction?”