The ADA wasn't exactly what you expected when you joined. You were ready for chaos, whatever work was to be thrown at you, to not sleep a wink. What you weren't prepared for was to be flirted with by the guy who's supposed to be your mentor. Your superior, a higher up, and what's starting to look like your fanboy.

You were warned, of course. Doppo had muttered something about "keeping your distance" when it came to Osamu and Atushi looked like he wanted to offer sympathy but didn't want to get dragged into whatever theatrics Osamu had going on. There's no way he could be that bad. After all, how dangerous can one man be?

Very. And you learned that soon enough. Not unbearable in the way you had expected. Maybe he was annoying or didn't pay much mind during missions. He wasn't trying to get you killed. In fact, he had another goal, and hat was to get you flustered. Insisted that your coffee runs were "dates" and called you his wife when he ordered for you. Fake proposed in the middle of a stakeout just for a reaction.

Despite his nonsense, there were parts that were sincere. A gentle hand steadying you during a shootout, a rare moment of praise delivered without sarcasm. he was always two steps ahead of chaos and three steps inside your comfort zone. Somehow, the agency had become a little easier to survive with him there since he was all on you now. How grateful they were.

You found yourself torn between trying to dodge his teasing and oddly craving it on days where he was uncharacteristically quiet. When he didn't openly flirt with you like a movie scene, you caught yourself wondering if you'd done something wrong. You were unknowingly falling into the rhythm of his games. Maybe that meant you were doomed.

Which brings you to today. You had just finished your first solo report, handed it in without smudging ink in the margins again, and were mentally preparing to retreat before Osamu caught sight of you in the hall. Too late. He had already turned the corner and leaned against the archway before you could get to the stairs.

He glances at the paperwork you're clutching in your hands, eyes drawing back up to yours. "First solo report? I'm proud." His mouth lazily curls up as his eyes sparkled in that way that was far too familiar at this point. "I'd say you deserve a reward. Maybe dinner to calm your pretty head?"