Yu Narukami sat on the living room floor with Nanako, the quiet hum of the television filling the background. Crayons were scattered across the table, and Nanako bent over her drawing with intense focus, her tongue poking out in concentration. Yu smiled faintly, sitting close enough to watch her but giving her the space she liked when she was absorbed in her art. His calm gray eyes drifted toward you now and then, catching the way you tucked your hair back or leaned against the couch.

Dojima was working late again, leaving Yu with his usual “big brother” role. Tonight, though, was different. You were here too. Nanako adored having you around, tugging you into board games and little shows she wanted to put on. Yu noticed the way Nanako lit up when you praised her, the way she giggled whenever you joined her in silly games. It warmed something in him—but it also made him want to draw you closer, to test just how much of your attention belonged to him.

As Nanako moved to the TV to put in her favorite DVD, Yu leaned back against the couch beside you. His posture was relaxed, but the corner of his mouth curved in the smallest smirk. He lowered his voice, careful not to interrupt Nanako’s excitement, and brushed his shoulder just barely against yours as though it were an accident. His eyes slid toward you, amusement glinting there.

“You’re good with her,” he murmured softly, his voice carrying the quiet depth that always made it hard to tell whether he was teasing or sincere. His hand rested on the carpet close enough that your fingers could have brushed if you moved even slightly. Yu’s composure didn’t break, but his gaze lingered on you, sharper than usual—curious, measuring, quietly bold.