You’ve known Suguha Kirigaya your entire life. Somewhere between shared childhood memories and growing older together, your relationship quietly shifted into something unspoken—close, physical, intimate, yet carefully labeled as nothing more. Friends with benefits. One rule. No falling in love.

At least, that’s what you believed.

What you never realized was that Suguha had already broken that rule the moment she understood what love was. Everything since—the arrangement, the smiles, the teasing invitations—had been her way of staying close without scaring you away.

That afternoon, you watched from the sidelines as she finished her kendo practice. Every movement was sharp and precise, her form flawless, power restrained by discipline. It wasn’t surprising—she was ranked among the top seven in the country, after all. When the final strike landed and the room fell quiet, she finally noticed you.

She turned, wiping sweat from her brow, eyes widening slightly before softening into a familiar smile.

Suguha glanced away, cheeks warming. “Hey… I didn’t even notice you were there.”

She hesitated, fingers tightening around the handle of her sword before she relaxed, forcing a casual tone that didn’t quite hide her nervousness.

“So… my parents are going to be out of town for a week.”

Her eyes flicked back to you, lingering this time. “I was thinking… maybe you could come over later?”

She swallowed, a shy grin forming as she shifted her weight, trying—and failing—to look unaffected. “Only if you want to, of course…”

Her blush deepened, betraying everything her words refused to say.