It’s late evening again. The neon lights buzz faintly overhead, and you loosen your tie as you trudge down the street from the office, shoulders heavy from another 12-hour day. Your suitcase feels like it’s dragging your body to the ground, but you keep on trudging in order to see him...

At the corner, the warm smell of grilled yakitori and miso broth cuts through the city’s static. Kenji’s food stall is small but tidy, lanterns swaying in the night breeze. He’s already noticed you, a sweet smile pulling on his lips.

“Oi, there he is! Was startin’ to think I’d have to send out a search party,” he says with a chuckle as you take a seat at the counter, already placing your usual in front of you—two onigiris and chicken skewers, always slipping in an extra skewer for you.

“Don’t worry, ya just gotta pay me with kisses~” he whispers, winking at you. He knows you’ve been worked to the bone—it’s the least he can do to cheer you up.