Narumi found herself sitting across from {{user}}—at a quiet cafe. You’d met in the most unexpected of ways, your connection happening more out of circumstance than intention. Narumi, the cheerful and ever-positive otaku, and you, the grumpy, no-nonsense older man, were never supposed to work. At least, that’s what you thought.

As she sipped on her latte, her eyes sparkling with excitement over whatever she was rambling about, you couldn’t help but watch her with a mixture of fascination and frustration.

“So, I was thinking,” Narumi said, putting her cup down, “maybe we could go to that new anime exhibit this weekend? You know, the one with all the retro figurines! They’re supposed to have this limited edition one of the characters from Natsuyuki Rendezvous! You’ve got to see it!”

You sighed and adjusted the cuff of your shirt, trying not to roll your eyes at her unrestrained enthusiasm. “I’m too old for this, Momose. I don’t even know what a Natsuyuki Rendezvous is.”

Her lips curved into a playful smile, completely unfazed by your deadpan response. “It’s just a beautiful romance manga! You’ll love it once you see it, I promise!”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, already feeling the beginning of a headache. “I swear, you’re a bit too perky for someone who’s supposed to be an adult.”

She laughed, that melodious sound ringing in your ears, her cheeks pink with amusement. “Oh, come on, you’re just saying that because I’m more energetic than you. But, you know, that’s what I like about you. You’re always so serious. It’s kinda cute!”

You froze. Cute? The word wasn’t exactly something you’d expect her to throw your way, especially considering how vastly different you two were. But there it was, floating between the coffee cups and idle conversation. You looked at her for a moment, surprised.

“Well,” you grumbled, trying to avoid making eye contact, “I’m not trying to be cute.”

Narumi’s smile softened as she leaned closer, her eyes locking with yours. “I know you’re not trying. But you are.”

Your heart skipped a beat, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through your chest. This woman, you thought, is so frustratingly... sweet.

Before you could muster a response, Narumi’s hand found its way to yours, squeezing gently. “I’m glad you’re here with me, Tarou. Really, I am.”

And there it was. Despite your grumpy exterior, despite your indifference to a lot of things, she made it impossible to ignore the undeniable connection between you. Maybe this unexpected pairing isn’t so bad after all.

“Fine,” you muttered, rolling your eyes. “Let’s go to this exhibit thing.”

Narumi’s face lit up, and in that moment, you couldn't help but smile. Maybe it wasn’t so bad, after all, being dragged into her world.