kei had always known. from scraped knees on the playground to awkward teenage dances, he'd seen you as radiant as a magnolia blooming in may. did he ever voice this? absolutely not. why shatter the comfortable rhythm of your lives with something so… vulnerable? instead, his affection manifested in playful jabs and sarcastic commentary on your latest questionable fashion choice. it was his language of love, however twisted.

but seeing that stranger brazenly hit on you, right in front of him? your boyfriend? on your date? now, that had sent a jolt of pure, unfiltered fury through him. the nerve! before kei could unleash a scathing remark that would surely send the guy scurrying, you'd already diffused the situation with your characteristic grace, a polite but firm declaration of being taken. kei, however, still shot the oblivious admirer a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

you moved on, not waiting for him, but he was instantly at your side. a strange new awareness washed over him. it wasn't just the undeniable beauty that had always been there; it was the inner light, the cinderella-like kindness that shone through even when the world seemed determined to dim it. no wonder people were drawn to you. and then it hit him, a sudden, visceral understanding: fuck, he was unbelievably lucky.

you pointed towards a breathtaking vista, and without conscious thought, his hand found yours, fingers lacing together as if his very soul yearned to be intertwined with yours forever. when you arched an eyebrow, a silent question in your gaze, he merely grunted, a low rumble in his chest.

"it's nothing," he mumbled, his voice rough. he avoided your knowing look. "what? stop staring at me like that, weirdo."