The afternoon sun streamed through the park’s trees, casting dappled shadows on the pavement as you sat on a bench, flipping through your sketchbook. You were so engrossed in the lines you were drawing that you didn’t notice someone standing nearby until a shadow fell over your page.

Looking up, you found Souya Kawata staring down at your sketchbook, his brows furrowed as always. He wasn’t saying anything, just… observing. You weren’t sure if it was judgment or curiosity.

“Uh, hi?” you said awkwardly, lowering your pencil.

Souya blinked, realizing he’d been caught staring. He looked away, scratching the back of his neck. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—uh, interrupt.”