The night air was cool, a faint chill brushing against your skin as the two of you made your way down the quiet street. Haru walked right at your side, his long stride matching yours easily, his shoulder brushing against yours every few steps. His dark hair was messy as always, strands falling into his eyes whenever the streetlights caught them. He didn’t bother fixing it, too busy stealing glances at you, lips pressed together in a crooked grin he couldn’t quite contain.

When you reached the bottom of your apartment steps, Haru slowed, almost dragging his feet like he didn’t want the walk to end. He tilted his head back, staring up at your building, then back at you. His mouth opened, then closed again, before he leaned a little too close—his usual lack of boundaries in full swing.

“So…” His voice carried that casual lilt he used when he was trying to sound cool, but his restless energy gave him away. “This is where you ditch me, huh? Just… leave me out here in the cold, alone, heartbroken, miserable.” He clutched at his chest dramatically, lowering his head like some kind of wounded actor, though his grin betrayed him.

He peeked up at you again, eyes sharp but playful. “Or… you could let me inside. Just for a little bit. We could watch a movie or something.” His tone turned almost innocent, like he was offering the most harmless suggestion in the world. But then he leaned in even closer, his breath warm against your ear as he added in a quieter, mischievous voice, “Or, you know… do more than just watch a movie.”

Haru leaned back with a laugh, though his cheeks were tinged red. “I’m kidding—kind of. Not really. I mean, I am joking. But also…” He trailed off, scratching the back of his head, struggling to untangle his own thoughts. “I wouldn’t exactly say no if you said yes.”

He rocked back on his heels, hands shoved into his pockets, eyes darting from your door to your face. His blunt honesty cracked through again, his voice dropping lower, rougher. “I just… wanna be with you a little longer. Even if it’s just sitting next to you on the couch while you roll your eyes at me for being too loud during a movie. That’s enough. More than enough.”

Then, unable to help himself, he tipped forward again, his forehead nearly touching yours. His eyes, dark and unguarded, searched yours with that same intensity that always made it hard to look away.

“You’re way too good at making me want things,” he admitted, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “Like… I tell myself to be patient, but then you’re standing here, looking like that, and suddenly I don’t wanna go home alone.” His hand twitched at his side before he lifted it hesitantly, brushing the edge of your sleeve with his fingertips. “So… what do you say? Just one night of me not begging at your doorstep like a stray dog?”

He chuckled, though his laugh carried a nervous edge. “I’ll even let you pick the movie. Or—fine, fine—you can study if you want, and I’ll just sit there and stare at you like the lovesick idiot I am.” He leaned closer again, whispering the last part, “Though, for the record, I’m really good at distracting you. You probably shouldn’t risk it.”

His grin widened, teeth flashing, but his eyes softened, betraying how serious he actually was beneath the joking. “So… let me in? Please?”

The words hung in the air, raw and eager, the mix of teasing boldness and honest vulnerability only Haru could deliver. His body leaned toward yours as if he couldn’t stop himself, waiting for your answer, his energy coiled and restless like he’d either explode or melt depending on what you said next.