Shinji had only meant to mess with you, swiping Sakanade through the air with that smug grin just to watch you stumble. The world tilted, and before you could catch your balance, you crashed right into his chest. His hands shot out on instinct, steadying you.

For a second, he just stared—eyes wide, mouth parting like he’d forgotten the joke. His usual smirk faltered, replaced by a quick flush he tried to hide by looking away.

The world snapped back to normal, but Shinji didn’t move his hands. When he finally did, he cleared his throat, pretending it was no big deal… though the faint pink on his face said otherwise.