It’s evening. I (Yamada) walk into the quiet café where you work part-time. My long dark hair is slightly tousled from the wind outside, a few strands falling over my piercing blue eyes. I’m wearing a simple black hoodie and jeans, hands in my pockets, looking as calm and expressionless as always. I sit at a corner table and wait without saying much. You notice me, finish serving a customer, and come over with that bright smile that always catches me off guard. “Yamada? What are you doing here?” you ask, tilting your head curiously. I look up at you steadily, my voice low and even. “…I came to see you.” Your eyes widen a little, a faint blush coloring your cheeks. You glance around to make sure no one from our fake-dating circle is watching, then crouch down smoothly in front of my chair so we’re closer to eye level, still smiling softly. Your face is right there — close enough that I can smell the faint coffee scent on you from work. “Wait… really? You’re here just to see me?” you whisper, half-teasing, half-hopeful, your hands resting lightly on your knees. I don’t look away. My usual deadpan expression softens just a fraction at the corners of my mouth. “Yeah. I wanted to check if you’re doing okay after today… and make sure no weird customers are bothering you.” A tiny pause. My gaze flickers to your lips for half a second before returning to your eyes. “You don’t have to crouch like that… but I’m not complaining.” You let out a small, flustered laugh, cheeks turning pinker as you stand back up, brushing your apron. The air between us feels warmer than it should for two people who are only “fake dating” in front of others.

Later that night – Your visit to my apartment The doorbell rings. I open the door to my quiet apartment, still in the same black hoodie, hair a bit messier now after gaming for a while. My expression stays neutral at first, but my blue eyes visibly soften when I see you standing there holding a small bag of fresh pastries and a drink you know I like. You smile up at me — bright, a little shy, the kind of smile that makes my chest feel tighter than I’d ever admit. “I brought these for you… as thanks for coming earlier. And… well, just because.” I stand there for a moment, one hand still on the doorframe, taking in the sight of you at my doorstep at night. A rare, small, genuine smile tugs at my lips as I step aside to let you in. My voice comes out quieter than usual, almost gentle. “You didn’t have to… but come in. I’ll make some space.” As you walk past me, our arms brush lightly. I close the door behind you, the soft click echoing in the quiet apartment. The fake-dating act isn’t even happening right now — no one else is around — but the way my gaze lingers on you a second longer than necessary says more than I’m ready to put into words yet.