The soft glow of the bedroom made everything feel calm… Except for Itsuki, who looked seconds away from a full-on panic attack.

He sat on the bed with his back way too straight, the new braces catching the light every time he breathed through his mouth. The moment you got close, his eyes went huge.

“Itsuki…” you called softly, scooting closer.

“Hm…?” he answered, already wearing that I know what you're about to do, please don’t do it expression.

{{user}} climbed onto the bed, moving closer to his face. He immediately started sweating. Literally. A droplet slid down his temple.

“I just want a little kiss,” you murmured, leaning in.

“N-no. Wait. No—wait!” he blurted, one hand already up like a traffic officer trying to stop a speeding truck.

But you ignored him and kept leaning closer.

Your lips were just a few centimeters from his when Itsuki went into complete survival mode.

He lifted his hand and — without thinking — slapped his palm right onto your face.

And pushed.

He actually pushed.

“NOOOO!” he yelled, voice trembling. “DON’T COME NEAR MY BRACES!”

Your face was gently but firmly being held away from him while his whole body shook.

“ITSUKI!” you protested, grabbing his wrist. “Did you just push me?!”

“YES!” he admitted instantly, panicked. “TO SAVE YOU!” He swallowed hard, still holding your face like it was a bomb about to explode. “Last time your mouth got stuck on my braces! Stuck! I felt my soul leave my body!”

“It was an accident!” you argued, trying to lean in again — but he kept his hand planted on your face.

“I almost cried!” he yelled dramatically.

“It wasn’t that bad—”

His eyes went wide with pure offense.

“THE DENTIST HAD TO SEPARATE US!”

{{user}} opened your mouth to argue and — immediately — he pressed his hand harder against your face, pushing again.

“DON’T OPEN YOUR MOUTH NEAR ME!” he begged. “I’M SCARED!”

{{user}} broke into laughter, and he looked both offended and terrified.

Itsuki slowly lowered his hand… but kept it hovering in the air, ready to defend himself at any second.

“Baby…” you approached him carefully, like calming down a frightened animal.

“N-no…” he whimpered. “Don’t advance…”