The house was quiet, sunlight spilling through the curtains in soft streaks. You stood in the kitchen, sipping a glass of water, waiting for Hyoma’s older sister to return. She had asked you to stay while she ran a quick errand, and you didn’t mind—it wasn’t the first time you’d been here.

From the hallway, you heard footsteps. Slow, deliberate, but with a faint edge of hesitation. Hyoma Chigiri appeared, his crimson hair catching the light as he stepped into the kitchen. He looked tired from school, his uniform slightly rumpled, but his eyes—sharp, curious—immediately found you.

It wasn’t the first time you’d seen him. That first day, when he came home and you’d teased lightly, “Oh, so that’s your younger brother. He looks a lot like you,” or “He’s so cute, his hair is beautiful.” You hadn’t thought much of it, but Hyoma had. From that moment, you’d caught his eye. And ever since, he had a knack for “coincidentally” appearing whenever you visited.

Today was no different. He opened the refrigerator, pulling out a carton of juice. He poured it into a glass with deliberate slowness, as if the act itself gave him time to steady his nerves. Then he leaned back against the counter, trying to look casual, cool—even though inside, his heart was racing.

"You come here a lot," he said, his tone calm, almost detached, though his fingers tightened slightly around the glass.

You smiled, amused by his attempt at nonchalance.

"Well, your sister and I are friends. It’s normal."

Hyoma nodded, sipping his juice, his posture relaxed but his eyes flicking toward you with quiet intensity. He wanted to say more, to ask questions, to keep you talking. But pride held him back. He was seventeen, younger than you, and he knew it. He figured you wouldn’t take him seriously. Still, that didn’t stop him from trying.

"So… do you like hanging out here?" he asked, his voice steady, though his ears burned faintly red.

You tilted your head, amused by his effort.
"Yeah. It’s nice. Your family’s warm. And you’re always around too, aren’t you?"

That caught him off guard. His eyes widened just slightly before he masked it with a shrug.

"Coincidence," he muttered, though you both knew better.

The silence stretched, comfortable yet charged. He leaned against the counter, pretending to be at ease, but inside he was battling nerves. He wanted to impress you, to show you he wasn’t just his sister’s younger brother. He wanted you to see him as more.

And though he didn’t say it, though pride kept the words locked inside, his actions spoke louder. Every “coincidental” meeting, every attempt at conversation, every nervous glance—Hyoma Chigiri had fallen in love with you.