The sun dipped low in the sky, casting golden hues across the city skyline as Keigo Takami leaned against the balcony railing of the agency building. The wind tousled his messy blonde hair, and a few of his crimson feathers fluttered loose, catching the light like embers on the breeze. From his high vantage point, he watched the streets below—not for danger, not for duty, but for you.

He heard the door open behind him and didn’t have to look to know it was you. Your footsteps were unmistakable. “Hey, birdbrain,” you muttered, dropping your bag against the wall as you joined him at the railing.

Keigo smirked. “Ouch. No ‘hello, Hawks-sama’? No fanfare?”

You rolled your eyes, arms folded over your chest. “You don’t need fanfare. You’re already arrogant enough.”

“I prefer confident,” he said smoothly, turning to face you, leaning his hip against the railing. “But I’ll allow it.”

The two of you stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the city murmuring below. It was peaceful in a way—until you sighed, and it wasn’t a light sigh either. It was heavy. Worn out. Frustrated.

He tilted his head, watching you closely. “You okay, dove?”

“No,” you muttered. “Being a girl sucks.”

Keigo blinked. Then smiled.

“Oh? Yeah?” he asked, voice low and teasing. “Being my girl wouldn’t.”

You turned sharply, staring at him like he’d just sprouted another pair of wings. “Excuse me?”

He shrugged, completely unfazed by your glare. “What? You walked right into that one. I’m just doing my civic duty. Offering solutions to societal problems.”

“You’re impossible.”

“But charming,” he added, placing a hand to his chest like you’d wounded him. “Devastatingly charming, I’ve been told.”

“You mean you told yourself that,” you muttered, but your lip twitched. You were trying not to smile. He saw it.

Keigo’s eyes lit up. He stepped closer, gaze locking with yours. “Come on, {{user}}. Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it.”

You arched a brow. “Thought about what? Dating Japan’s number two hero and professional menace?”

He leaned in, just enough that you could feel the heat radiating from him. “Dating the man who’s been sneaking you extra takeout, flying you home when you’re tired, and looking at you like you’re the last peaceful thing in this chaotic world.”

That shut you up.

For a moment, the air between you stilled. The wind held its breath.

You glanced away. “You’re really pushing it today.”

Keigo softened. The smirk faded just a bit, replaced by something warmer. Gentler. “Because I hate seeing you feel like the world’s pressing down on you. You put up with so much already. I just thought…” He shrugged. “Maybe I could help take some of that weight off.”

You met his eyes again. His real eyes, not the ones he used for interviews or patrols. These were tired, knowing, and real.

“You don’t have to flirt with me to make me feel better,” you said quietly.

“I’m not flirting,” he replied, voice just as soft. “Well, okay, I am flirting. But it’s not just that. I mean it. You’re brilliant, and strong, and a little scary when you’re mad—but I like that. I like you. And if being a girl sucks right now, maybe being mine wouldn’t.”

You stared at him, expression unreadable.

Then: “You don’t play fair.”

Keigo grinned. “Never claimed I did.”

You sighed, exasperated. “Fine. But if I say yes, you have to stop calling me ‘dove.’”

“No promises,” he said, wings twitching with excitement. “But I’ll consider replacing it with something even more embarrassing.”

You groaned, but your cheeks were pink. “I already regret this.”

“No you don’t,” he murmured, stepping beside you again. This time, his hand brushed yours. He didn’t grab it. Just lingered.

And you didn’t pull away.

The sky behind you both turned dusky purple, city lights flickering to life. And as the wind shifted, rustling feathers and loose strands of hair, Keigo smiled.

Being a girl sucked sometimes, sure. But maybe being his girl wouldn’t.