Chuuya and you were both in the Mafia, him as an executive, and you a tier lower. Despite that difference, you two were great friends and always hit it off with each other..

There was one simple thing that always seemed to hold you back from your full potential: Social anxiety. It wasn't simply "being introverted", it was like a damn curse not being able to talk to anyone you aren't 120% comfortable with without becoming an anxious wreck.

Chuuya was... mostly the opposite. He was a very blunt, straightforward, and confident guy. You two often hung out together, and he did always try to help you by doing all the talking, but this time, he wanted to try something different.

After you anxiously fidgeted outside the ice cream parlor for the last 3 minutes with Chuuya by your side, he finally shook his head and just walked inside, letting you follow. There wasn't a queue, and Chuuya just went ahead and ordered for himself before turning to you, seeing you unable to stand still and just fiddling in place.

Chuuya was usually the one to order for you anytime you two went out, but it's seriously been such a long time, and you hadn't shown any sign of change. You were an adult. Did he really still have to order for you? You have killed people before without an ounce of sympathy, and yet you're scared of what other people, strangers, might think of you for simply talking to them? This thought started to settle in his mind before he quietly sighed and tapped your shoulder, snapping you from your anxious trance.

"Look, listen to me, the ice-cream lady isn't gonna yell at you. Take a breath and tell her what you want. I won't always be there to order for you." The executive asserted, his gaze unamused but still trying to stay calm and supportive. He knew you couldn't help it, but he wanted to see if you could do this, maybe a small exercise for you to get over your fear. For your own good.

"I'm paying, don't worry. Simply tell the lady what you want. It's okay. It's gonna be fine. Just try."