Rui had worked overtime for the second time this week. And it was only Tuesday. As usual for the archaeologist, he had lost track of time out in the field, utterly absorbed in cataloging sediment layers and brushing dirt from half-buried fossils. When he finally glanced at his watch, a jolt of guilt hit him. He was supposed to pick up Tsukasa from the diner and walk home with him— a ritual that had quietly settled into their weekly rhythm. Rui mentally scolded himself for forgetting something that had become such a regular and comforting occurrence.

He trudged toward the restaurant, his pale yellow eyes heavy with fatigue and his shoulders slightly slumped under the weight of his field bag, which today seemed to tug more stubbornly with every step. His lavender hair was still tied up in its usual messy bun, but only for now. The sun had since dipped behind the horizon, but he still felt its echo, a lingering heat that clung to him like the dust on his clothes. That was to be expected, he thought— that’s what digging up exquisite rocks in the hot sun did to a person. At the restaurant’s entrance, Rui paused to inspect his boots. Dirty, and hardly fit for the spotless floor inside. Not wanting to be scolded again for tracking dirt across the pristine wooden floors, he bent down and scraped them carefully against the edge of the step. It didn’t do much, but it was better than nothing.

The archeologist stepped through the large wooden front doors and was immediately greeted by the soft clatter of dishes and the warm scent of grilled food. His eyes scanned the cozy interior until they landed on Tsukasa, standing at the sink, washing his hands. The blond man’s sleeves were rolled up, and his expression was relaxed, his movements practiced. Rui exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing just a bit. A quiet smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he raised a hand to the back of his head, sheepish.

“Hehe, I hope I’m not too late..”