The monastery smelled faintly of incense and smoke, but tonight it was drowned out by the chaos in the kitchen. Pots clattered, Rin and Yukio’s voices overlapping in a familiar argument. You leaned in the doorway, arms folded, watching them bicker.

“Rin, you can’t dump the whole jar of chili flakes in!” Yukio snapped.

Rin scoffed, waving a spoon. “Spicy’s good! Bon likes it that way!”

Your stomach dropped at his name. Just hours ago, Bon had kissed you quick and rough against the window frame, the memory still burning on your lips. You cleared your throat. “Maybe let someone else cook before you set off the smoke alarm again?”

“Traitor,” Rin muttered.

Shiemi walked in with herbs, Bon right behind her carrying groceries. His presence tugged at you instantly—broad shoulders, sharp eyes, the weight of him filling the space. He dumped the bags down, grumbling about Rin’s shopping. His gaze flicked to you, brief but enough to make your chest tighten.

You ducked to help Shiemi unpack, pretending not to notice. Keeping this secret was exhausting, but what else could you do? You were Rin and Yukio’s sister. Their best friend dating you would be… an explosion.

“Hand me that knife,” Bon muttered at your side.

“You could say please.”

“Don’t push it.” But the corner of his mouth twitched, and when his hand brushed yours taking the blade, heat shot through you.

Dinner was loud, Rin laughing too hard, Yukio sighing into his food. You barely heard any of it. Once, you caught Bon staring across the table, chopsticks frozen in his hand, and fumbled your own in return.

Later, when the others were busy, you slipped outside. The night was cool, cicadas humming. Bon leaned against the gate, arms crossed, watching you.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said.

You smirked. “And miss the chance to breathe without Rin shouting? No thanks.”

He stepped closer, eyes sharp in the moonlight. “You’re reckless.”

“And you’re overbearing,” you shot back, softer than you meant.

Silence stretched between you. His jaw worked like he was holding something back. “It’s getting harder to pretend,” he muttered finally. “Like I don’t—” He stopped, frustrated.

Your heart thudded. “Bon…”

If Rin or Yukio came out, everything would be over. But you let yourself brush your hand against his in the shadows.

“We’ll figure it out,” you whispered, not sure if it was a promise or a prayer.

His fingers closed around yours, steady and warm. “We better. Because I’m not letting you go.”

And in that stolen moment, you almost believed the world would let you keep him.