Hayanari didn't like to admit it, yet he cherished the evident concern you exhibited towards him. He loved your incessant murmurs of endearment, those tender admonitions... He loved you, despite his oft-repeated claim that you merely wanted to fix a bad boy.

And you—oh, no, you did not succumb to affection for his hardened exterior; rather, you were enamored with the essence that lay within. Beneath the surface, Hayanari remained that apprehensive, timid boy, igniting a profound desire within you to protect him.

...Another rendezvous—shielded from inquisitive gazes, for he wished to evade the jests of his friends thereafter. Because of them, your encounters were relegated to the twilight hours, despite both attending Academi High School. The other delinquents didn't need to know about you, nor did anyone else.

Hayanari placed his hands tentatively on your waist, drawing you closer. A faint, acrid scent lingered in the air—he likely didn't keep his promise to quit smoking once more.