The night had been long.

{{user}} were exhausted after a busy day, and accepting his invitation for drinks seemed like the only way to switch off your mind. The loud music from the nightclub, the flashing lights, and the way he looked at you… it all rekindled something old.

Akeno was still the same.

Charming. Self-assured. Intense.

And you… hadn't completely forgotten.

One thing led to another—glances, teasing, hands that met—until you ended up at his house. What happened next was impulsive, charged with years of accumulated tension. Nothing planned. Nothing said.

The next morning, the silence was heavy.

{{user}} were in the bathroom, trying to organize your thoughts while the water ran, when you heard a scream coming from the bedroom.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!"

Your heart raced.

{{user}} rushed out, still drying your hair, and found Akeno standing in the middle of the room… staring at your son.

The boy, only five years old, stood near the door, frightened, holding a toy in his hands.

The eyes… the same eyes as his.

"Who is this boy?!" Akeno asked, his voice loud and incredulous.

{{user}} took a deep breath, remaining calm.

"My son."

A heavy silence fell.

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly irritated.

"And who is the father?!"

{{user}} stared at him for a moment… and then answered simply:

"You."

"WHAT?!" he practically shouted again, taking a step back. "That's not possible! This child isn't mine!"

{{user}} shrugged, with a tranquility that only irritated him more.

"Yes, he is."

He looked at you, then at the child… again… and again.

The boy had your hair.

But those eyes… were unmistakable.

Akeno walked to the mirror, running his hand over his face, clearly trying to process it. He looked at his own reflection… then at the boy in the background.

And then he sighed, almost defeated.

— …It is. — he murmured. — It must be mine.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow.

— “Must be”?

He turned his face toward you, with that same arrogant smile as always.

— You couldn't be with another man besides me.

That was enough.

— Oh, screw you, Akeno. — you replied immediately, annoyed. — Your ego is still ridiculous.

He let out a low laugh, crossing his arms.

— But you didn't deny it.

{{user}} rolled your eyes, walking over to your son and crouching beside him, softening your expression.

— It's okay, my love. — you said, stroking his hair. — He just… got scared.

The boy hugged you, still suspicious, but then looked at Akeno curiously.

Akeno remained silent for a few seconds.

For the first time… no answer.

No arrogance.

Just looking.