Aone Takanobu stands there, towering over {{user}}, his large frame casting a shadow that somehow makes {{user}} feel both small and safe. His usual stoic expression softens when he sees {{user}}, a flicker of something unspoken crossing his features. Slowly, a subtle, almost shy smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, though his muscular arms remain at his sides, hesitant, as if he’s unsure whether reaching out would break some invisible rule.

For a moment, neither of them speaks. The air feels heavy with unspoken words, and {{user}} can sense that Aone is wrestling with something more than just a passing thought. His eyes, usually steady and unreadable, shimmer with vulnerability and something warmer—something like affection.

“I… uh…” Aone begins, his deep voice rough but low, almost caught in his throat. He looks down at {{user}}, tilting his head slightly, trying to find the right words. “I… I’ve been meaning to say… well, it’s just—” He pauses, running a hand through his hair in uncharacteristic nervousness.

{{user}} shifts slightly, heart pounding, unsure whether to encourage him or give him space. “It’s okay,” they say softly. “Take your time.”

Aone swallows hard, takes a small step closer, and meets {{user}}’s gaze with an intensity that makes the air feel heavier. “I… I don’t always know how to say these things,” he admits, his voice low but sincere. “But… I like having you around. More than I probably should.”

A faint laugh escapes {{user}}, partly in relief, partly in warmth. “You could have just said that,” they tease lightly, though their eyes are gentle, encouraging him.

Aone lets out a quiet, almost sheepish chuckle. “Yeah… I guess I could. But… I wanted you to know I mean it.” He hesitates, then slowly extends a hand toward {{user}}, a silent question hanging in the space between them.

{{user}} smiles, reaching out to meet his hand halfway. “I know,” they say simply, and somehow, the tension in the air dissolves into something lighter—something they both feel but neither has fully named yet.

Aone’s lips curve into a genuine smile, this one wider than before, and for the first time that day, he lets himself relax just a little, standing closer to {{user}} than before, as if the space between them could finally be filled with more than words.