Kei – Kizaki
I didn't usually enjoy shopping, but my supplies were running low. Clothes, groceries—just the essentials. I navigated through the shopping center with little thought, focused only on getting what I needed and leaving as soon as possible.
Reaching the egg section, I extended my hand toward a tray—
Only for another hand to reach for it at the exact same time.
A soft, delicate hand.
My fingers barely brushed against it, but I could feel warmth radiating from her skin.
My gaze lifted, and my eyes met hers.
Suzuki-san.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
The air between us shifted, growing heavier.
I wasn't sure what it was—this unspoken tension that settled between us. Her eyes, wide with surprise, held something else, something unreadable. My own breath slowed as I found myself unable to look away.
Our hands remained where they were, neither of us letting go of the tray.
Seconds passed—long, stretched-out seconds where everything else around us faded.
Then, almost simultaneously, we both withdrew our hands, stepping back.
"You can take it," I muttered, looking away, rubbing the back of my neck.
"No, you can have it," she countered, just as flustered.
We awkwardly gestured toward the eggs, each insisting the other take them, before finally settling on the most ridiculous compromise—I picked up a different tray, and so did she, both avoiding eye contact like teenagers caught in something they couldn't explain.
Even as I moved on to the next aisle, I could still feel the lingering warmth on my fingertips.
What the hell was that?
-Miya Suzuki-
As I watched Kei walk away, I hesitated before instinctively following him. I wasn't sure why—maybe it was because we had already run into each other, or maybe it was just… easier being around him.
I clutched my shopping basket, still replaying that brief moment at the egg section. Our hands touching, the way our eyes locked—it was such a small thing, but it left a strange warmth lingering in my chest.
Before I could stop myself, I called out, "Kizaki-kun"
He slowed his steps and turned slightly, his sharp eyes settling on me with that unreadable expression he always wore.
I hesitated, suddenly aware of how stupid I might sound, but I still said, "Since we're both shopping, we might as well finish together."
Kei raised a brow slightly before giving a small shrug. "Hmm Okay."
That was typical of him—no resistance, no enthusiasm, just an easy acceptance of whatever happened.
We continued walking through the aisles, picking out our groceries in comfortable silence. Every now and then, I caught Kei glancing at my basket with mild disapproval, as if silently judging my choices. I ignored him.
As we reached the checkout, Kei suddenly spoke, his tone casual but firm. "You hungry?"
I blinked up at him. "Huh?"
He exhaled slightly, shifting his bag to his other hand. "There's a good ramen shop nearby. Let's eat."
I hesitated for a second, but before I could overthink it, my stomach betrayed me with a small growl.
Kei smirked, clearly amused.
Flushing, I quickly nodded. "Yeah… ramen sounds good."
—
The ramen shop was warm and lively, the rich aroma of broth filling the air. As soon as our bowls arrived, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the taste.
Kei, who had been calmly stirring his noodles, watched me with mild amusement. "Did you even breathe?"
I swallowed quickly and shot him a look. "I just really love ramen, okay?"
Kei gave a small smirk. "Noted."
We ate in a comfortable rhythm, chatting here and there. I didn't expect it, but Kei actually threw in a few dry jokes that made me laugh—really laugh—in a way I hadn't in a long time.
As I wiped away a stray tear from laughing too hard, I thought to myself—this is the truest laugh I've had in a while.
Kei noticed me staring and raised a brow. "What?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, shaking my head.
—
After eating, we walked home together. The night air was cool, the streets quieter now.
Kei stretches his hand toward the sky "Shopping and eating with someone is so much fun" he uttered
"It was fun for me too" I replied
When we reached our apartment complex, we both slowed our steps.
"Thanks for dinner," I said softly, adjusting my shopping bag.
Kei gave a small nod, his tone as effortless as always. "Yeah. Get some rest."
I stepped inside my unit, closing the door behind me, but I could still feel the warmth of our time together lingering in my chest.
I wasn't sure what this feeling was… but for the first time in a long time, I felt lighter.
-Miya - Suzuki
After settling into my apartment, I found myself unable to shake off the lingering warmth from earlier. Even as the evening crept in, Kei's easy smile and his dry humor played over and over in my mind.
Without thinking much about it, I found myself in the kitchen.
I chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and seasoned dishes, letting my hands work while my thoughts wandered. Before I knew it, I had made way too much food for just myself.
I stared down at the spread on the counter—steaming bowls of miso soup, grilled fish, and a platter of stir-fried vegetables.
My mind wandered back to Kizaki-kun
The least I could do was return the favor for the ramen he treated me to.
Without hesitating, I packed some of the food into containers, grabbed my courage, and made my way to his apartment.
Standing in front of his door, I hesitated for a moment before finally pressing the doorbell.
A soft chime echoed from inside.
I shifted the container in my hands, my pulse picking up slightly as I heard footsteps approaching.
The door swung open, and there he was—Kizaki-kun.
His dark eyes flickered with mild surprise as he took in the sight of me standing at his doorstep. "Suzuki-san?"
I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the sudden awkwardness. "I, uh… made too much food," I said, holding up the container. "Thought you might want some."
Kizaki-kun's gaze moved from me to the food, then back again. His expression remained unreadable, but after a short pause, he stepped aside and gestured me in.
"Come in," he said simply.
I stepped inside his apartment, the familiar scent of him lingering in the air—something cool and crisp, like the ocean breeze at night.
As I placed the containers on his dining table, I heard him lean against the wall behind me.
"I'll accept this," he said, his tone as nonchalant as ever, "but only if we eat it together."
I blinked, slightly caught off guard, but a warm feeling settled in my chest.
"Deal," I said, smiling.
We settled at the small dining table, the soft glow of the kitchen light casting gentle shadows around us.
I watched as Kizaki-kun opened the containers,I watch his movements steady with precision
"Didn't expect you to be the type to cook," he remarked after taking his first bite.
I let out a small chuckle, picking at my own food. "Didn't expect you to eat something homemade without hesitation."
He lifted his gaze slightly, an almost imperceptible smirk playing on his lips. "It's not bad."
A quiet laugh escaped me before I could stop it, and for a brief moment, our eyes met.
We happily chatted and fed off each other excitement
Kizaki-kun was always reserved, his face rarely giving anything away, but in that moment, I saw something—something soft, something almost warm.
The clinking of chopsticks, the quiet hum of the city outside—it was all so simple. Yet, I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed like this.
Had felt this at ease with someone.
As we finished our meal, a strange sense of comfort settled over me.
Maybe it was the food, or maybe… it was him.