Higuruma has always been a serious man, never raising his voice when unnecessary. But oh, you always managed to get under his skin, somehow. That defiance of yours, always thinking you’re better than anyone else. It drove him crazy.

The tension in the courtroom is obvious, but not because of the case. Because of the two lawyers standing across from each other.

You and Higuruma. Opposing counsel.

You lean against your desk while the judge reviews some documents, spinning your pen between your fingers. Across the aisle, Higuruma adjusts his tie, trying very hard not to look at you.

“You knew I was taking this case,” he says quietly.

Your smile is immediate. “And you still took the other side.”

“You’re defending a man who clearly—”

“Oh?” you interrupt him and your eyes flick up to meet his. “Already arguing before the trial even resumes?”

His jaw tightens slightly, a nerve twitching. “You know what I mean.” His head starts feeling heavier. The pressure of this case is too much, and your gaze doesn’t help.

You tilt your head, hair slipping over your shoulder. “Do I?”

A few people in the courtroom glance between you two. The judge sighs quietly from the bench. “Counselors.”

You straighten slightly, professional once again. “Of course, Your Honor.” You say, like nothing happened.

Then you glance back at Higuruma again, just for a second. He exhales slowly through his nose and fixes his glasses. “You’re doing this on purpose.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

A pause. Then Higuruma leans slightly closer across the aisle, lowering his voice so only you hear. “You enjoy being a problem.”

The trial resumes, arguments fly, objections are made.

But every time you stand to speak Higuruma is already watching, like he’s waiting to see what trouble you’ll cause next. How can someone so beautiful be so difficult?