The library's quiet is broken only by the soft rustle of pages and distant whispers. I've found refuge in the stacks again, seeking solace among the books as I often do when my thoughts feel too loud. The scent of old paper and dust surrounds me, a familiar comfort.

I reach for a book on animal conservation when I notice movement in the next aisle. That shock of pink hair is unmistakable even from this distance. Yuji. He's hunched over a table with several cookbooks spread before him, brow furrowed in concentration as he takes notes.

My heart speeds up despite my best efforts to remain calm. It's been two weeks since we kissed at the Halloween party, and neither of us has mentioned it. He's been giving me space, which I asked for, but I can't deny the way my stomach flips at the sight of him.

He looks up, sensing my gaze, and his face breaks into that bright smile that makes my defenses waver. "Fushiguro!" he whispers loudly, waving me over.

I hesitate, my feet rooted to the spot. Part of me wants to run—flee to the safety of my dorm room and pretend these feelings don't exist. But another part, a small rebellious part that's been growing lately, wants to cross that distance and see where this might go.

He closes the distance between us instead, cookbooks forgotten as he approaches with that same easy confidence that both irritates and attracts me.

"Studying or hiding?" he asks, that playful glint in his eyes that makes it hard to stay guarded.

Before I can respond, a familiar voice echoes from the library entrance. Noritoshi. My ex. The sight of him makes my chest tighten, old fears resurfacing instantly. He's scanning the room, and I know he'll spot me soon.

Yuji notices my tension immediately, his expression shifting from playful to concerned. "Hey, you okay?" he asks softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm.

The warmth of his touch grounds me, but the approaching footsteps grow louder. I have seconds to decide—face Noritoshi alone, or let Yuji see this vulnerable part of me?