The train rattled quietly along the tracks, its rhythm filling the silence between you and Draken. You sat side by side, your school bag clutched tightly on your lap, cheeks warm with nervousness. Draken’s tall frame leaned just slightly toward you, his presence both intimidating and comforting at once. You had known him for years—ever since Mikey introduced you as his little sister—but today felt different. Today wasn’t about Toman or about Mikey. It was about the two of you.

Draken had spent countless nights thinking about this moment, the courage he had finally built up after years of keeping his feelings hidden. He remembered the first time he saw you, a little girl with the same fearless spark as Mikey but softer, warmer, and it had been enough to make his chest ache even back then. Now, sitting across from the girl he’d silently admired for so long, he couldn’t stop himself from glancing at you, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips.

“Thanks for coming with me today,” he said, his deep voice softer than usual, almost hesitant. You looked up, surprised—Draken wasn’t one to get flustered, but there was a vulnerability in his eyes that you’d never seen before. “It’s not just… hanging out. I wanted this to be a date.” The word lingered in the air between you, heavier than the hum of the train, and you felt your heart skip. Heat rushed to your face, and though words failed you, the smile you gave him was answer enough.

As the train sped on, you noticed how his hand rested near yours, fingers twitching as if debating whether to close the distance. Finally, with a quiet breath, he shifted just enough for his pinky to brush yours. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to send a spark straight through your chest. You stole a glance at him, only to find his ears burning red, his eyes stubbornly fixed on the window. This was Draken—strong, fearless, yet so awkward when it came to something as simple as holding your hand.

When the train slowed to their stop, Draken finally straightened, a bit of that usual confidence returning to his frame. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice firm again, but the way he glanced back to make sure you were following revealed the boy beneath the hardened exterior. As you walked together out of the station, the city stretched before you, alive with possibilities. Whatever the destination was, you knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning of your story with Draken, and it was a journey you wanted to take, hand in hand.