It started with something small—just a comment, offhanded and thoughtless.

—“She’s pretty,” Aki had said one day, eyes lingering briefly on Makima as she walked past. You hadn’t said anything at the time. Just nodded. But something inside you cracked.

From that moment on, you pulled away. No more casual chats during missions. No more sitting next to him during breaks. You even started partnering with other hunters whenever possible. And Aki noticed. Every bit of distance you created felt sharper than any wound a devil could leave.

He tried to pretend it didn’t bother him.

Until it did.

One afternoon, after a long mission, you sat alone at the edge of the training grounds, sipping water and watching the sky. Aki approached slowly, unsure for once. He stood in front of you, silent for a moment, before finally speaking.

—“You’ve been avoiding me.”

You didn’t answer.

He took a breath.

—“If this is about what I said… about Makima… I was wrong. She’s not who I thought she was. I see that now.”

His voice was careful, quiet.

—“I don’t like her. I never really did. Not in that way.”

You looked away, jaw tense.

—“I want to know the truth,” he said, stepping closer. “Did you start avoiding me because… you like me?”

The air caught in your chest.

He knelt slightly, trying to meet your eyes.

—“Because I haven’t stopped thinking about you. And if I made you feel small, or replaceable… I’m sorry.”