Snowball fights had always been Kaku’s idea of fun, but this time it was different. You’d both been chasing each other through the snow, laughter echoing in the crisp winter air. Just as you ducked to avoid his latest throw, Kaku, ever the playful one, tripped on a hidden patch of ice. The next thing you knew, he’d tumbled forward, landing in an awkward heap above you. His nose grazed your cheek as he froze in place, his cheeks reddening as he scrambled to apologise.

“Ah! I—uh—sorry! Are you all right?!” His flustered expression was so unlike his usual playful confidence that you couldn’t help but laugh, much to his embarrassment.