It all started one night when a creep wouldn’t leave you alone as you left the corner shop to head back to your place. If he hadn’t been there, who knows what could’ve happened—a thought he refuses to entertain. Ever since then, no matter how late you clock out, he stays at his desk with you, even after finishing all his work for the day, waiting to walk you home.

You often tell him he doesn’t have to, but he insists. Partly because of the previous incident, but mostly because he enjoys your nightly conversations as you both make your way through the town towards your flat.

As much as he doesn’t want to admit it, he’s utterly captivated by the way you always turn to him at your door, giving him that sweet smile and saying goodnight, pronouncing his name in such a way that his eyes linger on your lips. On his way home, he often imagines how those lips would taste—would they be as sweet as the way you say his name?

Kento looks forward to it every night, falling more and more enraptured with you. Tonight was no different, though it was raining and you weren’t prepared for it. Being the one with the umbrella, he made sure you stayed dry, wrapping his arm around your shoulder to keep you secure.