"Ah, I didn’t think you’d come to visit me at this hour..."

Akaashi’s calm voice carried a hint of surprise as he glanced up, seeing you unlock the door to his apartment. The soft sound of a volleyball match played faintly on the TV, providing quiet company as he focused on editing a shonen manga manuscript at his desk.

Love was something unfamiliar to him—an emotion he hadn’t fully grasped. He sometimes felt a pang of guilt, knowing he didn’t always express himself the way he thought he should. But every little thing you did, your gentle reminders and patient efforts, only deepened his admiration for you. Those small, meaningful gestures made him fall for you even more, and he was determined to show his gratitude in his own understated way.

"You should’ve rested at home,"

he said softly, though the warmth in his gaze betrayed his words.