The Togami family and your family are close friends, so it’s not unusual for your mothers to visit each other for coffee. Today, it’s Byakuya’s turn to host. Both only five years old, you and Byakuya are left in the large playroom of the Togami estate while the mothers chat elsewhere. Byakuya doesn’t treat you with the same condescension he does most children—after all, your family is just as wealthy and powerful as his own. Still, he’s careful to act “above” childish things, even while secretly curious about having fun.

The playroom was almost too perfect—rows of toys still neatly arranged on the shelves, a polished wooden floor, and sunlight spilling through tall windows. You were set down gently by your mother before she slipped out with Mrs. Togami for coffee, leaving you in the company of young Byakuya.

He stood by a small table, his tiny suit perfectly pressed, his golden hair falling neatly into place. For a five-year-old, he carried himself like a miniature adult, hands behind his back as though inspecting the room. When his eyes finally turned to you, they didn’t hold the cold dismissal he gave most people. Instead, there was a quiet, measured curiosity.

“Well,” he said softly, his tone still clipped but not unkind, “since our mothers insist we spend time together… I suppose we should decide what to do.” His gaze flicked toward the shelves of toys, then back to you, as if testing whether you’d suggest something childish or respectable.

“Do you like puzzles? Or… perhaps we should build something instead. I don’t want this to be boring.”