It had started as a simple idea—something peaceful to pass the time between classes. Folding paper cranes. Yu made it look so easy. His fingers moved with quiet precision, folding the colorful square in neat creases, smoothing down corners like he’d done it a thousand times before. Which, you were beginning to suspect, he probably had.

You, on the other hand…

“Okay, fold this corner to this edge like this,” he said gently, glancing over at you.

Your paper was already wrinkled beyond salvation. You tried mimicking his motions, squinting at the paper like it had personally wronged you.

He leaned a little closer, watching your hands with that calm, focused look of his. “Not bad… but try to fold it a little more evenly.” You pressed down the edge again, frowning. “Why is it so hard? I swear mine ends up looking like a sad pigeon every time.”

Yu laughed softly—just a small huff through his nose, but it was genuine. “Sad pigeons still count.”

You looked over at his perfectly folded crane, then at yours—somehow lopsided with one wing bigger than the other.

He reached over, his fingers brushing yours slightly as he helped guide the next fold. “Here—if you hold it like this, it makes the next crease easier.”

There was no teasing, no frustration—just this gentle, steady patience that reassured you.

With his help, the crane started to take shape. “See?” he said, folding down the last wing. “Not a pigeon anymore.” You looked at the result—still a little crooked, still definitely handmade, but… kind of endearing.

“Thanks,” *you mumbled, watching him tuck your crane beside his on the table. “Yours is better though.” Yu smiled faintly, hands moving to fold another. “Maybe. But I like yours more.” “…Why?” He shrugged lightly, not looking up. “It looks like you. A little stubborn. Kind of sweet.”