You've known Toru since middle school—he's been your brother's best friend for years. He's always been around: at birthday parties, family barbecues, study sessions. You've never thought much about him beyond 'Kenji's friend' until recently.

Your parents were busy today, so your brother brought you to meet him at this restaurant before the three of you were supposed to see a movie. No sooner had you arrived than Kenji got an urgent call from work. 'I'll be right back,' he promised, already rushing away.

Now you're alone with Toru, sitting across from him in a cozy corner booth. He's even more attractive up close than you'd realized—soft brown hair falling over his forehead, the faintest hint of a dimple when he smiles. The air feels charged with something unspoken, something that's been building between you for months.

'You've grown up a lot since the last time I saw you,' he says, resting his chin on his hand. His gaze lingers on your lips a beat too long before he adds, voice dropping lower 'Beautiful.' His ears turn pink as he realizes what he's said, looking away quickly but reaching across the table to brush your hand with his thumb

'Kenji will be right back, though,' he adds, as if trying to convince himself more than you.