#andteam request

Third Person POV

Koga Yudai, also known as Kei, stood on the edge of the village, the hem of his coat brushing against frostbitten grass. Dawn crept slowly through the trees, painting the quiet world in gold. Smoke curled from chimneys, the scent of cedar wood and morning stew thick in the air.

It was peaceful here. Hidden. Safe. A small village tucked deep in the forest, beyond the reach of humans and rival packs. A haven, carved out by teeth, blood, and time.

Kei hadn’t always had that.

At sixteen, his world had ended in a night of fire and screams. His first pack, a tight-knit group that had raised him, shaped him, loved him, was slaughtered in a raid. He had been the only one to survive, dragging himself through the woods, half-feral, lost. For years, he ran wild, a ghost with claws. Until he crossed paths with Euijoo.

Kei still didn’t understand how the pack leader had seen through the monster he’d become. But Euijoo had offered his hand instead of his teeth. Fuma, the second in command, had flanked him without fear, and the rest had followed.

That was seven years ago.

Now, it was like they’d always been his.

Their village wasn’t large, just a handful of cottages, a communal hall, a small training yard, and a perimeter ringed by ancient trees. The pack built it themselves, stone by stone, and protected it like instinct. It wasn’t just home. It was proof that survival wasn’t the same as living.

Euijoo, calm and clear-eyed, ruled with a quiet strength. He didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard. Fuma’s his presence was strong and secure, helping lead the pack more through actions than words. The younger wolves had energy to burn: Nicholas and Yuma sparred more than they fought, their rivalry loud but harmless. Taki and Harua were inseparable, a storm of laughter and limbs, loyal to each other in a way that needed no words. Jo was their balance, the calmness that washed away doubt, always with a hand on someone’s shoulder or a cup of tea waiting by the fire.

Then there was Maki, the youngest. Still finding his place, still figuring out when to lead with his teeth and when to listen. Kei had taken him under his wing without being asked. Not out of duty. But rather out of instinct.

Kei wasn’t the leader. That was Euijoo’s role. But he was something else. A pillar. A presence. The one they turned to when they needed guidance, or comfort, or someone to spar with at midnight when sleep wouldn’t come. They weren’t blood, but they were pack.

Kei watched as Maki stumbled out of one of the smaller cottages, hair sticking up at odd angles, hoodie halfway on, yawning like a bear. A few seconds later, Taki and Harua came crashing through the trees, already arguing about something, and Nicholas was whistling from the rooftop, a bow slung over his shoulder and absolutely no reason to be up there except to annoy Yuma, who was clearly looking for him.

Kei smiled faintly. This was what he had fought for. What he had bled for. A home. A family. The only thing missing was a mate. But for now, this was enough.

~~~

The scent of cooked rice, eggs, and grilled fish drifted through the village like a homing beacon. Kei followed it to the communal hall, the air inside already warm with laughter, clattering dishes, and the subtle hum of pack energy.

Maki stood by the long wooden table, setting down a tray with a proud grin. Fuma hovered just behind him, arms crossed, his usual stoic expression softened by the faintest trace of approval.

“Smells amazing,” Kei said, ruffling Maki’s hair as he passed. The younger wolf beamed.

“Thanks! Fuma taught me how to not burn the rice this time.” Fuma gave a low grunt that might’ve been agreement, or just tolerance.

By the time the others returned from their morning patrols, mud-splashed, leaf-dusted, and half-awake, the table was full. Plates were passed around, hands reaching, elbows bumping, the familiar chaos of a family that had learned to share space like breath.

Kei took his usual seat near the end, flanked on one side by Jo, already deep in a quiet discussion with Euijoo, and on the other by Harua, who looked less like his usual energetic self and more like someone about to face a firing squad.

“You okay?” Kei asked between bites.

Harua shifted in his seat, poking at his food. “I’ve got that interview today. The one at Kyomei Weekly, you know, the big one. Real big.” He glanced around the table as if the others might somehow overhear even though they were all within arm’s reach.

“You’ve been talking about that magazine for months,” Kei said, his voice low, calm. “You’re ready.”

“Yeah, but what if I choke? What if they ask something like, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ and my brain just… collapses?”

Kei chuckled. “Then you tell them what you told me last week, something about wanting to tell stories that matter.”

“That sounds cheesy.”

“So do most good things,” Kei replied.

From across the table, Taki leaned in with a smirk. “Tell them your biggest strength is that you can smell lies.”

Yuma snorted into his tea. “Or just growl when they ask about your weaknesses. Super professional.”

Harua groaned and dropped his forehead onto the table. “You guys are not helping.”

“We’re helping in our own way,” Nicholas said, flipping a boiled egg into his mouth like a coin. “I’d hire you just to stop you from crying.”

“I’m not crying!”

“Yet,” Jo added, sipping his tea with maddening serenity.

Kei chuckled again, then gently pushed Harua’s plate back toward him. “Eat. Then we’ll go over a few common questions. I’ll help you figure out answers that feel real, not rehearsed. You don’t have to be perfect, just honest. You’ve got charm, Harua. Use it.”

Harua blinked, visibly calming. “Thanks, Kei. Seriously.”

“You’re gonna do great,” Maki chimed in from down the table. “And if they don’t hire you, we’ll all show up in wolf form and scare them into reconsidering.”

Fuma raised an eyebrow. “No.”

“A little?” Maki tried.

“No.”

More laughter erupted, light and easy, and for a moment, it was as if nothing else existed beyond this hall, this table, this pack.

Kei sat back, his plate mostly empty, content to watch his family, because that’s what they were, bicker and tease and lift each other up. They had all lost something once. Now they had each other.

And that, for Kei, was almost everything.

~~~

An hour after breakfast, the village settled into its late-morning rhythm. The warmth of shared food and teasing laughter faded into quiet footfalls and purpose.

Harua, dressed sharper than usual and armed with Kei’s pep talk, left for his interview with a nervous grin and one last dramatic groan. “If I bomb, just pretend you don’t know me,” he joked. The pack responded with thumbs-ups, a howled “Good luck!” from Taki, and Maki shoving a pre-packed lunch into his hands like a mother hen before dashing off to catch the bus. Only a few months left of school, then Maki would graduate, finally free of textbooks and exams.

By mid-morning, the village felt calm again. Fuma, Jo, and Yuma had already scattered to their jobs outside the territory. Euijoo and Nicholas were hunched over the pantry shelves in the communal building, murmuring about dry goods, canning jars, and the alarming rate at which the pack went through rice. Soon they’d head into town for a supply run.

That left Kei and Taki.

The clearing behind the training yard was quiet, tucked between old trees and shaded by thick mossy branches. It was a space the pack used when someone needed to focus, no distractions, just nature and the steady pulse of the earth.

Taki stood in the center of it now, bare feet shifting on damp grass, brows furrowed in concentration. His shirt was already tossed over a low branch, sweat beading on his collarbone.

“I don’t get it,” he muttered, frustrated. “I feel the shift, it starts, but then it just stops halfway. Like something’s jamming the gears.”

Kei crossed his arms, watching him carefully. “You’re overthinking it. You keep trying to force the wolf to come forward, like you’re ordering it around.”

“Shouldn’t I be? Isn’t that the whole point?”

Kei shook his head slowly. “No. Shifting isn’t about domination. It’s about trust.”

Taki looked at him skeptically. “With what? Myself?”

“Exactly.” Kei walked into the clearing, slow and steady, voice low and sure. “The wolf is part of you. Not a tool. Not a mask. You have to meet it halfway. Let it rise on its own terms.”

Taki dropped into a crouch, exhaling hard, frustration tight in his shoulders. “Feels like everyone else got it figured out already.”

Kei crouched beside him. “Maki couldn’t shift until he was fifteen. Nicholas still gets stuck halfway if he’s stressed. Fuma won’t admit it, but it took him years to shift without pain. Everyone struggles. You’re not broken, Taki.”

That landed. Taki blinked, throat bobbing slightly. “Yeah, well… it just sucks.”

“I know,” Kei said gently. “But you’ve got me. We’re going to do this together.”

Kei shifted first, fluidly, without strain. One second he was crouching; the next, his wolf stood tall and calm, slate-gray with streaks of black, eyes a sharp yet thoughtful gold.

Taki sat back, watching him, awe flickering across his face even through the frustration.

Kei padded forward, nuzzling Taki’s shoulder gently before sitting back on his haunches.

“Okay,” Taki whispered. “Let’s try again.”

The younger wolf closed his eyes. This time, he didn’t strain. He took a breathe, slow and deep, finding that space inside him where instinct lived. His fingers curled. His spine shifted just slightly. Not all the way, not yet, but enough that fur began to ripple over his arms.

Kei let out a quiet encouraging sound, tail thudding softly on the earth.

Taki opened his eyes. “Did it start?”

Kei nodded once.

Taki grinned, bright and boyish and proud.

They still had a long way to go.

But they were moving forward.

Together.

~~~

By the time the sun dipped past its peak, the village was alive again with footsteps, voices, and the quiet rhythms of return.

Euijoo and Nicholas had come back first, both arms full of grocery bags, Nicholas grumbling theatrically about the weight of rice sacks while Euijoo organized the pantry with efficient calm. The smell of fresh vegetables and warm bread filled the kitchen space, a domestic contrast to the wild that surrounded them.

Not long after, the soft thud of boots and the low chatter of voices signaled the return of Harua and Maki. Kei looked up from the porch where he’d been oiling the hinges of one of the outer gates. Harua’s stride was light, energized, his jacket slung over one shoulder and a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Maki trailed beside him, head tilted down, muttering something under his breath.

“…and of course they put me with Kenji, who hasn’t read a single article in the last month. Why is it always me who gets stuck carrying the project?”

Kei gave them both a nod, rising to meet them as they stepped onto the path between the cottages. “Welcome back,” he said, eyes going straight to Harua. “How’d it go?”

Harua puffed out a breath, then broke into a grin. “It was good. Like, really good. I wasn’t even nervous once we got going. I remembered what you said, about being honest. I just… talked. Told them what I care about, the stories I want to tell.”

Kei’s eyes softened. “That’s all they want. Someone real.”

“They said they’d get back to me in a few days. But I think-” Harua hesitated, then smiled again, more reserved. “I think I’ve got a shot.”

“You’ve got more than that,” Kei said, clapping a firm hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”

Harua ducked his head, clearly trying to hide the warmth that rose to his face. “Thanks.”

Before the moment could stretch into something too serious, Maki groaned dramatically and threw his bag into the dirt. “School was the worst. Can we not talk about responsibility for like five minutes?”

“You’ve been home for ten seconds,” Kei pointed out.

“Exactly! That’s ten seconds too many.”

Taki appeared from behind one of the cottages at just the right moment, twirling a practice staff in one hand. “Wanna go spar?”

Maki’s face lit up. “Always.”

They took off with the reckless energy only young wolves could summon, yelling half-baked challenges and rules that would be forgotten before the first swing landed.

Kei watched them go, a smile pulling at the edge of his mouth.

Harua watched too, arms crossed, a fond sigh escaping him. “You’d never guess they’re both technically adults.” “They are,” Kei said. “They just haven’t let it harden them yet.”

Inside the kitchen, Nicholas called out, “Oi! Who left rice on the floor? This is sacred!” “Not me!” Maki’s voice echoed from the clearing. “Suspiciously specific denial,” Yuma called from somewhere down the hall.

The sun dipped lower, and the shadows stretched across the ground like lazy wolves curling up to nap. Kei leaned against the post of the porch, arms crossed, the steady hum of his pack all around him. They were home. They were his everything. 

~~~

The village was still half-draped in morning mist when the sound broke through the air. A long, unrestrained howl, bright and raw with joy.

Kei was already up, standing in the yard helping Euijoo sort through some broken fencing panels when the howl echoed through the trees. It was sharp, unburdened, and loud enough to send a flock of birds fluttering from the nearby canopy.

Euijoo paused, one brow raised. “That’s Harua.” “Definitely not a distress call,” Kei said, already smiling. From the cottage to the right, Fuma stepped out, coffee mug in hand. “It’s not even six. He’d better be dying, ecstatic, or both. The other’s aren’t going to be happy about waking up like this,”

The three of them made their way toward Harua’s home, stepping over dew-wet grass as the morning light slowly peeled back the shadows. They found him standing barefoot in the doorway, phone still in one hand, grinning like his face might split in half. His hair was a mess. He was still in pajama pants. He looked euphoric.

“They hired me,” he said breathlessly, eyes bright with disbelief. “They hired me!” Kei didn’t hesitate, he strode forward and wrapped Harua in a crushing hug, lifting him slightly off the ground. “You did it!” he said, pride thick in his voice.

Fuma clapped him on the back, hard enough to make Harua stumble a step, but the smile he wore was rare and warm. Euijoo just nodded, arms folded, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Congratulations. You’ve earned this.”

Harua beamed, running a hand through his hair. “They want me to start next week. Junior writer position for the lifestyle section, but they said they liked my pitch ideas and might let me run a feature if things go well. I-I didn’t think this would actually happen.”

Behind them, another door slammed open. Nicholas stepped out, wrapped in a heavy blanket, his hair a wild mess, eyes bloodshot. “Why,” he growled, “are we howling before sunrise? Is someone dead? No? Okay. Then I’m going back to bed.”

Harua winced. “Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t help it.” “Help it next time,” Nicholas grumbled, already turning back inside. “Dreams die when I’m sleep-deprived.”

Once he was gone, Euijoo chuckled softly. “We’ll celebrate tonight. Full dinner, no excuses. Harua, you pick the dessert, anything you want,” Kei clapped his hands together. “I’ll start prepping after patrol. We’ll make it a real pack meal, something to remember.” “Can I tell the others?” Harua asked, suddenly bashful. Euijoo nodded. “You should.”

As they started to walk away, Harua stopped Kei for a moment. “Thanks. For believing I could do this.” Kei placed a hand on his shoulder. “You did all the work. We just made sure you didn’t forget who you are.” Harua’s smile lingered long after the others had gone, still holding his phone like it might vanish if he let go.

That evening, the village would glow with laughter and firelight, plates piled high, and voices raised in toast. Because when one of them rose, the rest rose too.

~~~

The fire cracked and danced at the center of the village, tall flames licking upward into the star-drenched sky. Sparks rose like tiny spirits before fading into the dark. Around it, the pack had gathered, laughing, eating, moving in the rhythm of joy that came so rarely and meant so much.

The long tables were overflowing with food. Roasted vegetables, grilled meat, fresh bread, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, everything made by their own hands, grown or hunted or brought home with purpose.

Kei sat on a thick log beside Fuma, a shared bottle of plum wine resting between them. The two of them watched as Maki and Taki tried to out-dance each other, limbs flailing in ways that were more chaotic than graceful. Harua was pulled into the mess, yelping between laughter, while Nicholas and Euijoo finally gave in and joined, Euijoo surprisingly nimble, Nicholas groaning dramatically but smiling all the same.

Across the fire, Jo was in his usual place, sketchbook balanced on one knee, pencil moving quickly. He rarely joined in the dancing, but he was always watching, always recording. He liked the company, but his sketchbook was probably his first love, the most important thing in his life. 

Kei’s gaze lingered on the fire for a moment. He used to hate it. The scent of smoke, the roar of flame, the color of it. Orange-gold like the inferno that had devoured his first home. That night still lived in the back of his mind: the screams, the ash, the impossible silence that followed.

But now, the fire didn’t claw at his heart the way it used to.

Now it was laughter echoing through the trees. It was Maki and Taki rolling through the grass. It was Euijoo helping Jo sharpen his pencils, Harua balancing two plates at once while trying not to drop either, Nicholas trying, and failing, to sneak another rice ball without being seen. It was Yuma sneaking up on Maki and Taki, trying to scare them. It was Fuma, quiet and watchful, sitting at Kei’s side with a rare softness in his eyes.

Kei reached forward and added another log to the flames. It hissed, caught, and glowed warm. Fuma glanced at him. “Still okay?” Kei nodded. “More than okay.” He tilted his head back, watching the stars, the firelight flickering over his face. The warmth soaked into his skin, into his chest, deep enough to ease the ache that always sat there.

“I used to think I’d never feel at home again,” he admitted, voice low, just for Fuma. “But this… this is home.” Fuma didn’t say anything for a moment, then offered the bottle again. “You helped build it.” Kei accepted it, taking a slow sip. The sweet burn of the wine lingered.

A beat passed, filled with the crackling of wood and distant, joyful shouting. “All that’s missing,” Kei murmured, almost to himself, “is someone to share it with.” Fuma looked at him sidelong. “Mate?”

Kei nodded slowly. “If they’re even out there.” “They are,” Fuma said, simply. “You’ll find them. Or they’ll find you.” Kei didn’t answer. Instead, he watched the others, letting their voices and the firelight settle over him like a blanket. And for the first time in years, he let himself believe it might be true.

~~~

The weekend passed in a blur of leftover desserts, lazy naps in the sun, and quiet chores that balanced the wild joy of their celebration. But as the sun rose on Monday, the air in the village shifted, still calm, but laced with anticipation.

It was a school day for Maki, another round of training for Taki, a quiet work-from-home start for Jo, and for Harua, it was the beginning of something brand new.

Kei found him in the front yard just before seven, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked into black slacks, hair styled neatly but already fighting to curl again in the morning humidity. Harua’s phone was in one hand, his work bag slung over his shoulder, and nerves practically radiating off him.

“I feel like I’m going to throw up,” he muttered. “You’re going to be fine,” Kei said as he approached, keys dangling from his hand. “They already hired you. That means they like you.” Harua glanced over. “You sure you’re not just saying that because you have to?”

“I don’t have to say anything,” Kei replied with a small grin. “You’re going to do great. Just be you, smart, annoying, overly curious you.” Harua rolled his eyes. “Comforting as ever.”

Kei led him to the car, a simple, reliable black SUV that had seen more muddy roads and mountain trails than city streets. Harua got in, smoothing his shirt like it might crease from existing.

They drove in silence for a bit, trees whipping past the windows as the road stretched toward the edge of the forest and into the city beyond. The sun peeked over the hills, bathing everything in a soft golden hue. The silence between them was easy. Comfortable.

“You working today too?” Harua asked eventually. “Yeah,” Kei said. “Got a shoot downtown, some athletic brand. Mostly standing around in clothes I’d never wear.” Harua snorted. “You love it.” Kei shrugged, smirking. “Pays well. And I only have to deal with people three times a week. The rest of the time I’m home.”

“You ever think about doing it full time?” “No,” Kei said without hesitation. “I like being able to come back. Full-time modeling means traveling constantly, being away from the pack. It’s not worth it.” Harua nodded, silent again for a moment. “It’s weird, huh? We’re all trying to live in two worlds. The human one and ours.” Kei smiled faintly. “We do more than try. We make it work.”

They reached the building not long after, a tall, glass-fronted office that gleamed under the morning sun. Harua stared up at it with wide eyes. Kei pulled to the curb and parked. “You want a pep talk?” “No,” Harua said, gripping his bag tightly. “I’m good.”

Then he paused. “Maybe a tiny one?”

Kei chuckled. “Just breathe. Stay alert. Be kind but don’t let them walk over you. And if anyone makes you feel small, remember you’ve outrun bears in the woods and wrestled Taki into submission.” Harua laughed, tension easing slightly. “Thanks, Kei.” “You’ve got this,” Kei said. “Call if you need anything.”

Harua gave him one last grin before stepping out onto the sidewalk. Kei watched him walk into the building, head high, the morning light catching on his hair. Then he pulled back into the lane and headed toward his own day, his thoughts already wandering, not to the cameras and clothes, but to the village waiting for him, the pack, the forest… And still, always, that quiet space beside him, waiting for someone else to fill it.

~~~

The lobby of the building was sleek and modern, tall windows letting in golden morning light, polished tile floors reflecting it in a subtle glow. Harua adjusted the strap of his bag nervously as he approached the front desk. His boss, a sharp-eyed woman named Ms. Nakamura, was already waiting for him with a small but welcoming smile.

“Harua, good morning,” she said briskly. “I’ll help you get set up with your ID badge and then we’ll do a quick tour. We like to keep things running smoothly here.” “Of course,” Harua said with a quick bow. “Thank you again for the opportunity.”

The badge was a small rectangle of plastic with his name and picture already printed on it, he thought he looked vaguely terrified in the photo, but it would do. He clipped it onto his shirt collar and followed Ms. Nakamura through the halls.

She walked fast, heels clicking against the floor as she pointed out break rooms, emergency exits, the copy center, and the editorial wings. Harua did his best to memorize everything, though the buzz of nerves made it difficult.

Finally, they arrived at a large open office space bathed in soft overhead lights. Cubicles lined the walls, while plants and posters gave the place a cozy, creative energy. Ms. Nakamura gestured toward a corner desk, already set up with a monitor, some files, and a half-empty coffee mug.

“You’ll be working with (Y/n). She started just last week. You’re both new, so I’m hoping you’ll help each other settle in.”

Harua followed her gaze to the person standing beside the desk. (Y/n) looked up from her computer, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She was maybe a few inches shorter than him, dressed in a simple blouse and jeans, her expression friendly but cautious.

She smiled. “Hey.” “Hi,” Harua said quickly, bowing again. “I’m Harua. Nice to meet you.” “(Y/n),” she replied. “Welcome to the chaos.” Ms. Nakamura gave a nod. “I’ll leave you two to it. Be sure to review the orientation packet before lunch.”

Once she was gone, Harua exhaled and turned back to (Y/n). She was already watching him, but her gaze wasn’t judgmental, more like she was quietly taking his measure.

“Nervous?” she asked. “Terrified,” he admitted. She laughed. “Good. That means you care. I was a wreck on my first day too. Still kind of am.” Harua smiled, easing into his chair. “Guess we can be wrecks together.”

And from there, it was easy.

The two of them clicked faster than either of them expected. Within the first hour, they were swapping jokes about how stiff the elevator music was, how intense Ms. Nakamura’s schedule looked, and which coffee machine made the least awful brew.

(Y/n) was smart, quick-witted, and surprisingly open for someone new. She had moved to the city from a smaller town to chase her dream of writing for something that mattered. Harua found himself relating to her immediately.

By lunchtime, they were already teasing each other like longtime friends. They ate together outside on a small terrace, sharing lunch and stories, though Harua carefully sidestepped anything that might hint at his werewolf identity.

Still, when she laughed at something he said, really laughed, Harua felt something small and warm settle in his chest. He wasn’t alone in this new place. And as the hours passed and the day wore on, it didn’t feel so much like the start of something terrifying anymore. It felt like the beginning of something good.

~~~

The sun had long since dipped behind the trees by the time Kei returned home, muscles aching from the long shoot. He parked the car beside the house and stepped into the familiar quiet of the village clearing. The scent of woodsmoke and wild herbs lingered in the air, grounding him. He walked inside and was met with warmth, laughter echoing from the living room, the clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen. Kei slipped off his shoes and followed the voices.

In the living room, Harua was practically vibrating with energy, hands flying as he recounted his day to Jo and Yuma.

“-and then she said the same thing I was thinking, like exactly! It was weird but in a good way,” Harua was saying. “I haven’t clicked with someone that fast since… well, ever.”

Yuma leaned in, clearly invested. “And she’s cute, right?” Harua shrugged but couldn’t hide the grin tugging at his mouth. “She’s cool. Really cool.” Jo didn’t look up from his sketchbook, but the corners of his lips twitched in amusement. “You’ve said her name like twelve times in the last five minutes.” Harua flushed. “Shut up.”

Kei smiled faintly at the scene, rubbing the back of his neck. It was good to see Harua so animated, so alive. The boy had always been passionate, but this was different, brighter.

He made his way into the kitchen, nodding at Euijoo and Fuma as he passed. Maki was standing by the stove, trying to stir a pot without burning his fingers. Kei reached over and gently moved his elbow away from the steam from the other pot on the stove.

“Easy, you’re not fireproof,” he said softly. Maki grinned sheepishly. “Almost done! It smells good, right?” “It does,” Kei agreed, ruffling his hair before stepping away.

Dinner came together in a warm, loud chaos, everyone returning home in waves, filling the house with noise and movement. Plates clattered onto the table, voices overlapped as stories were told, laughter bouncing off the wooden walls. It was routine. It was family.

And then everything changed.

Harua sat down beside him at the long wooden table, the scent of soap, city air, and something unfamiliar still clinging to his skin. Kei turned slightly, smiling to ask how the rest of the day had gone.

And the world tilted. It wasn’t Harua’s scent. It was something on him, something clinging to his clothes, his hair, his skin, like he’d walked through it and carried it unknowingly into the house.

Kei’s breath caught. His vision blurred. His inner wolf lunged forward, feral and wild and full of longing, growling so loud inside his head it drowned everything else out.

Mate.

Kei’s fingers tightened around his chopsticks, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. His lungs burned. The scent was intoxicating, like the forest after rain, like lightning and warmth and home. His wolf clawed at his chest, desperate, howling to run, to find the source.

“Kei?” Harua turned toward him, concern flickering in his voice. “You okay?” Kei blinked. His eyes flicked to Harua’s, and he forced himself to breathe, to sit still, to not give into the need to shift and sprint into the woods like a madman.

“Yeah,” Kei said, voice tight. “Just tired.”

Fuma shot him a subtle look from across the table, sharp and knowing. Kei didn’t meet it. He couldn’t. Not yet. He glanced back at Harua. The scent was definitely not Harua’s, but it was on him, wrapped around him, like the echo of someone else. Someone Kei hadn’t met. Not yet.

His mate was real. And they were close.

~~~

The stars were already out when dinner ended, the last dishes cleaned, the laughter fading into the cozy quiet of the night. The house had settled down, some of the younger wolves retreating to their rooms, others sprawled across couches or outside under the moonlight.

Kei was slipping on his jacket near the door when Euijoo’s voice came, calm but firm. “Kei. Come outside with us.” Fuma stood by the doorway, arms folded, already waiting.

Kei nodded silently and followed them out into the cool night air. The crisp scent of pine and damp earth filled his lungs, grounding him in the moment. They walked a short distance away from the house, stopping near the edge of the woods where the trees cast long shadows in the moonlight.

No one spoke at first.

Finally, Euijoo broke the silence. “Tell us what happened.” Kei leaned against a tree, folding his arms tightly. “It was the scent. It hit me the moment Harua sat beside me.” Euijoo and Fuma both stilled. “My wolf, he nearly lost it,” Kei continued, voice low, almost ashamed. “He screamed ‘mate.’ It was overwhelming, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. But I managed to calm him down. Barely.”

Fuma rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “The scent wasn’t Harua’s?” Kei shook his head. “No. It was on him, but not from him. Something he picked up today. Someone. If it had been Harua’s scent, I would reacted to it years ago,”

Fuma and Euijoo exchanged a glance. “That girl,” Fuma said quietly. “The new coworker. He talked about her the entire dinner. Said they got along like they’ve known each other forever.” “(Y/n),” Kei said, the name tasting strange and heavy in his mouth, like it had weight now. “He mentioned her a few times.” Euijoo exhaled slowly. “That would make sense. Harua hasn’t been around anyone outside the pack since he graduated. And the scent was unfamiliar to you, but potent.”

“If it is her,” Fuma added, “it means your mate is human.” Kei flinched slightly, not out of fear, but out of the quiet truth of it. He hadn’t even dared to imagine it. For years, he believed his mate must have died long ago. The thought that they might be out there, living, and close, was more than he could absorb in a single breath.

“She doesn’t know about us,” Euijoo said. “Harua hasn’t told her anything. He’s being cautious.” “As he should,” Kei murmured. “I don’t even know if it’s her yet. I only smelled what she left behind.” Fuma’s gaze sharpened. “But your wolf thinks it is.” Kei met his eyes. “Yeah. He’s sure.”

Silence stretched between them, filled only by the gentle rustle of wind in the trees. Euijoo stepped forward and placed a hand on Kei’s shoulder. “If it’s her,” he said, “we’ll support you. But you need to be certain. You can’t rush this. Especially not with a human.” “I know,” Kei said. His voice was steady, but his hands curled into fists. “I’ll be careful.”

Fuma nodded. “For now, see what Harua says. Don’t push. If she’s your mate, the bond will pull you together in its own time.” Kei let out a long breath, the tension easing from his chest just enough to breathe freely. “Thanks,” he said, quietly. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I’d lost control.” “You didn’t,” Euijoo said simply. “And that’s what matters.”

They stood there for a while longer, the three of them watching the stars overhead. Somewhere in the distance, a nightbird called, and the forest answered.

And Kei, his heart still racing, his wolf still restless, let himself hope. That maybe, his destined someone was actually out there. 

~~~

Kei found Harua out back, sitting on the porch steps with a cup of tea, his legs pulled up to his chest and his eyes fixed on the moonlit clearing. It was late, most of the pack already in bed, the house behind them quiet except for the occasional creak of wood and the hum of insects. Kei stood in the doorway for a moment, watching him, then stepped outside and let the door close softly behind him.

“Hey,” he said, voice low. Harua turned and gave him a smile, tired but still warm. “Couldn’t sleep?” “Not really,” Kei admitted, sitting down beside him. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Kei didn’t rush it, Harua was always easy to talk to, but this wasn’t a small thing. He had to get it right.

“I need to tell you something,” Kei said finally, eyes fixed on the trees ahead. “Something that happened during dinner.” Harua turned slightly, giving him his full attention. “Yeah?” Kei’s hands were clasped between his knees, fingers locked tightly. “When you sat down next to me tonight… I caught a scent. It wasn’t yours. It was on you, but not from you.”

Harua blinked. “Okay…?” “My wolf reacted immediately. Like, violently. It was like he snapped awake after years of silence. And he only said one word.”

Harua’s eyes widened, realization dawning. “Mate?” Kei nodded slowly. “Yeah. It hit me like a freight train. I barely kept it together.” For a long moment, Harua didn’t speak. He just stared at him, stunned. Then, softly: “Wow.” Kei huffed a dry laugh. “Yeah. That about covers it.”

Harua set his tea down and turned fully toward him now, concern etched into his features. “Are you okay?” “I will be,” Kei said. “Fuma and Euijoo talked me down after dinner. I’m… better now. Calmer. But I needed to tell you, because, well, I think the scent came from someone you were with today.”

Harua tilted his head, puzzled for a second. Then his eyes widened again. “(Y/n)?” Kei nodded. “It’s possible. You mentioned you spent a lot of time with her.” “Yeah. I mean, we were together most of the day. Getting trained, working through our first assignments. I guess… if it lingered on me…” Kei let out a breath. “It’s just a theory right now. But my wolf, he’s certain. And honestly? That scares me more than anything.”

Harua didn’t respond immediately. He looked out toward the trees, the faint glow of fireflies blinking in the dark. Then, with a quiet smile, he said, “You’ve waited a long time, Kei.” “I thought I’d already lost her,” Kei said, voice barely above a whisper. “That maybe she’d died in the attack. Or that the bond would never form. I stopped hoping.” “But maybe you don’t have to stop anymore,” Harua said gently. Kei glanced at him. “You think it could really be her?”

Harua nodded. “I only met her yesterday, but she’s… kind. Open. She’s a good person, and I think she’s strong enough to handle this, if it really is her.” Kei gave a soft, unsure laugh. “You’re already vouching for her?” Harua shrugged, a small grin forming. “Hey, if she’s going to be your mate, she’s basically my sister. I need to make sure she’s worthy.”

Kei bumped his shoulder against Harua’s. “Thanks.” Harua nudged him back. “Anytime.” They sat in silence again, but this time it was peaceful. The kind that only existed between people who trusted each other deeply. Eventually, Kei said, “I’ll take it slow. I won’t approach her until I’m sure.” Harua nodded. “You’ll know when it’s time.”

And under the moonlit sky, surrounded by trees and the quiet rhythm of the night, Kei let a little hope bloom in his chest.

~~~

The next morning, Harua almost overslept. If it hadn’t been for Fuma pounding on his door and Yuma shouting that the clock was ticking, he would’ve missed his second day entirely. He flew out of bed, scrambled through his morning routine, yanked on his clothes, grabbed his bag and badge, and bolted out the door with barely enough time to breathe.

It wasn’t until he dropped into his chair beside (Y/n) at the office, heart still racing, that he realized something was wrong. “Ugh,” he groaned, slumping forward. “I forgot my phone. And my lunch.” (Y/n) laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “Seriously? Day two and you’re already falling apart.”

Harua gave her a sheepish grin. “I was almost late.” “Well,” she said, pulling out her own phone and offering it to him, “if you need to call someone at home to bring your stuff, go ahead. Just don’t prank call anyone. I will find out.”

Harua chuckled, taking the phone carefully. He paused, thinking. Who would be home at this hour? Who could actually bring his things?

Harua sighed, shaking his head. “The only number I know by heart is my brother’s.” “Perfect,” (Y/n) said, nudging the phone toward him. “Call him.”

He dialed quickly, fingers moving on instinct. Over the years, he’d memorized Kei’s number without even meaning to, he’d called it so many times before. When he was locked out, lost, panicking over something small or something serious, Kei had always been the one to pick up. It was second nature now.

On the third ring, the line connected. “Hello? This is Kei,” came the smooth, professional voice, clearly expecting a work call. Harua grinned. “Hey, it’s me.” There was a pause. 

“…Harua?” Kei’s voice shifted instantly, surprise giving way to familiar concern. “Why are you calling from an unknown number? Are you okay?” “I’m fine! I just, uh, I kind of forgot my phone. And my lunch,” Harua admitted, rubbing the back of his neck out of habit. “Could you maybe bring them to the office? Before lunch?”

Kei let out a short laugh, the sound warm and amused. “You’re unbelievable. Day two.” “Yeah, yeah,” Harua muttered, already bracing for teasing. “I’ll bring them,” Kei said. “Don’t worry. I’ve got a light morning.” “Thanks, Kei. You’re the best.” “I know,” Kei replied smugly, before hanging up.

Harua handed the phone back to (Y/n), grinning. “He’s on his way.”

~~~

A while later, with about an hour left before lunch, the office quieted down. The flurry of morning emails and checklists had slowed, giving Harua and (Y/n) a rare pocket of calm.

They leaned back in their chairs, stretching slightly, and (Y/n) glanced over at him with a curious smile. “So, your brother’s bringing your stuff? You two close?” Harua nodded, smiling without thinking. “Yeah. Kei’s… he’s always been there when I needed him. Kind of like my anchor, I guess.” She tilted her head. “You talk about him like he’s more than just your brother.”

Harua hesitated. He had to be careful. No werewolf talk. Keep it light.

“Well, technically, we’re not related,” he admitted. “But we live together, me, Kei, and seven others. Nine of us in total. Not family by blood, but we might as well be. We call each other brothers.”

“Nine guys in one house?” (Y/n) raised an eyebrow. “That sounds like a sitcom.” Harua laughed. “Yeah, it kind of is. Controlled chaos.” She leaned in a little, clearly curious. “Tell me about them?”

Harua’s grin widened. “Okay, well… I already mentioned Kei. He’s the oldest. Calm, dependable, really looks out for everyone. He helps the others lead and honestly, I don’t know what we’d do without him.”

“Sounds like a solid big brother.”

“He is. Then there’s Euijoo, he’s like our leader, almost like a dad. He’s smart, patient, but he can be tough when he needs to be. He’s got this quiet confidence that kind of makes you trust him without even thinking.”

“Like a natural leader?”

“Exactly. Fuma’s his second-in-command, we jokingly call him our mom sometimes, and he’s probably the most grounded one of us. He’s got this dry sense of humor, but he’s always watching out for everyone. Especially when we’re being idiots, which is… a lot.”

(Y/n) chuckled. “I’m getting the picture.”

“Then there’s Nicholas. He’s kind of the grumpy one, loves his sleep, hates being woken up, but he’s also one of the most protective people I know. He’s got a big heart under all that sarcasm. He’s really a sweetheart,”

Harua paused to think before continuing.

“Maki’s the youngest. He’s 19 but acts like a kid sometimes. Always moving, always smiling. Lately he’s been really into cooking. Makes the kitchen a bit of a disaster zone, but he’s getting better. And of course, we all allow him to live as a kid before the big scary world hardens him,”

(Y/n) laughed. “He sounds fun.”

“He is. Taki’s kind of in the same age range. He’s a bit more reserved, though. He’s been struggling with some personal stuff, but we’re helping him through it. He’s got a lot of strength, even if he doesn’t see it himself. He loves playfighting with all of us, Taki and I are really close, he’s almost like my twin,”

“What about the others?”

“Well, Jo’s the quiet artist. Barely says a word most days, but he’s constantly sketching. He draws us all the time, even when we don’t notice. It’s his way of showing love, I think. He’s kind and warm, always there to listen if you need to talk,”

Harua’s smile softened.

“Then there’s Yuma, he’s kind of the social butterfly. He talks the most, always cracking jokes, always trying to keep the energy up. Sometimes too much energy. But you can always count on him to make you laugh.”

(Y/n) looked at him warmly. “You really love them.”

“I do,” Harua said simply. “They’re not just my family. They’re my home.”

~~~

Just before lunch, Kei pulled into the parking lot outside the office building. He parked in a shaded spot near the entrance, glancing down at the items in the passenger seat, Harua’s forgotten phone and neatly packed lunch. He picked them up and leaned back against the side of the car, waiting.

Through the glass doors, he spotted Harua jogging toward him. Kei stood upright, meeting his brother halfway. “Your hero has arrived,” Kei said, handing over the phone and bag with a teasing smile. Harua let out a breath of relief. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Just then, the doors opened again, and (Y/n) stepped out. Kei didn’t notice her at first, his focus was still on Harua, but she noticed him immediately. Her eyes swept over him, taking in his tall frame, striking features, and the calm confidence in his posture. He towered over both her and Harua, with an air that was hard to ignore. Even though she couldn’t see his entire face, she could tell that he was very handsome, soft yet sharp features. 

Then Kei looked up, and everything stopped.

His eyes locked with hers. It hit him like a storm. A sharp inhale, a jolt down his spine. The world blurred at the edges as the scent hit him fully, familiar, right, hers. His wolf roared to life inside him, screaming the word he’d longed to hear for years: Mate.

Emotion crashed into him all at once, relief, wonder, overwhelming longing. She was real. She was alive. She was his. And now that she was in front of him, all the years of quiet hope, of waiting, poured over him like a tidal wave.

He tried to hold it back, tried to breathe through it, but his knees buckled. He dropped to the ground, breath shallow, vision swimming. It took everything to not shift right then and there. 

“Kei!” Harua grabbed his arm to steady him. Thinking fast, he turned to (Y/n), who stood frozen a few feet away, startled. “He’s-uh, sick. He’s sick,” Harua said quickly. “Didn’t want to tell me earlier, but I guess it hit him harder than he thought. Can you grab some water from inside? Please?”

(Y/n) blinked, clearly unsure, but nodded and turned back into the building. As soon as she was out of earshot, Harua crouched next to Kei.

“Is it her?” he whispered. Kei nodded shakily, eyes wide, still trying to get control of himself.

“She’s my mate.”

With Harua’s steady hand on his shoulder and a few grounding words, Kei slowly managed to center himself. His wolf was still restless, pacing behind his ribs, but the storm of emotion had begun to settle. His breathing evened out, and his legs steadied beneath him just in time for (Y/n) to return, a cup of water in her hand.

“Here,” she said, offering it with a small, concerned smile. Kei accepted it gratefully, his fingers brushing hers briefly. Even that slight contact sent a jolt through him. “Thank you,” he said, his voice rough but sincere. “And… I’m sorry for the scare. That was, just a sudden dizzy spell. I’ll be okay.”

(Y/n) gave a small shrug, her concern softening. “No need to apologize. Just take care of yourself, alright?” He nodded, still not quite trusting himself to speak more.

With that, she and Harua waved him off, turning back toward the building to eat their lunch before the second half of the day picked up. Kei stood there for a moment, watching the doors close behind her, heart still pounding, then finally turned and got back into his car.

As he drove home, the world outside the windshield passed by in a blur, but all he could see was her. The way her eyes had held his, the curve of her smile, the gentleness in her voice. She was more than he’d imagined. She was beautiful, kind, and something about her presence felt like warmth he hadn’t known he was missing.

She’s real. She’s mine.

And now, he thought with a mix of awe and anticipation, I have to figure out how to tell her and how to get to know her.

~~~

Over the next several weeks, nearly two full months, Kei became a familiar presence outside the office building.

It started innocently enough. He’d give Harua rides to and from work, especially on rainy days. Then he began showing up with lunch when Harua forgot to pack one, or even when he didn’t. Soon after, he started arriving mid-morning with coffees in hand, one for Harua, and always one extra for (Y/n), claiming it was “just in case she liked this blend.”

At first, (Y/n) thought nothing of it. Kei seemed like the kind of older brother who took his role seriously, reliable, thoughtful, protective. It was sweet, really, how involved he was in Harua’s life.

But then one morning, Kei showed up with two coffees, and Harua wasn’t there.

(Y/n) blinked in surprise when she saw him through the front doors. As he walked up to her desk, holding out the familiar paper cup with her name scribbled in tidy handwriting, she gave a half-smile.

“No Harua today?” she asked, accepting the drink with raised brows.

Kei cleared his throat softly. “He’s out sick. Thought I’d still stop by… figured you might miss the coffee.” There was a beat of silence. (Y/n) tilted her head, her smile turning a little curious. “I see,” she said lightly. “That’s very thoughtful.” Kei smiled in return, nervous, a bit lopsided. “It’s no trouble.”

As he walked away, (Y/n) sat back in her chair, fingers wrapped around the warm cup. She watched him disappear through the doors again, her expression unreadable. It was then that the thought finally hit her.

Maybe this isn’t just about Harua.

~~~

Two days later, Harua was back at work, fully recovered and just as energetic as always. As lunchtime rolled around, he and (Y/n) settled into their usual corner in the break room, their trays filled and laughter already bubbling between bites.

But (Y/n) was distracted.

She kept glancing toward the front doors, half-expecting to see a tall figure walking in with coffee, even though Harua had brought his own today. After a few minutes of internal debate, she finally decided to ask.

“So… does Kei always show up like he has been lately?” she asked casually, poking at her food with her fork. “I mean, he’s been around a lot these past few weeks.” Harua blinked, not quite catching the meaning. “Yeah? I guess so. Kei’s kind of like that. He’s always the one who steps in when someone needs something.”

He smiled fondly, setting his drink down. “I remember when Taki had a rough patch in school, some bullying stuff. Kei showed up for every lunch break for weeks just so Taki wouldn’t have to sit alone. That’s just who he is.”

(Y/n) nodded, processing the information, but her brow furrowed slightly. “That makes sense,” she said slowly. “It’s just…” She hesitated, then blurted it out before she lost her nerve. “Do you think maybe he… likes me?”

Harua froze mid-sip. His eyes widened slightly as the puzzle pieces clicked into place all at once. “Ohhhh,” he said, setting his drink down slowly. “That’s what this is about.” He looked over at her, a mischievous smirk forming. “You just might be onto something.”

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes playfully at Harua, leaning in a little over the table. “Okay, but if that’s true… why hasn’t he done anything about it? I mean, I thought I’d made it kind of obvious that I sort of like him too.” Harua raised a brow, surprised. “You do?” She gave him a look. “I’ve accepted all his coffee offerings, haven’t I? Smiled every time he showed up, even when I knew he wasn’t there for you.”

Harua laughed softly, then shrugged. “Fair point. But, well… Kei isn’t exactly what he looks like.” (Y/n) tilted her head. “He looks like he’s dated a million people, right?” Harua continued. “Tall, good-looking, confident. But honestly? He’s barely dated anyone. He’s not shy, but he’s… cautious. Kei doesn’t really put himself out there unless he’s sure it won’t blow up in his face.”

He paused, watching her expression soften. “I think he’s afraid of messing it up,” Harua said gently. “So if you really do like him, you might have to help him see that. Just a little nudge, so he knows he’s not reading things wrong.”

(Y/n) leaned back, thoughtful now, twirling her straw in her drink. “Alright,” she said after a moment, a small smile forming. “Then maybe I will.” With Harua’s help, (Y/n) put her plan into motion. It was simple, really. A bit dramatic, but Kei was worth a little drama.

Later that afternoon, Harua texted Kei:

“Come to the office. Pronto. No time to explain.”

Kei, already halfway through organizing the kitchen pantry at home, frowned down at his phone. No explanation? No emojis? Something was up. Dropping the tea towel he had slung over his shoulder, he grabbed his keys and left without a second thought.

When he arrived outside the building, he looked around, expecting Harua’s usual wave through the glass doors, but instead, (Y/n) was standing just outside, waiting for him. Waving at him. She smiled, calm and radiant, like she’d been waiting for this moment all day.

“Let’s go,” she said, nodding toward the sidewalk. Kei blinked, confused. “Wait… what? Go where? Where’s Harua?” And just then, clear as if Harua had whispered it right into his ear, a mind-link sparked to life:

“She likes you, idiot. Just go with her.”

Kei’s jaw slackened a bit, the weight of the words hitting him like a gust of wind. He looked at (Y/n) again, really looked, and saw the glint of nervous hope in her eyes. His heart gave one strong thump. Who was he to refuse his own mate? He let out a soft, incredulous chuckle and nodded. “Okay,” he said, walking toward her. “Lead the way.”

Neither of them was dressed for anything fancy, (Y/n) in her usual office attire, Kei in a worn hoodie and jeans, so they agreed to keep things simple. They walked a few blocks down from the office, settling into a cozy little restaurant tucked at the end of a quiet street. Warm lights, a chalkboard menu, and the soft hum of conversation made it feel intimate without being too much.

They found a small booth near the window. At first, the conversation flowed easily, light teasing, shared laughter. Kei found himself relaxing more than he thought he would. Being around her just felt… right.

But then their server came out.

A guy, maybe around (Y/n)’s age, with a bit too much confidence in his stride. From the moment he approached their table, he zeroed in on (Y/n), his words sugary and his smile too smooth. When he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her shoulder, completely unprompted, Kei’s wolf nearly tore through his skin.

Kei clenched his jaw and lowered his head, biting into the side of his own hand under the table to stop the low growl rumbling in his chest. He didn’t say anything, but every time the server came near, Kei’s whole body tensed like a pulled wire. (Y/n) noticed.

She glanced at Kei, catching the way his jaw flexed, how his hand gripped the edge of the table a little tighter each time. She found it… kind of cute, honestly. Protective, even if he didn’t say a word. The silent glare he gave the poor waiter spoke volumes.

Then came the moment that made her grin even wider. “You’ve got something,” she said, gesturing toward her own cheek. Kei blinked, confused, until she reached out with a napkin and gently dabbed at the corner of his mouth where a smudge of sauce clung. “You’re kind of cute like this,” she said, amused.

Kei stared, stunned. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words tripped over his tongue and got stuck somewhere in his throat. He turned a bit red, looking down for a second with a breathless laugh. (Y/n) giggled softly and leaned back in her seat, sipping her drink, watching him melt just a little. Maybe Harua was right, he really had no idea she liked him.

~~~

Dinner continued with a light-hearted ease, the tension from earlier fading into soft laughter and casual conversation. The warmth of the little restaurant matched the comfortable rhythm they’d fallen into.

“So, what do you do when you’re not rescuing your brother from forgotten lunches?” (Y/n) asked with a teasing smile, twirling her straw in her drink. Kei chuckled. “I model. Part-time.” Her brows rose. “That makes way too much sense.”

He gave her a sheepish smile, a faint pink tint touching his ears. “It pays well enough that I don’t have to do it full-time. And outside of that… I run. A lot. It’s kind of my thing.” “Like… for fun?” Kei nodded. “Yeah. It clears my head. I actually ran a marathon last week.”

Her jaw dropped slightly. “A marathon? Like, the full thing?” “Twenty-six miles,” he said with a shrug, like it was no big deal. (Y/n) laughed in disbelief. “That’s insane. I complain if I have to jog to catch the bus.” Kei grinned. “I’ll teach you if you want.” She raised an eyebrow. “Tempting, but I make no promises.”

He chuckled, then leaned forward a bit. “What about you? What do you do when you’re not working?” “Writing, mostly,” she said, fingers tapping idly against her glass. “And I like painting… though I’m not that good at it.” Kei tilted his head. “Says who?” “Me. And anyone with eyes,” she joked.

“I doubt that,” he said softly, sincerity in his voice. “You seem like the type who puts your heart into everything. That’s what really matters.” (Y/n) blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. She smiled, a little slower this time, letting the words sit with her. Maybe Kei wasn’t just protective and sweet, maybe he was thoughtful, too.

~~~

As the date wound down and the check was paid, neither of them seemed in a rush to leave. The walk back to the office building was quiet but comfortable, their hands brushing occasionally, laughter still lingering between them.

Kei didn’t want the night to end. His wolf didn’t either. Everything about this evening, the way she smiled, the way she listened, the way she looked at him like she truly saw him, felt like home in a way he hadn’t known he was missing.

But all things, even good ones, had to pause. They stopped outside the building entrance, the soft glow of the streetlights casting a warm hue across her features. Just as Kei was about to thank her for the night, (Y/n) tilted her head and held out her hand. “Your phone?” He blinked, but didn’t hesitate. He handed it over without question.

With a small smirk, she typed quickly, then handed it back. “There. Now you have my number.” Kei glanced down at the screen, recognizing the number as the one Harua had used to call him all those weeks ago. His eyes widened slightly in realization. “You didn’t know, did you?” she asked, clearly amused. “That was me.”

Kei looked sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I didn’t put it together.” “Well,” she said, stepping a little closer, “now you don’t have to pretend to check in on Harua just to show up. You can text me. And we can go on more dates… if you want to.”

Kei met her gaze, warmth flooding his chest. “I want to.” “Good,” she said, smiling. “Me too.” With that, she gave him a gentle wave before disappearing back into the building, leaving Kei standing on the sidewalk, phone in hand, heart pounding. His wolf howled in quiet triumph.

~~~

Before heading back home, Kei sat behind the wheel for a moment, fingers drumming on his phone. He wasn’t usually the type to text right away, but this wasn’t usual. This was her.

So he typed out a simple message:

Hi, this is Yudai :)

He hit send without thinking much of it, still riding the high of the night.

A few seconds later, his phone buzzed with a reply.

Yudai?

Wait… who’s Yudai?

Kei blinked at the screen, then let out a quiet laugh as it hit him, he had never told her his actual name. Everyone just called him Kei. He quickly typed out a follow-up.

Sorry! That’s my full name. Koga Yudai. But everyone just calls me Kei. I guess I forgot I never mentioned it.

There was a pause before she replied again.

Ahhh okay!! That makes more sense now 😂 Kei suits you though. Sounds cool.

Also… I like the real name. Yudai. It’s nice. Strong.

Kei stared at the screen for a long second, the corner of his mouth twitching up into a smile. No one outside the pack really called him by his full name, but somehow, her saying she liked it made it feel… right.

You can call me whatever you want. he typed.

Then hesitated-

Except “puppy.” Harua tried that once. Never again.

Her reply came fast.

Noted. But I’m definitely calling you that now at least once 😏

Kei groaned, but he was smiling the whole drive home.

~~~

As Kei stepped through the front door, the familiar warmth of the house greeted him. The soft hum of the TV played in the background, Euijoo and Nicholas were still up, half-watching a movie in the living room. Euijoo gave him a subtle nod of welcome, Nicholas barely looked up, too focused on whatever plot twist was unfolding on-screen.

Kei kicked off his shoes quietly and made his way past the hallway, expecting the rest of the house to be asleep by now. Fuma, Maki, Taki, Jo, and Yuma had all turned in hours ago. But as he stepped out onto the porch, he saw a familiar shape curled up on the swing bench, wrapped in a big blanket like a cocoon.

Harua.

The younger wolf perked up when he saw him, pushing the blanket off his face. “Took you long enough,” he whispered with a grin. “So? How’d it go?” Kei let out a soft laugh, sitting down beside him, the porch creaking under the weight. “It was… good. Really good.” Harua shifted so he was facing him fully, eyes wide with interest. “Tell me everything.”

So Kei told him.

He told him about how confused he’d been at first when (Y/n) was the one waiting outside. About the smirk on her face, the way his wolf reacted just by being near her. About the little restaurant, the too-flirty server, and how close he came to losing it, but didn’t. About how easy the conversation had been, how pretty her laugh was, how she put her number into his phone and told him to stop pretending to check on Harua just to see her. Harua listened quietly, smiling more with every word, the way siblings do when they’re genuinely proud. When Kei finished, he leaned back against the porch railing, sighing like the weight of the world had left his chest. Harua bumped his shoulder lightly.

“Told you she liked you,” he said, smug. Kei smirked. “Yeah, yeah. I owe you for that.” Harua nodded. “You do. Big time.” The porch fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the night forest in the distance. Then Kei glanced over. “You’re really happy for me, huh?”

Harua nodded. “Of course. You waited so long, Kei. You deserve this.” Kei looked out at the trees, the quiet dark, and for once, he didn’t feel the ache of the past lingering like a shadow.

“She’s everything,” he said softly. Harua smiled. “Then don’t mess it up.” “I’ll try not to.”

They sat there a little while longer before finally calling it a night, retreating into the warmth of the house, Kei’s heart a little lighter, his future finally beginning to take shape.

~~~

That night, as the house settled into silence and the steady rhythm of breathing filled the rooms, Kei lay wide awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The joy he’d felt earlier still lingered in his chest, but it was quickly being drowned out by anxiety.

He turned over, trying to will himself to sleep, but his mind wouldn’t quiet. How would he tell her? How could he explain something so impossible, something that could terrify her, something that could ruin everything?

He imagined her face when he said the words: “I’m a werewolf.” He saw the spark in her eyes dim, saw her step back, afraid. He heard her say “You’re a monster.” He felt her pulling away, out of reach, gone. Kei clenched his jaw, squeezing his eyes shut as if that would block out the images. It didn’t.

He wasn’t ashamed of who he was, not anymore. The pack had given him a home, a purpose, a family. But (Y/n)? She didn’t grow up around their kind. She didn’t know the warmth of a pack or the strength of the bond. She didn’t know the things they had to control every day. And what if, when she did know, it was too much?

He turned onto his side, burying his face into his pillow, his heart heavy. His wolf stirred restlessly inside him, equally distressed. They’d waited so long for her. Losing her wasn’t something either of them could bear to imagine. And yet… that fear was all Kei could see every time he closed his eyes. He didn’t sleep much that night.

~~~

Even though the anxiety never fully left, Kei found himself growing more and more drawn to her with each passing day.

They texted constantly, light jokes, random thoughts, photos of food or cute animals, and more often than not, Kei would find himself smiling at his phone, his heart lighter for just a moment. On days when their schedules allowed it, they met for lunch or dinner. Sometimes, they’d just sit together, not needing to fill the silence. Her presence was soothing. She’d reach for his hand without hesitation, lean into him during quiet moments, laugh freely around him.

It was in those moments that Kei let himself believe this might really work. Once, she texted him a blurry photo of a train ad he’d modeled for, covered in graffiti but still unmistakably him.

“Dating the hottest man alive? Feeling pretty powerful rn.” she’d joked.

Kei had laughed, genuinely, the kind of laugh that left him breathless. But even in that joy, the fear remained, quiet, patient, waiting.

Because no matter how many dates they shared or how natural it all felt, he still hadn’t told her the truth. The truth that pulsed in his blood, that shaped his body under every full moon, that tied him irrevocably to a world she hadn’t asked to be part of. And the longer he waited, the heavier it grew. He knew the time was coming. He had to tell her soon. He just didn’t know how.

~~~

The lights in the apartment were dim, the soft flicker from the TV washing the room in pale, shifting colors. Takeout boxes sat open on the coffee table, their delicious scent mingling with the faintest hint of the lavender candle (Y/n) had lit earlier in a half-nervous attempt to set a relaxed mood. Kei sat beside her on the couch, his tall frame leaned back, legs long and relaxed, his arm draped over the top of the couch, not quite around her, but close enough to make her heart race when she leaned a little to the side.

(Y/n) fidgeted with the corner of a napkin, her fingers folding and unfolding it as she stole a glance at him. He looked calm, content even, his profile softened by the glow of the TV. And yet… there was still a tension there, something subtle that hadn’t faded even after weeks of dates, shared meals, and countless late-night texts.

She shifted a little closer, then cleared her throat softly. “Hey… can I ask you something? It might be kinda weird.” Kei turned toward her slightly, his expression open, calm. “Of course.” She laughed awkwardly, eyes flitting away and back again. “Okay, not weird weird. Just… maybe a little personal.”

He nodded, giving her the space to speak without pushing, and that gave her the courage to keep going. “It’s just… we’ve been on, what, like twelve dates now? Not that I’m counting,” she added quickly, with a nervous chuckle. “But… I was starting to wonder. You haven’t kissed me. Not once.”

She looked up at him, trying to read his expression, but Kei’s face was unreadable in that moment, still, quiet. She rushed to fill the silence. “I’m not mad or anything, and I’m definitely not trying to pressure you, I just… I guess I’m confused. I thought I’d been pretty clear that I wanted you to. Or at least that I wouldn’t not want you to.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she pushed on, nervous laughter bubbling in her throat.

“There was that night after our third date, remember? When we got ice cream and then walked through that little park? I even tried to lean up to kiss you before we said goodnight, but I couldn’t reach,” she said, grinning sheepishly. “I literally had to pretend I was stretching so I didn’t look like a total idiot.”

She groaned and covered her face for a second, peeking out between her fingers.

“And okay, yeah, maybe I should’ve just said something then, but… I don’t know. I guess I figured you’d kiss me when you were ready. But now I’m starting to wonder if maybe I’ve got terrible breath or if-” she paused, smile faltering, “or if maybe you just don’t want to kiss me like that.”

She looked at him again, more serious now, her voice gentler. “I just… I need to know where your head’s at, Yudai.” Her fingers twitched slightly in her lap, and for the first time since the question started, she didn’t look away.

Kei’s heart almost broke as he heard her say that he had caused her to feel insecure. That was never his intention, not even close. Without thinking, he reached out, his large hand cupping her cheek with a gentleness that surprised even him. His skin was warm against hers, and the look in his eyes softened as their gazes met.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, thumb brushing over her skin. “I just didn’t want to pressure you into anything. I guess I’m a little… bad at reading signs sometimes. I didn’t want to assume anything you weren’t ready for.”

His voice, usually confident and steady, was quiet and uncertain now, genuine. Then, slowly, he leaned in, finally ready to close the space between them, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see her eyes flutter shut, could feel the warmth of her breath, and then, sharp and loud, his phone rang.

Kei froze, cursing silently, forehead resting briefly against hers in frustration. “I’m sorry-just one second.”

He pulled back, fishing his phone from his pocket. The screen showed Euijoo. He immediately answered. “EJ?”

Euijoo’s voice was tight, urgent. “Kei, get home. Now. Something’s wrong with Taki and Jo.”

That was all Kei needed to hear.

His whole body tensed. He turned to (Y/n), guilt flashing across his face. “I have to go. It’s a family emergency,” he said quickly, grabbing his coat. (Y/n) stood up, worry spreading across her face. “Is everything okay?” “I don’t know,” he admitted, already halfway to the door. “I’ll text you. I promise.”

And then he was gone, leaving her standing alone in the quiet apartment, takeout still on the table, the movie still paused on the TV, and the echo of his almost-kiss lingering in the air.

~~~

Things at home were chaotic. The moment Kei arrived, the tension in the air was thick, shouts from the backyard, overturned furniture, and the distinct scent of panic lingering in the air.

Jo and Taki had accidentally eaten a plant that was poisonous to wolves, something they’d never encountered before. It triggered an intense, feral reaction, stripping away their control, leaving only instinct and confusion. They weren’t themselves. They had attacked anything that moved, eyes wild and glowing, claws drawn, even lashing out at their packmates who tried to help.

By the time Kei got to the backyard, Nicholas had a nasty gash along his arm, and Euijoo was barking orders to keep the others at bay. Harua was crouched behind a tree, breathing heavily, clearly having just dodged a hit.

Kei didn’t hesitate. He joined the others, helping corner the two out-of-control wolves without hurting them. It took everything they had, Fuma’s strategy, Yuma’s speed, Nicholas’ strength, and Kei’s calm but firm presence, to subdue Jo and Taki long enough for Euijoo to administer an antidote.

It was a slow process, but eventually, their eyes dulled, their breathing steadied, and they collapsed into unconsciousness, both boys shifting back into human form, scratched up, bruised, and exhausted. Everyone stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath. The worst had passed.

Kei sat back against the deck steps, chest heaving. His hands were still trembling, not from fear, but from adrenaline. His mind briefly wandered back to (Y/n), to the almost-kiss that now felt like it had happened in another lifetime. 

~~~

The next morning, Kei pulled into the parking lot of Harua’s office building, the engine barely cooled before he stepped out. Harua followed behind him, quiet and nursing his bandaged arm, sensing this wasn’t just about a ride, Kei needed to see her.

(Y/n) was standing outside the entrance, sipping her coffee, a frown etched on her face when she spotted them. Kei didn’t hesitate, he jogged up to her, his usually composed expression replaced by something close to desperation.

She looked up, ready to give him a piece of her mind for disappearing the way he had the night before. But the moment her eyes landed on him, on the bruises trailing up his arms, some dark, some still faintly red, her anger evaporated.

Her gaze flicked to Harua, noticing the bandage peeking from under his sleeve. Something serious had happened. Kei slowed his steps as he reached her, his eyes locking with hers. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, voice rough with exhaustion. “I didn’t want to leave like that… but it really was a family emergency.” (Y/n) didn’t ask what happened. She wanted to, but something in Kei’s eyes told her not to push. Not yet. Instead, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “You scared me.”

“I know,” Kei said, stepping just a little closer. “I hated walking out like that. But I’d really like another chance… dinner, movie, just us. Tonight.” She hesitated. “Only if you promise not to vanish again.” “I promise,” he said immediately, no room for doubt in his tone. “I’ll be there. Start to finish.” Reluctantly, she gave him a small smile. “Alright. One more try.” Kei smiled back, the tension in his chest easing.

~~~

Harua didn’t offer (Y/n) much when she asked again about the previous night. He simply shook his head gently and said, “It’s better if Kei tells you.” She nodded. That was enough. She trusted them both. Even if the questions stayed heavy in the back of her mind.

The day slipped by faster than she expected. Work was a blur of meetings and small talk, until the clock neared five and she felt her heart speed up. When she stepped outside, Yudai, was already waiting. She climbed into the car, surprised to find takeout containers in the back seat. “You thought ahead,” she smiled. He chuckled, still a bit nervous but hiding it better this time. “Figured we wouldn’t want to cook.”

The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Once at her place, they settled into their usual rhythm. Takeout on the table, movie playing in the background, soft light warming the room. For a little while, it felt easy again. But underneath it all, something lingered, unspoken, but known. The truth was hanging there between them like static in the air.

They hadn’t talked about the night before. Not yet. Because they both knew, when they did… everything could change.

~~~

As the movie’s credits rolled, silence settled between them. The kind that wasn’t uncomfortable, but heavy with meaning. Yudai sat up straighter, his hands resting on his knees as he took a long, slow breath. His chest tightened. It was time.

“I need to tell you something,” he said, voice quieter than usual. Serious. (Y/n) turned toward him, brows raised slightly in concern.

He started with the easier part, if there was such a thing. He told her about the emergency from the night before, how two of his younger brothers had fallen ill. He told her it had been dangerous, but they were okay now. Then, slowly, he pivoted to the part that made his heart pound.

“We’re not… exactly normal,” he said. “I’m not. I mean, I’m not- I’m not human. Not entirely.” She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I’m a werewolf.” For a few seconds, she just stared at him, silent, confused. Her eyes searched his face, like waiting for the punchline to a joke. But it didn’t come. “Yudai… that’s not funny.” “I’m not joking,” he said gently.

She didn’t believe him, not really. Not until he exhaled and let the shift take hold. His eyes glowed bright gold. Fangs peeked through his lips. Furry ears twitched on top of his head, and a soft tail swayed behind him. His hands, once warm and human, now carried sharp, curved claws.

He didn’t move any closer. He didn’t try to scare her. He just sat there. Still, quiet, waiting.

(Y/n)’s breath caught, but she didn’t scream. Her fingers clenched the blanket between them, and her heart pounded, but not from fear. More from awe, confusion… wonder. Even with the fangs and claws, he still looked like him. “Okay,” she said, almost a whisper. “Wow… that’s… a lot.” “I know.” He said as he shifted back to his full human form. “But I’m not scared.”

His eyes flicked up to meet hers. Surprised.

“You’ve never made me feel unsafe. Not once. And even now…” She reached out, fingers grazing his cheek, soft and warm. He flinched a little, more from surprise than anything else.

“You’re still Kei. The guy who brings me coffee. The guy who listens when I ramble. The guy who panicked when he spilled sauce on his shirt.” He let out a quiet, almost disbelieving laugh, tension draining from his shoulders. Her acceptance, so instinctive, so complete, felt like the sun rising after a storm.

“Thank you,” he said, voice thick. (Y/n) nodded. “Just… maybe warn me next time you grow a tail, okay?” They both laughed softly. But deep down, they both knew this was only the beginning.

He took another deep breath, the kind that rattled in his chest, and looked her directly in the eyes. “There’s… one more thing. It’s more complicated than the rest.” She stayed quiet, her expression open, patient, still processing, but clearly not running. That gave him the strength to go on.

“In my world, for werewolves, there’s something called a mate. It’s not just a relationship. It’s deeper than that. It’s… someone you’re tied to, body and soul. A bond that forms the moment we recognize each other.”

(Y/n)’s brows knit slightly, her lips parting, she didn’t interrupt, but Kei could see the understanding starting to dawn in her eyes. “We don’t get to choose,” he continued. “It just happens. And when it does, it’s everything. You can live your whole life without finding your mate… or you can meet them and have it change you completely.”

He hesitated for just a second. “If the bond isn’t accepted, it can destroy us. Sometimes… it kills us. Unless the Moon Goddess grants us a second chance, which doesn’t always happen.” Silence stretched for a few heartbeats.

(Y/n) stared at him, her mind racing with the implications, but she stayed still, watching, listening. “So what does this have to do with me?” she asked softly, though deep down, a part of her already knew. Kei’s voice dropped to a near-whisper. “You’re my mate.” His words lingered in the air like a fragile truth finally spoken aloud.

His shoulders sagged a little as if some massive weight had been lifted, but there was still uncertainty in his eyes, fear she’d recoil, run, or look at him like he was something unnatural. But she didn’t. She sat there, heart pounding, trying to reconcile what that meant, and what it meant for them. He was watching her closely now, barely breathing, his entire world hanging in the balance of her response.

(Y/n) stayed quiet for a few moments, her gaze fixed on the space between them as her mind worked through everything he’d told her. The weight of it all was undeniable, but so was the sincerity in his voice. She knew he meant every word. There wasn’t a trace of manipulation or pressure, just raw honesty and vulnerability. And as wild as this whole “mate” thing sounded, she couldn’t deny her own feelings either.

She liked him. She had since the day they met, his kindness, his gentle nature, his awkwardness. Whether it was the bond or just him, it didn’t matter much right now.

Then, a small realization hit her. She glanced up at him, a half-smile forming as she remembered something.

“Wait… the first time we met, when you collapsed outside the office,” she said slowly, watching his expression shift. “That had something to do with this, didn’t it? With the mate thing?”

Kei groaned softly, covering his face with one hand, clearly embarrassed by the memory. “Yeah,” he admitted, voice muffled. “That was… definitely because of the bond.” (Y/n) blinked. “Seriously?” He looked at her again, cheeks flushed. “My wolf recognized you instantly. It hit me like a truck. I wasn’t prepared, I didn’t expect to meet my mate in the middle of a random work day. So yeah… I kinda short-circuited.”

She laughed, warm and surprised, and he relaxed a little hearing the sound. “You collapsed because of me?” she teased. He gave her a sheepish smile. “In my defense, you smelled like heaven and looked even better.” (Y/n) rolled her eyes fondly, shaking her head, but her smile lingered, just like her hand when it reached over to take his. “Okay,” she said softly. “This is a lot… but I’m still here.”

They decided to watch another movie before Kei had to head home, something light and funny to ease the weight of the conversation they’d just had. As the opening credits rolled, (Y/n) shifted in her seat. After a brief moment of hesitation, she moved closer to him, slowly leaning into his side until her head was pressed against his chest. Her body half resting on his. 

Kei blinked, startled by the sudden contact, and looked down at her. She didn’t meet his eyes, just kept watching the screen with the most casual expression she could muster. Still, he smiled, soft and amazed, and opened his mouth to say something teasing. Maybe a smart comment about her finally making a move. But before he could get a single word out, she beat him to it.

“I’m cold,” she said simply, cutting him off without even looking his way. “And you’re warm.” Kei let out a quiet chuckle, deciding not to push his luck. Instead, he slipped his arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her a little closer, letting her settle in against his side.

He could hear her heart beating steadily, feel her warmth through the thin fabric of her shirt. And for once, his own heart wasn’t racing with anxiety, but with something steadier. Peace. She let out a content sigh, and for a while, neither of them said anything. They just sat there, wrapped in each other’s presence, as the glow of the television flickered across their faces.

~~~

A few days later, as the week neared its end, Kei nervously typed out a message, then stared at it for a second before hitting send:

“Hey, would you want to come over for dinner sometime soon? Meet the rest of my brothers, the pack?”

He held his breath.

The reply came quickly:

“Absolutely! I’ve heard so much about them, I’ve been dying to meet everyone :)”

Relief washed over him. He had talked about this with Harua earlier in the week, trying to decide when would be the right time. Now felt right. They all knew about her, of course, and everyone had been curious, especially Maki, who had been annoyingly persistent in asking questions Kei didn’t even have answers to.

So that Friday, as Harua and (Y/n) stepped out of the office, there Kei was, leaning casually against his car, dressed a little nicer than usual, but still effortlessly cool. He lit up the moment he saw her, waving them over.

“Ready?” he asked, opening the door for her without a second thought. “Let’s do this,” (Y/n) said with a smile, butterflies already starting in her stomach. She wasn’t sure what to expect from nine werewolf brothers… but she had a feeling it was going to be a night to remember.

~~~

The house was bouncing with life as Kei’s car came to a gentle stop just outside the cozy little home nestled in their quiet village. Warm light glowed through the windows, and the sounds of laughter, clattering dishes, and someone shouting that “the food’s about to catch fire!” spilled out into the evening air. The chaos was so loud it almost felt like it had its own heartbeat.

(Y/n) laughed softly, her heart already warming at the sound. The place felt like a home, real and lived-in, messy, loud, but full of love. Kei, on the other hand, looked like he was seconds away from either bolting or melting into the driver’s seat.

“They would have to be extra messy the day I bring you over,” he mumbled under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly mortified. (Y/n) looked over at him, amused. “You’re nervous?” He glanced at her with a sheepish smile. “Yeah. A little. I mean… they’re them. And you’re… you.” He gave her a look that made her heart skip. There was adoration in his eyes, like he still couldn’t quite believe she was real.

Harua had already hopped out of the car and jogged toward the house, waving over his shoulder. “I’ll go warn them you’re coming!” he called with a laugh.

As the door swung open and Harua disappeared inside, (Y/n) stepped out of the car but didn’t follow him right away. Instead, she circled around to Kei’s side, reaching for his hand. He looked down at her as she laced their fingers together, a question in his gaze.

“Come here,” she said softly, tugging at his hand.

He leaned down without question, bending enough so that their faces were close, the evening breeze playing gently with the ends of his hair. She reached up, brushing his bangs aside, smoothing down the strands that had been tousled by the wind on the drive over.

“You had a little something,” she said with a playful glint in her eye, though there was nothing on his face except a slightly stunned expression.

And then, before he could process it, she leaned in and kissed him. It was soft and brief, but full of intent. Her lips were warm against his, steady and sure, and when she pulled away, his eyes widened. For a heartbeat, he just stared at her, completely frozen. Then-

He dropped to his knees. It wasn’t a collapse of weakness, but of overwhelming feeling. As if everything in him, his wolf, his heart, his soul, had surged at once and left him breathless. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her close, and he pressed his forehead against her stomach like she was the anchor he needed to stay grounded.

His eyes shimmered gold as his wolf peeked through, not in threat, but in awe. His body trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the sheer weight of emotion. (Y/n) was taken aback at first, unsure of what to do, but instinct kicked in. She rested her hands on his head, fingers threading into his hair gently, stroking it.

“Yudai…” she murmured, her voice tender. He let out a shaky laugh, voice muffled against her. “I’m sorry. I, I didn’t mean to freak you out.” “You’re not freaking me out,” she said, smiling. “I just didn’t know my kiss was that powerful. To make my big handsome puppy collapse, ” He chuckled again, finally looking up at her with eyes that had settled back into their deep, warm brown. “You have no idea what that meant to me… I’ve waited so long to feel something like this. To have you, ” No comment about the puppy thing?” “If it’s you, I don’t care,”  (Y/n)’s heart fluttered. Nudging his nose lightly with her fingers. “Now come on, before your brothers actually burn down the kitchen.”

Kei nodded, still holding her hand tightly as he stood back up. He seemed steadier now, more solid, like something had settled into place inside him. He reached down and gave her hand a soft squeeze.

“You kissed me,” he said, still a bit dazed. “I did,” she replied with a playful smile. “And if you’re good tonight, I might do it again.” He laughed, heart full to bursting, and together they made their way to the front door, ready to face the chaos, and the pack, hand in hand.

Once inside, (Y/n) barely had a moment to take in the cozy interior of the house before she was completely bombarded with attention. First up was Maki. A whirlwind of energy, he came barreling out of nowhere like a freight train of enthusiasm, practically sliding into view. “Oh my God, you’re (Y/n)? Finally!” he exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. “You’re even prettier than Harua said! And he said you were super pretty!”

He looked like a kid in a candy store despite being tall, taller than she expected, and built like someone who’d never stopped growing, or someone who lived at the gym. His grin stretched from ear to ear as he bounced in place, practically vibrating with excitement. Before she could even get a word in, he zoomed off toward the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t mind me! I’m just making sure dinner doesn’t kill us!”

(Y/n) blinked, mouth slightly open. “Was that… Maki?” “Yup,” Kei said beside her, chuckling. “You’ll get used to it.” The next wave came in the form of Taki and Yuma, who were already mid-argument as they approached. “I saw her first,” Taki insisted. “You only saw her because I heard her voice first,” Yuma shot back. “Your wolf ears don’t count!” “Oh, they definitely count!”

“Hi,” (Y/n) interrupted, raising a hand and offering a small, amused smile. Both of them paused mid-bicker, turning to her like she’d dropped from the heavens. Taki gave her a warm, slightly sheepish grin. “Sorry. I’m Taki.” “And I’m Yuma,” the other followed quickly, shooting Taki a smug look. They nodded at her in tandem, then wandered off still bickering quietly about who had the better instincts.

Next came Jo, calm and cool, the complete opposite of the two before him. He stepped forward with, extending his hand. He seemed shy, not really meeting her eyes, yet he seemed welcoming in his own way. 

“Welcome,” he said simply, shaking her hand with a polite firmness. “It’s nice to meet you.” Then, just as silently, he turned and walked away, disappearing down a hallway with a quiet nod. His cheeks red with shyness. 

Before she could recover from the calm, Nicholas strolled in with all the charm of a rom-com lead. “Ah, so you’re the angel Yudai’s been keeping from us,” he said, flashing a dazzling smile that looked like it could probably sell perfume. He took her hand and, to her surprise, bent to kiss it gently. “Nicholas, at your service.”

“Nicho,” Kei growled warningly, his eyes narrowing. Nicholas looked up, completely unfazed. “What? I’m just being polite.” He winked at her.

Just then, Euijoo appeared, practically shoving Nicholas to the side with an annoyed grunt. “Off,” Euijoo muttered. He turned to (Y/n), far more composed, but still with that leader-like air about him. “Sorry about him. Welcome to our home,” he said, giving her a nod. “We’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Euijoo, you can call me EJ if you want though,” 

Right on his heels was Fuma, who gave her a soft, respectful smile and a quick bow of his head. “I’m Fuma. It’s really nice to finally meet you. If you need anything tonight, don’t hesitate to ask.” He turned and headed off quickly, muttering something about “Taki and Yuma setting the house on fire” as he went to manage the ever-escalating tension in the kitchen.

Finally, Harua, already seated at the dining table, gave her a cheerful wave with a mouth full of what looked like a fried dumpling. “Hey! Again!” he said, swallowing quickly. (Y/n) blinked, barely able to process what had just happened. The house seemed to buzz with so much energy, like it was alive and pulsing with laughter, arguments, footsteps, and the occasional crash from the kitchen. It was a lot. Loud, chaotic, messy… but it was warm. It felt like home.

She looked up at Kei, who was standing beside her with an apologetic yet hopeful expression. “I know they’re a bit much.” “They’re everything,” she said softly, unable to keep the smile off her face. “But I kinda love it.” He relaxed, shoulders dropping as the tension bled out of him. “Good,” he said, his voice filled with relief. “Because they already love you. And so do I,”  (Y/n) gasped lowly at the confession, the way Yudai’s eyes flashed gold as he said it. Though it didn’t take long before she followed him, “I love you too, Yudai,” 

Cuddle Chaos

There is no such thing as personal space during movie nights. The living room transforms into a mountain of blankets, pillows, and limbs.

K is the designated movie selector (mostly safe choices), but Fuma always tries to sneak in horror just to watch Taki cling to someone, usually Yuma, who pretends to be brave but is equally terrified.

Maki always brings snacks he carefully arranged, only for Jo to immediately mess it up digging for the “good” popcorn.

You’ll be cuddled somewhere in the middle, sandwiched between Harua and Nicholas most of the time because they refuse to let you go.

Eventually, it’s a full-on cuddle pile, with someone always half-asleep on someone else’s chest, shoulder, or lap. The movie usually ends without anyone noticing because K, the last one awake, turns it off and throws another blanket over everyone.

Kiss Chaos

It always starts with something simple. You kiss K on the cheek before heading to the kitchen and then suddenly…

“Wait, why does K get one first?” Nicholas complains, arms outstretched like a child.

You kiss him too, and immediately Jo jumps in: “I want one too!”

Next thing you know, it’s a full-on kiss storm.

Yuma pulls you gently into a warm hug and presses a kiss to your forehead. EJ demands one on the nose “because it’s cute,” and Taki tries to get one while also being crushed under everyone else.

Harua is shy about asking, so he lingers until you notice him and cup his face for a soft kiss. He always goes red.

Maki ends it by pulling you in for a real kiss, just long enough to make everyone groan and shout, “HEY! No fair!”

It’s the most chaotic but love-filled mess of affection ever.

Culinary Chaos

The kitchen becomes a war zone every time more than two people are in it.

Maki and K try to lead things calmly, with emphasis on try. They delegate roles like a military operation: “Fuma, you chop vegetables. Taki, stir the sauce. Nicholas, no, put the oil down.”

EJ and Jo are the biggest disasters. Once, they tried to cut an avocado and ended up Googling “How to avocado???” (Had to bring it up but with a twist)

Yuma once mistook salt for sugar and confidently said, “It’ll even out in the oven.” It did not.

Harua is great at organizing but not much of a cook; he likes setting the table prettily, though.

You’re usually somewhere between helping and refereeing, sneaking spoonfuls of whatever’s ready and helping Jo clean up the flour “accident” (he swears it wasn’t him).

Despite the chaos, dinner always ends up tasting amazing, mostly because everyone’s laughing and eating together, and that’s what makes it perfect.

Crowd Chaos

During concerts, you’re hidden in the audience or backstage, and they know you’re there.

When you cheekily blow a kiss toward the stage, at least three of them react immediately.

Fuma misses a step in the choreo. Harua turns bright red but keeps smiling. EJ smirks at the crowd to play it off.

Nicholas mouths stop it with a grin while Taki waves like he’s waving to a fan (but it’s absolutely you).

Later, K scolds the group jokingly, “At this rate, you’re going to fall off stage from blushing so hard.”

Interview Chaos

Interviewer: “Do you all have someone at home that you miss when you are away?”

Taki: “Yeah! We have, uh, a part-. I mean, a hamster! We call it, Y/N. Wait, no”

The rest of the members scramble to cover it up, Fuma laughing loudly while K says, “It’s an inside joke. Our imaginary pet hamster.”

The fans are suspicious, especially when Nicholas adds, “Yeah, it bites,” and Harua hides behind a water bottle.

On-Stage Chaos

Nicholas loves sneaking winks or little heart hands your way during performances. He says it’s “for the fans,” but he looks directly at where you are.

Maki subtly sings certain lyrics in your direction, and K always spins toward your side of the audience when there’s a romantic line.

EJ throws smirks your way when the choreo gets intense.

Jo once pulled a flower from a prop and tossed it in your direction, making it look random. It wasn’t.

Backstage, Taki beams when you meet eyes. Harua can’t stop smiling for ten minutes straight after.

Birthday chaos

Birthdays are group missions. Everyone contributes something, a handmade gift, a letter, a (badly performed) song, or a special dinner.

K plans the schedule like a general. “Nicholas, you distract them. Harua, you’re on cake duty. Jo, don’t eat the frosting before it’s on the cake this time.”

Each member gives their own private moment with you, one-on-one time to celebrate how much you mean to them.

Taki writes little notes and hides them around the house for you to find. Jo records a silly voice message you play on loop.

Maki bakes something intricate with K’s help, while Fuma gets you a charm bracelet with little initials of the group.

EJ insists on serenading you, but gets interrupted halfway by Yuma crashing in with confetti and yelling, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!!”

No matter who’s birthday it is, yours or theirs, the night always ends the same way: group cuddles, cake crumbs on shirts, laughter, and love so strong it’s almost unfair.

Anniversary chaos

Since you can’t go public, anniversaries are quiet, private, and ridiculously romantic.

One year, Nicholas recreated your first group hangout in the living room with matching clothes and playlists.

Another year, they each wrote a letter and Maki strung them into a handmade photo book.

The group keeps a secret group chat where they plan surprises together (you caught Jo looking very suspicious once and he said, “I’m… watching a cat video.”)

They do little things all week: Harua making your tea in the morning, EJ picking up your favorite snacks, Yuma letting you win at Mario Kart (probably).

At the end of it all, there’s always a whispered, “Thank you for loving all of us,” and nine pairs of arms wrapping around you tightly.

Live chaos

It started off innocent: Fuma, Jo, and EJ were casually live on Weverse, answering fan questions and showing snacks.

You, completely unaware, walked into the room behind them and said, “Babe, did you see where I put my-”

Silence

EJ’s eyes widen. Jo coughs violently into a pillow. Fuma blurts, “THAT WAS…uh. K’s voice. He’s being weird again.”

Someone (Jo) yells offscreen: “STOP MOCKING OUR VOICES, K!”

Meanwhile, you duck behind the counter in horror and crawl out like a guilty cat.

The fans immediately pick up on the voice: “That… that wasn’t any of the members??”

Comments flood the stream: “WHO WAS THAT??” “New staff?” “That sounded too soft to be K LMAO.” “Was that a girl or maybe another guy????” “They totally called someone babe?!?!”

The guys try to recover, badly. EJ starts singing, Jo opens chips, Fuma nervously mumbles about “our… vocal coach??”

They end the live early with a lot of sweating and forced laughter.

Later, you all agree: new rule, check the schedule board before entering the room.

But in the group chat that night, they’re teasing you nonstop: “Your debut as the 10th member was iconic,” – Nicholas “I’ll make your mic prettier next time,” – Yuma “So when’s your fan meet?” – Jo

Third Person POV

The table was packed, the energy loud and comfortable as dishes were passed around like currency. It was one of those dinners that started late and would probably stretch into the night, the kind that felt more like a family gathering than anything else.

(Y/n) was seated beside Nicho, happily chewing on a piece of garlic bread while Maki leaned over from the other side of her, talking with his usual animated hand gestures.

“No, but seriously, if I had a superpower, it would definitely be turning into a raccoon. Think about it! You’re small, fast, sneaky-” “Trash,” Yuma chimed in with a grin. “Don’t forget trash. You’d live in a trash can.” “I’d live in style,” Maki shot back with no shame. (Y/n) giggled. “I think it suits you.” “See? (Y/n) gets it.”

Harua leaned back in his chair with a dramatic sigh. “You’ve completely lost control of your brain.” “You lost yours first,” Yuma muttered. “Do you want to get smacked with a spoon again?” Harua deadpanned, picking one up. “Not in front of the garlic bread,” Taki said calmly, sipping his drink like a disapproving parent. “Let the carbs live.” Fuma chuckled from across the table. “This always turns into a circus.”

Meanwhile, Euijoo was chatting with Jo in hushed tones, both of them seated near Nicho. Jo looked a little flustered but relaxed, smiling faintly as he listened. Kei, on the other end, leaned closer toward the group’s center, watching everyone with an amused, knowing look.

Then Kei spoke up with that familiar teasing tone. “Hey, real question, how did we even get here?” Nicho raised a brow. “Here… as in?” “As in,” Kei said, gesturing between him and (Y/n), “you two. I still remember when you wouldn’t even talk to strangers.” “He still doesn’t,” Yuma grinned.

Jo glanced up, eyes curious, and Fuma added, “No, but really. You guys are total opposites. And you’ve been together like… what? Five months?” “Just about,” (Y/n) replied, brushing her fingers against Nicho’s under the table. He didn’t pull away. “I feel like you just popped up holding hands one day,” Harua added, narrowing his eyes in mock suspicion. “No clues. No build-up.”

Taki leaned forward now, intrigued. “Come on, spill. I’ve always wanted to know how that started.” Nicho gave a soft exhale, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. “You’re all really nosy.” “We’re emotionally invested,” Euijoo corrected with a grin. Maki gasped. “Wait, I don’t know the story either! How did you guys even-?”

(Y/n) glanced at Nicho, playful but cautious. “Think we should tell them?” He shrugged slightly, his tone casual but warm. “If you want to.” “Please,” Jo said quietly, almost under his breath, but clearly interested. Kei clapped his hands once. “Okay, no interruptions this time. Let them talk.” “Even me?” Maki asked dramatically. “Especially you,” everyone said in unison.

Laughter broke out again, but it quickly settled as the group leaned in a little, attention now focused on (Y/n) and Nicho. (Y/n) smiled, her fingers brushing a piece of hair behind her ear before glancing toward her boyfriend one more time.

And then, she began.

(Y/n) smiled, glancing at Nicho briefly before turning her gaze to the rest of the table. Everyone looked expectant, leaning in like they were watching a drama unfold live.

“Okay,” she started, “so… it all began with a small accident.”

~~~ Flashback in (Y/n)’s POV ~~~

I was so late to class.

My backpack felt like it was carrying a small planet, and I was basically jogging through the hallway, trying not to slip on the wet spots from the morning rain. My brain was just one loud don’t be late, don’t be late, don’t be late chant.

And then…bam. I rounded the corner and crashed right into someone. Hard.

Books nearly flew out of my arms, and I stumbled back a step. “Ah! Sorry!” I blurted, still moving, laughing a little from the shock, and I glanced up just for a second. I saw dyed red hair, a frown, and really sharp features.

“Oops! My bad!” And then I was gone. I kept running like my life depended on it.

Honestly, I didn’t even think about the guy I ran into. I was more focused on whether I was going to get marked late. At most, I thought: Tall red hair. That was it.

~~~ End of flashback, third person POV ~~~

(Y/n) gave everyone a sheepish smile. “I didn’t even know it was Nicho. He just looked very… serious.” “Still does,” Yuma said under his breath. (Y/n) nudged his leg with her foot and grinned.

“Anyway. That was the first time we met.” She glanced at Nicho. “Your turn.” He exhaled slowly, leaning forward a bit as he began.

~~~ Flashback in Nicho’s POV ~~~

I was waiting for Euijoo outside one of the classrooms, just killing time before lunch. It wasn’t a loud day. Just kind of quiet. I had one earbud in, music low, my hands in my jacket pockets. Same hallway I walked through almost every day. Then I saw her. That girl from a few weeks ago, the one who ran into me.

She was standing by a cabinet, struggling with something. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But then I realized her shirt was stuck, like, properly caught in the hinge of one of the old metal doors. She looked kind of frustrated, tugging at it carefully like she didn’t want to rip the fabric. I could’ve walked away. Normally, I probably would’ve.

But I didn’t. “Need help?” I asked, keeping my voice low. She looked up at me, eyes wide in surprise. And then, just like the first time, she smiled. Big. Bright. Like it was second nature. “Actually… yes. Please.”

I crouched down in front of the cabinet, fished a bobby pin out of my pocket, I think Yuma had left it in my jacket the day before, and popped the latch open in a few seconds. Click. Done. Her shirt came free.

She lit up like a sunbeam. “You’re a lifesaver! Thank you!”

I just nodded. Didn’t really know what else to say. She didn’t seem to care that I wasn’t smiling back. And just like that, she was gone again, waving as she walked off like it was nothing. Right after she turned the corner, Euijoo showed up.

~~~ End of flashback, third person POV ~~~

Nicho shrugged as he ended the story. “She was the only person, besides Euijoo and Maki, who ever smiled at me like that without knowing me.” Everyone was quiet for a second. Then Maki gasped. “Wait, I’m honored.” “You’re not special,” Kei muttered. Maki clutched his chest. “Rude.”

(Y/n) looked at Nicho again with that soft smile of hers, the one that kind of started it all.  “I didn’t know it then,” she said gently, “but that was kind of a big deal.” “So that was it?” Harua asked. “That’s how it all started?” She shook her head. “That’s just how we met.” “Oh, come on,” Yuma groaned. “There’s more?” “There’s a lot more,” she said, stealing one of Nicho’s fries. And, Nicholas, of course, let her. He just smiled and poured some more water for her in her glass.  

(Y/n) leaned back slightly, still smiling as everyone listened closely.

“So then,” she continued, twirling her straw between her fingers, “we ran into each other again. Literally.” 

~~~ Flashback third person pov ~~~

It was late, just a few minutes before 10 PM. The convenience store’s lights flickered faintly against the quiet of the night, one of the only shops still open on the block.

Nicholas had his hood up, red mullet peeking out from underneath, earphones in as he wandered down the snack aisle. He was on a mission, Euijoo had asked for his favorite chips, and Nicho was debating between two flavors for himself.

(Y/n), on the other hand, was drifting. Quite literally. She hadn’t even meant to stop at the store, but she remembered she was out of her favorite ramen at the last second and darted in just before closing. Now she was walking with half-focus, eyes scanning shelves, thoughts miles away. Then, a soft collision.

Not quite as hard as last time, but enough to make both of them jolt. Nicholas blinked down at her, earbuds still in, his usual frown forming instantly. 

(Y/n) froze for a second. And then she laughed. “Oh no! You again?! Wow!”  She recognized the red hair immediately, and honestly, it was starting to feel like the universe was playing some long-running inside joke.

Nicholas pulled one earbud out, confused for a split second, until he registered the same wide smile from before. His frown twitched. Faded. Just slightly, but it did. She tilted her head. “Maybe you’re following me,” she teased. “I was here first,” he said flatly, but the corner of his mouth lifted the tiniest bit.

“I guess I should be more careful where I’m going,” she said sheepishly. “Sorry again for bumping into you…” She paused and offered her hand. “I’m (Y/n), by the way. Since we keep crashing into each other, I figured we should know each other’s names.” Nicholas stared at her for a beat before slowly reaching out and shaking her hand. “Nicholas. Or Nicho. Whichever.” It was brief, their handshake. Awkward, almost, but not in a bad way.

Before either of them could say anything more, a voice called out from the front:

“Store’s closing in three minutes!” “Oh crap,” (Y/n) muttered, already half-spinning toward the ramen section. “Guess I’ll see you around, again,” she added, glancing back at him with a smile. Nicho just gave a small nod and turned toward the chips.

They both grabbed what they needed, paid quickly, and exited into the quiet night just seconds apart. There was no grand goodbye. No dramatic pause in the street. Just a brief glance exchanged as they went their separate ways once more, unaware that it wouldn’t be long before their paths crossed again.

~~~ End of flashback ~~~

Kei smirked. “You really bumped into him three times before even knowing his name?” (Y/n) laughed. “What can I say? Destiny had to hit me over the head with it.” Nicholas rolled his eyes, knowing what was to come, but he wasn’t hiding the subtle smile this time. Maki whispered loudly to Taki, “She totally charmed him. You see that?” Taki just chuckled. “He never stood a chance.”

(Y/n) rolled her eyes playfully and gave Maki a light smack on the arm. “Shhh,” she said with a mock glare. Maki just grinned, wincing dramatically. “Okay, okay! I’ll shut up. Promise.” But he quieted down, eyes still wide with interest like he was watching the best drama unfold right in front of him.

“So,” (Y/n) went on, brushing her hair back a little, “the fourth time we met was on a weekend, Nicho was at the courts playing basketball-” Nicholas interrupted her gently, voice calm but certain, lightly tugging at her hand that had found its way to his. “That wasn’t the fourth time, babe.”

(Y/n) blinked. “What?” He gave her a look, a little amused. “The fourth time was at a party. You were… kind of drunk. You probably don’t remember.” The whole table shifted forward slightly, sensing a twist in the story.

(Y/n)’s brows furrowed. “Wait, what? We met at a party?” Nicholas nodded, leaning on his elbow. “Yeah. You were dancing, if you could call it that. Looked like you were trying to fight gravity more than anything.” A few of the guys chuckled. (Y/n)’s mouth dropped open in surprise, clearly trying to remember.

“You stumbled into me. Again,” he added, a little smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Almost fell flat on your face. But I caught you.” “Oh my god,” she groaned, face in her hands, embarrassed. “It was kind of ironic,” Nicho admitted. “I remember thinking, ‘Of course it’s her again.’”

Everyone at the table burst out laughing.

Nicholas shrugged. “You were alone. Or you at least looked like you were alone. I couldn’t leave you there like that. So I stuck around. Tried to ask people where you lived.” He gave her a side glance. “A couple people said they’d only seen you around Harua’s place so they assume you lived there.”

Harua snorted. “They’re not wrong, she used to steal my bed so I had to sleep on the couch, in my own damn apartment.” They all laughed at the comment. 

“So I called a taxi,” Nicho finished, “got in with you, took you there. Made sure you got inside before I left.” (Y/n) stared at him, speechless for a moment. Her eyes softened. “You… took me home?” He nodded like it wasn’t a big deal. “Yeah. You didn’t throw up on me or anything. It was fine. You mostly mumbled incoherent words, except for a few times when you clearly said that I was handsome,” His tone was a bit teasing at the end. 

That made everyone laugh again, but (Y/n) leaned in toward him with that unmistakable tenderness only she could manage. She cupped his face with one hand, her thumb grazing his lips before she kissed him. The boys collectively erupted into obnoxious “Wooo!”s and mock gagging.

“Okay, gross,” Kei joked, tossing a napkin at them. “Get a room!” Yuma added, laughing. They separated with wide smiles, not minding their friends. 

But Harua pointed at Nicho with sudden realization. “So that’s why I opened my door in the middle of the night to go get more water and found her passed out on my couch! Not a single warning! Just snores and shoes halfway inside the living room,.” “I knocked,” Nicho said. “I’m not a criminal.”

“Still! You couldn’t text me?” Harua asked, trying not to laugh. “You just dropped her off like a delivery? You freaking had my number, I’ve known you for two years, you know?” 

“You’re welcome, by the way, she didn’t die thanks to me, and I didn’t think about that, too focused on keeping hr upright,” Nicho muttered, but his voice was warm, loving, joking. Nothing like the cold person outsiders believe him to be.  

(Y/n) just smiled at him, a bit stunned but grateful. “I seriously had no idea it was you.” “Now you know,” he replied, eyes still on her. The table quieted down just slightly, the group clearly loving every second of this unexpected backstory.

Then Maki said, “Honestly… I thought he didn’t even like people other than us, I mean he never even goes to any parties WITH us.” Jo nodded slowly. “He forced me to go to a party, because it’s good for me, but he wouldn’t come with me, because it’s annoying,” Jo tried to imitate Nicholas’ voice, though failing, Maki laughed, still finding it funny. 

“I can hear both of you,” Nicho said without looking. Causing the entire table to laugh, one thing was for sure, before they managed to tell their entire story, the group would have laughed so much, their stomaches would hurt. 

(Y/n) laughed before she continued telling them of what she had thought was their fourth meeting, but now she knew, it was actually their fifth. 

~~~ Flashback ~~~

The sun was high and hot that Saturday afternoon, beating down on the quiet court where two figures were locked in a fast-paced game. It was just Jo and Nicholas, but the intensity between them could’ve convinced anyone they were playing for a championship. Nicho was sharp, focused, his black hair slightly messy with sweat. Jo, was no less competitive, moving with quiet precision, eyes locked on the ball.  

(Y/n) hadn’t planned to stop on her way to the library, but something about the game caught her attention. She paused just outside the court, curious. She tilted her head, watching the black-haired player with a frown that looked way too familiar, but the red hair was gone, replaced with its natural dark tone, and from that distance, though small, she didn’t connect the dots. But the universe would do it for her. 

The game continued, sharp passes, dribbles, and close defense. Then came the misstep. Jo went in for a steal, and Nicho turned a little too fast, launching the ball out of bounds. Straight. Toward. (Y/n).

“(Y/n)!” Nicholas shouted instinctively, eyes wide. She turned her head at the sound of her name, just in time to not dodge. A loud Thud echoed around the court. 

“Ow!” she squeaked, stumbling a little as the ball bounced off her forehead and rolled off somewhere behind her. “Shit,” Nicho muttered under his breath, already jogging toward her. Jo was quick to follow, eyes full of concern. “Are you okay?” They both asked.

(Y/n) blinked hard a few times, holding her forehead with both hands. “I think I saw, like… three basketballs just now, and maybe five of you,” She looked up, eyes locking on Nicho’s for the first time, her gaze narrowed.

“Wait… Nicholas?!” “Yeah,” he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s me.” (Y/n) groaned softly but smiled through the pain. “Why do we keep meeting like this? Are you cursed or something?” Nicho huffed a tiny laugh, and Jo stepped closer beside her, gently moving her hand to check the spot. “It’s already turning red,” Jo said quietly. “I’ll run to the store and get something for it. Ice pack, or a cold drink, and some band-aids-”

“Oh no, you don’t have to-” (Y/n) began. But Jo was already on the go.“It’s okay. You took a full-speed basketball to the face. It’s the least I can do. It’s just as much my fault as it is Nicholas’”

“Sweetest guys alive,” she called after him, then winced slightly as she touched the bump again. Now alone, she glanced back at Nicho, who still looked guilty. “I really didn’t mean to hit you,” he muttered, shifting on his feet, before he sat down on the grass, (Y/n) followed shortly after. 

“I know,” she said softly. “I’m just starting to think fate really wants you to be the cause of all my minor injuries.” “Wouldn’t say I’m proud of that,” he mumbled.

(Y/n) let out a small laugh, then tilted her head, her hand instinctively moving towards his head, stopping just short of touching it. “You dyed your hair.” She smiled, black hair suited him just as much as red, she thought. 

He nodded. “Last night. Figured it was time to go back to black for a while.” She hummed. “It looks good. But I kind of didn’t recognize you.” “Am I that forgettable?” he teased. “Hey! I was busy almost getting a concussion!”

That made him crack a real smile, small, but undeniably there. They sat there for a moment, a comfortable silence forming between them despite the situation. “You really remember my name?” she asked suddenly. “Yeah,” he said simply. “Hard to forget someone who crashes into you like three times, I can’t seem to go a week without bumping into you, literally .”

She snorted. “When you put it like that-” Just then, Jo returned, slightly out of breath, holding a chilled bottle of water and a small pack of adhesive bandages. He handed them to (Y/n), who thanked him with a grateful smile.

As she pressed the cool bottle against her forehead, she looked at both boys and smiled again. “You guys are seriously sweet. Like… weirdly sweet. Dangerous levels of sweet, and damn you both are handsome, what are you? Models?”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Nicho said dryly, though his signature frown was gone, and replaced with a genuine, bright smile, his whole face seemed to light up, his eyes sparkled with something (Y/n) hadn’t seen before. Jo nodded once in quiet agreement, his cheeks now red from embarrassment and not from running.  (Y/n) just laughed, the kind that made Nicho’s chest feel a little warmer than it should.

Jo glanced down at his phone and sighed softly. “I’ve gotta head out,” he said, standing and brushing himself off. “Study meeting.” (Y/n) looked up at him from where she sat next to the court, her cold drink still pressed gently to her forehead. “You’re so responsible, Jo.”

He gave a small smile, almost bashful, then looked to Nicho. “You’ll be okay?” Nicho gave a nod, barely a grunt. “Yeah.” Jo gave a final wave and jogged off, leaving just the two of them behind.

They sat in silence for a while. Not the awkward kind, just quiet. Peaceful. The wind rustled the trees nearby, a few birds chirped lazily overhead, and the city buzzed softly in the distance. Nicho sat on the edge of the court, elbows resting on his knees, while (Y/n) leaned back on her hands, drink bottle resting in her lap.

After a long moment, she spoke, voice casual but carrying something more. “You know,” she said, tilting her head slightly, “I’m starting to think we need to meet in a way that doesn’t involve collisions or potential injuries.” Nicholas glanced over, the corner of his mouth tugging up. “Not a fan of concussions?” (Y/n) smirked. “Not especially.” He let out a small laugh.

There was another beat of silence before she added, quieter this time, “Maybe we should, like… schedule our next run-in. You know. Set a time. Pick a place.” She was trying to sound playful, but there was a hint of nerves under it.

Then, a pause.

“…Like… intentionally?” Nicho asked. “Revolutionary, I know,” she teased. He glanced at her, brows raised slightly. “You’re asking for my number?” “Maybe,” she said, holding back a grin. “Unless you think it’s too dangerous to give to someone who keeps smacking into you. I mean, I kind of feel like a stalker right now, or maybe you just have like a (Y/n) magnet that keeps pulling me to you,”

Nicholas hesitated. Not because he didn’t want to, he did, more than he wanted to admit, but he knew what people thought when they looked at him. He wasn’t used to people wanting to know him like that, not without a warning label, or without one of his other friends convincing someone that he’s actually nice. 

“…You sure?” he asked, voice low. “I’m not exactly sunshine and sparkles.” (Y/n) smiled. “I think I’ve got enough of that for both of us.” She had seen some sunshine and sparkles in him, it was just covered in a thick layer of natural frowns and misunderstandings, but she didn’t mention it, not now.  She noticed the flicker of hesitation still in his eyes, so she added, “I promise I won’t give it to the girls in your fan club.”

That made him scoff quietly, shaking his head. Maybe it was her smile. Maybe it was how she looked at him like he wasn’t something to be wary of. Maybe it was just the fact that she didn’t seem to want anything from him, just… him.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it over. “Fine,” he muttered, “but only because I’m tired of feeling like a wall, that you keep running into,” (Y/n) beamed and took the phone quickly, entering her name and number, adding a little sun emoji at the end of her name before handing it back.

“There,” she said. “Now next time we meet, no blood, no bruises.” “Can’t promise no bruises,” Nicho replied, pocketing his phone, “but I’ll try.” Their eyes met again. Something softer passed between them this time, more deliberate.

(Y/n) leaned back on her hands again, the sun catching the edges of her smile. “So… next weekend? Coffee?” Nicholas nodded. “Yeah. Text me.” She grinned. “I will.”

~~~ End of flashback ~~~

Laughter bubbled up around the table again as Jo finally pieced together the basketball incident. “I remember that,” he said softly, his voice barely above the others but tinted with amusement. “I didn’t think that’d be… like, relationship-defining.”

“It wasn’t, technically,” (Y/n) said with a grin, “but come on, getting knocked in the head with a basketball? That’s cosmic-level meet-cute material,”

Yuma leaned forward dramatically. “You mean you manifested your boyfriend with a head injury?” “I mean… yeah?” she laughed. “Totally worth the bruise.” Kei raised his brows with a teasing smirk. “So what you’re saying is, pain really is beauty.”

Fuma, quiet up until then, gave a small chuckle and added, “She had this big bruise on her forehead two days later when we had class together. I asked what happened, she just looked at me, dead in the eyes, and said, ‘the universe.’”  

The table erupted again. Harua clutched his chest as he cackled. “You dramatic little gremlin.” (Y/n) shrugged, wishing she sat closer to him so she could hit his shoulder, only jokingly though. “I was right. It was the universe.”

Next to her, Nicho leaned in slightly, his eyes flicking to her forehead as if out of instinct. His fingers found the spot gently, just a soft graze of his thumb, tracing the spot where the bruise used to be. It wasn’t the first time he’d done it, and (Y/n) didn’t seem surprised. If anything, she leaned in a little more, smiling softly. The bruise had long since faded, but he still checked it from time to time, like muscle memory.

“You always do that,” she said, her voice low so only he could hear. “Habit,” Nicho muttered. “You took a full-speed shot to the head.” “I’m tougher than I look,” she whispered back. “I know,” he said, almost smiling.

Yuma chimed in as they all watched the couple be lovey-dovey with each other. “I smile at him and get death glares. She exists in the same room and suddenly he’s a walking love song. A real prince charming,”

Nicho threw a napkin at him, though his eyes stayed in contact with (Y/n)’s. “Shut up.” (Y/n) giggled and picked the napkin up, patting Nicho’s cheek with it. “Play nice, Weno.” Nicholas smiled softer at the nickname, a nickname reserved for only her and his family. 

Harua pointed his fork at them. “Okay but for real, that bruise might’ve been the best thing that ever happened to you two.” Nicho rolled his eyes, but even that was gentler than usual. “Maybe,” he said under his breath, his hand still resting lightly on the side of her head.

Nicholas leaned back slightly in his chair, one arm slung lazily over the backrest. The others had quieted a bit as he picked up the thread of the story, his voice a touch lower than usual, not out of reluctance, but because he was remembering.

“The sixth time,” he started, glancing briefly at (Y/n) beside him, “was… finally planned.” “A miracle,” Kei muttered with a smirk. “No head trauma?” “None,” Nicho replied dryly, then paused. “Unless you count mental damage.” (Y/n) let out a laugh, nudging his leg gently under the table.

“It was a Saturday. She showed up outside this café near the park, wearing this… purple sundress.” His voice softened just slightly. “Sun was out, and her hair was kind of glowing. She smiled at me like she always does, like she knew something I didn’t.”

Maki, wide-eyed and clearly invested, grinned. “So she looked like an angel?” Nicho looked down at his hands for a second, almost like he was debating if he should admit it. “Yeah. Heavenly. I… had to look away and breathe for a sec. No one should look that good at 11 a.m.”

(Y/n) snorted. “I knew you were flustered. You barely said hi.” “I did say hi,” he said defensively. “You nodded.” Kei leaned in. “Did you tell her she looked pretty?” Nicholas hesitated, a bit sheepish now. “No. I… couldn’t say it. Not back then.” “Coward,” Yuma coughed under his breath, earning a playful jab from Harua.

“I hoped she’d notice,” Nicho added quietly. “By the way I acted. I don’t know.” “She did,” (Y/n) said softly beside him, nudging him again. “Eventually.” He glanced her way with a small, grateful smile before continuing. “I paid for the drinks and pastries, she tried to argue but I insisted. We sat outside in the sun. Talked about random stuff. Music, food, our mutual classes, how she kept injuring herself…” 

“That’s not fair,” she cut in. “Only twice.” “Still a pattern,” he teased. “Anyway. I asked about her bruise, it was mostly gone by then. And somehow we ended up talking about basketball.” Jo perked up at that, the corners of his mouth twitching into a small smile.

“She asked how long I’d played. I told her I’d just been playing for fun, never professionally or anything, but I guess I got pretty good from playing so much. That’s actually how Jo and I got close, mutual friends introduced us, and we ended up playing together almost every weekend since.” Jo gave a quiet nod. “Still one of the best players I know.”

(Y/n) looked genuinely impressed. “You were super casual about it though. Like it wasn’t a big deal.” “It’s not,” Nicho replied. “Not compared to someone asking for your number after getting hit in the face.” The table cracked up again, and Fuma just shook his head, still smiling.

“You really undersell how soft you were that day,” Euijoo said, stretching his arms behind his head. “You were practically glowing.” “I was sweating,” Nicho deadpanned. “It was 26 degrees celcious.” “Nah, You were just sweating emotions,” Maki corrected with a dreamy sigh followed by a bright laugh. 

Nicho groaned, dragging a hand over his face as the group burst into laughter again. But beside him, (Y/n) leaned into his shoulder just a bit, her smile subtle this time, warmer, softer, knowing. And he didn’t pull away. He never would, not as long as it was her. 

(Y/n) and Nicholas continued telling the group of the seventh time they met, the boys all leaning in, listening closely. ~~~ Flashback ~~~

The music pulsed through the house, dim lights casting a warm, shifting glow over the crowded space. Laughter and conversation blended with the bassline as (Y/n) stood near the drinks table, scanning the room.

She had come with Harua, as usual. It was another of those parties where familiar faces blurred together in dim lighting, and for the first half hour, they’d stuck close. But after running into Taki near the staircase, Harua had vanished with him, promising to return in “five minutes, tops.” But that didn’t happen. 

(Y/n) didn’t mind. She sipped on her soda, content enough watching the chaos unfold around her, smiling to herself as a group tried and failed to start a dance circle nearby.

Then, without warning, two hands gently covered her eyes from behind. “Guess who?” a familiar low voice whispered in her ear. She froze for half a second, then her smile widened, instantly recognizing the voice.

“Nicholas,” she said, turning her head just enough to glance at him from the corner of her eye. The hands dropped as he moved beside her, an amused, crooked smile on his lips. “Thought I’d sneak up on you,” he said.

“Sorry to break it to you, but you couldn’t sneak up on anyone,” she teased. “Your cologne gives you away.” He raised an eyebrow, leaning just slightly closer. “You remember how I smell?” She shrugged, cheeks warming. “I have a good memory.”

A moment later, Nicholas tilted his head toward the crowd, eyes flickering to the dance floor. “Wanna dance?” (Y/n) looked up at him, surprised, but pleasantly so. “You dance?” He gave a small shrug, a playful glint in his eye. “I do with the right partner around.” She laughed, taking that as a yes, and nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

The dance floor was packed. Music thudding, lights flashing in slow motion streaks across swaying bodies. People moved in every direction, jumping, spinning, some clearly drunk, others just carried by the beat. It was chaotic, but it was fun.

They moved together, hands raised, bodies swaying in time with the rhythm. (Y/n) beamed as she danced, her energy contagious. Every time someone bumped into her, which was often, Nicholas was there, steadying her by the waist, pulling her slightly closer to keep her from stumbling. More than once, he reached out to gently push away an accidental elbow aimed at her head, shielding her like it was second nature.

(Y/n) couldn’t stop laughing, smiling as she looked at him, really looked.

In all the times she’d seen him, talked to him, even flirted with him in her bubbly way, she had never seen Nicholas smile like this. Not just the small smirk or half-grin she had become familiar with. But a full smile. Carefree. Bright. Soft.

She didn’t know then, didn’t realize that the only reason he smiled like that was because she was there. Because she made it easy. Watching the way she danced like the music was made for her, the way she threw her head back and laughed without worrying about how she looked… he couldn’t help it. She was the sun, and he was willingly orbiting.

After nearly an hour of dancing, their energy began to fade. The music still pulsed behind them, but sweat clung to their skin and their legs begged for a break. (Y/n) was the first to speak up between breaths.

“Okay, I need to sit before I become one with this floor.” Nicholas chuckled, nodding. “Come on. Let’s find somewhere quiet.” They weaved their way through the crowd, eventually slipping outside into the cooler night air. A bench near the edge of the garden caught (Y/n)’s eye, and she dropped onto it with a sigh of relief.

Nicholas stood for a moment, scanning the area, then looked down at her. “Wait here. I’ll grab us something to drink,” he said. “Water, please,” she smiled, giving him a quick thumbs-up. “Before I melt.” He gave a soft grunt of amusement and turned back toward the house.

As (Y/n) waited, a familiar voice called her name. She looked up to see Fuma walking toward her with a smile. “Hey, what are you doing out here?” (Y/n)’s face lit up. “Fuma! Taking a break before I pass out. Come sit.”

He chuckled and dropped down beside her on the bench, casually stretching his legs out. “Didn’t know you were here. You with Harua?” “Yep. He disappeared with Taki, though. Probably raiding the snack table.” She grinned.

They talked easily, as they always had since their shared class had thrown them together. Laughter passed between them like a natural rhythm, and even in the dark, their familiar friendship shone through.

But from a few meters away, Nicholas returned, two water bottles in hand, stopped in his tracks. His brows furrowed, but not in anger. Something else… something quieter. He didn’t move closer. There she was, sitting on the bench, smiling that radiant smile, but not at him.

And next to her sat Fuma. One of his closest friends. Laughing with her, leaning in to say something as she giggled and tucked her hair behind her ear. It wasn’t flirty. Not really. But it was easy. Comfortable. Nicholas didn’t know they knew each other. Not then. And something about it twisted in his chest.

He stood frozen in place, the bottles sweating in his hands. The laughter from the bench drifted over to him, and with it came a thought he hadn’t allowed himself to speak out loud, not until now. 

He liked her. Really liked her. The realization hit with full weight, both warm and crushing. But as soon as it came, so did the doubt. Because what if… what if she liked Fuma more? Fuma was calm. Collected. Easygoing. Quiet, sure, but warm. Not grumpy. Not guarded. Not misunderstood like Nicholas always felt he was.

Wouldn’t someone like (Y/n), bright and kind and open, choose someone who didn’t come with walls?

Nicholas took a small step back, standing partly in shadow, watching as the girl he liked laughed with someone who looked more like her than he ever would. At least in his own eyes.  The smile he’d worn earlier was long gone. In its place, not a frown, but a soft, subtle pout.

A few minutes passed, and just as Fuma gave (Y/n) a soft goodbye and slipped back into the house, Nicholas finally walked over.

He moved slower than before, like something was weighing him down. His usual sharp, purposeful steps were now hesitant, careful. When he reached the bench, he held out a water bottle to her with a quiet, “Here.” (Y/n) smiled, surprised by how serious he looked now. She took the bottle, brushing her fingers against his. “Thanks.”

Nicholas gave a short nod and sat down, but noticeably farther away this time, his body turned slightly outward as if unsure if he should stay. The silence between them was no longer comfortable. (Y/n) glanced at him from the side. “Everything okay?” “Yeah,” he muttered. His voice was low, but unlike the usual calm she was getting used to, this felt… distant. Reserved.

She blinked in confusion. Not long ago, they were laughing, dancing, getting knocked around by the crowd. He had smiled so brightly back there. Had she said something weird? Had something happened while he was gone? Trying not to overthink it, she kept talking, lightly. “My legs feel like noodles,” she joked with a soft laugh. “That last remix nearly knocked me out.”

Nicholas cracked a brief smile, but it disappeared just as fast. He answered with a small nod, still not meeting her eyes. Her chest tensed a little. Had she done something wrong?

She played back the last hour in her mind, she remembered dancing, laughing, getting sweaty, being caught by Nicho more times than she could count. Then she’d sat down. And Fuma had come to talk. Maybe that had distracted her? Still, it didn’t add up. She didn’t feel like she had said or done anything to cause this sudden shift.

Across the yard, she spotted Harua standing by the porch, scanning the crowd. She stood up with a small, uncertain smile. “I think I’ll head out,” she said, motioning toward Harua. “Gonna get a ride back with him.” Nicholas looked up then, just briefly. His eyes were unreadable. “Okay.”

He didn’t stop her.

She hesitated for a second. Thought about asking again if he was sure he was alright. But something in his posture, the way he leaned slightly away, made her pause. Instead, she turned and walked toward Harua, gently pulling him aside from his conversation and convincing him to leave with her.

Back on the bench, Nicholas sat still, the noise of the party fading behind him as the sound of his thoughts took over. He shouldn’t have let it bother him. Fuma was his friend. And she could talk to whoever she wanted. But even knowing that, something had twisted inside him the second he saw them smiling together.

As her laughter with Harua disappeared down the road, Nicholas stayed seated, unmoving, the unopened water bottle resting between his hands. And he wondered if maybe it would be better not to hope. To just leave it alone. His feelings, her. 

~~~ End of flashback ~~~

Fuma sat a little straighter, blinking as something clicked into place. “Wait,” he said slowly, turning his head toward Nicholas. “That… that was why you were such a jerk to me for like a week after that party?”

Nicholas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, eyes fixed on the table. “Yeah.” Fuma blinked again, now wide-eyed. “Dude, I thought I accidentally spoiled a game for you or stepped on your shoes or something,”

“You probably did that too,” Kei cut in with a grin, earning a few chuckles. Nicholas shot Kei a look but didn’t argue. “No, seriously,” Fuma said, still surprised. “That’s why? Because I sat and talked to her?”

Nicholas nodded once, his thumb tracing the condensation on his water bottle. “It was stupid,” he admitted. “I didn’t even know I liked her that much until that moment, and then I saw you two and just-” He shook his head. “I assumed the worst. Didn’t talk to anyone. Just shut down. Acted cold.”

“You were more than cold, bro,” Yuma said, raising an eyebrow. “You looked like you wanted to throw hands every time Fuma walked into the room.” Euijoo, who had been quietly smiling this whole time, finally spoke up. “K and I had to basically drag him into a conversation just to get him to apologize. And even then, he didn’t say why.”

Nicho groaned softly. “Because I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to admit it. I was… jealous. And kind of a coward. Instead of just asking or saying something, I let it fester and acted like a kid.” Fuma leaned back, arms crossed, still looking shocked. “Man. If you had just said something back then, I would’ve told you that why we knew each other, and besides, she’s like a little sister to me, she was like that even way before you knew her.”

“I know,” Nicho muttered, sheepish now. “Trust me, I know that now. Back then, I was so wrapped up in how I thought I looked to her, and how I thought she looked at you, that I didn’t think straight.” (Y/n) gently nudged his side, her voice soft but amused. “You really thought I liked Fuma?”

Nicholas didn’t answer at first. His frown deepened slightly, but it wasn’t angry, it was embarrassed. “I wasn’t sure,” he admitted. “You talked so easily with him. You two looked… natural.” Fuma looked between them, a guilty chuckle escaping. “For what it’s worth, I never thought you were the jealous type.” “I didn’t think I was either,” Nicho muttered.

Harua clapped his hands together. “Aaaaand here I thought the drama in this group came from me, Yuma, and Taki.” “Hey!” Yuma and Taki said at the same time, immediately bickering under their breath.

Maki leaned into the table with a grin, eyes on Nicho. “So… moral of the story? Our stone-faced Nicho was already whipped way before they even started dating.” Kei smirked. “He’s been whipped since she smiled at him the first time.”

Nicholas rolled his eyes, but even as he did, his hand found (Y/n)’s under the table. He laced their fingers together, holding on tight, and gave the smallest of smiles, just for her. Happy that he didn’t ruin everything with his stupid jealousy. 

Euijoo leaned forward, curious glint in his eyes. “Okay, but then how did you win her back after the party?”

Nicholas exhaled slowly, a little smirk tugging at his lips, his thumb brushing gently along (Y/n)’s knuckles as he spoke. “That would be our eighth meeting.” The others quieted down again, leaning in.

“It had been a little over a week,” he continued. “We hadn’t talked. Not a word. But I kept seeing her around campus. Always smiling, like she always does, but it wasn’t… the same. It wasn’t her usual light. And I knew it was because of me, because I acted like an asshole.” 

(Y/n) glanced at him, that familiar, teasing look in her eyes, but she said nothing, letting him tell it.

“I had time to think. And I realized how badly I missed her. Missed just… being around her. So I finally grew a pair and texted her, asked if we could talk. She said yes, luckily.” “I almost didn’t,” (Y/n) interjected with a soft laugh. “I was still annoyed. But I wanted to know why he acted like that.” 

~~~ Flashback ~~~

They met at a small park near campus, a quiet spot tucked between old trees and an old, creaking swing set. The air was crisp, carrying with it the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and distant cars humming in the background.

They sat on the swings, facing forward, slowly swaying in silence at first. It felt strangely nostalgic, like something out of a forgotten summer from years ago.

Nicholas was the first to speak. “I saw you talking with Fuma, at the party, and I… I just, lost it. Thought I wasn’t enough. Thought I’d only mess things up because of who I am. I couldn’t see why you would choose me over someone like him, who’s more open, a better fit for you than me, someone who just scares people. But I know, that I don’t get to decide what’s good for you or who you can like. That’s your choice, so I’m sorry for being rude, I just got insecure, because I really like you.”

(Y/n) had listened quietly, nodding as he spoke. “If you had asked, I would have told you that Fuma is like a brother to me, we shared a class last year, I really struggled with it, Fuma stepped up and helped me, ever since we’ve been close but it’s nothing more than a sibling like relationship.”

Nicho closed his eyes, his voice quieter now. “I’m sorry, I should have talked to you without jumping to conclusions, I just… let my insecurities get in the way.”

As he leaned back on the swing, head tilted to the sky, eyes tracing the stars above, (Y/n) got up from her seat. She walked over slowly, her shoes crunching against the gravel path. He didn’t notice until she was already behind him. Still a bit lost in his own thoughts. 

And then, gently, she leaned over, hands on the swing’s chains for balance, and kissed him. Upside down, soft and a little clumsy, like a scene out of a movie. His breath hitched in surprise, but he didn’t pull away. It was short, but it spoke volumes about both of their feelings. 

It was late, and they both needed to head back home shortly after, both promising to meet up soon again to talk more about what would happen next, they said good bye with another quick kiss on the lips, this time, Nicholas made the first move, leaning in, planting a soft kiss on her lips, before whispering good night. 

~~~ End of flashback ~~~

Once Nicho finished telling them about that night in the park, the swings, the stars, and the upside-down kiss, an audible cheer rose from around the table.

“FINALLY!” Yuma blurted, nearly slamming his hands on the table in pure excitement. “I was starting to think this was going to be a tragedy, I mean I know it’s not but come on.”

Maki grinned wide, practically bouncing in his seat. “A swing set? An upside-down kiss?! Come on, that’s literally a scene out of a movie. Were you guys just waiting for the soundtrack to cue up?” “I swear, you two are the main characters in a romance drama,” Yuma added, nudging Nicho with a teasing smirk. “What’s next, a rain-soaked confession?”

Nicholas just rolled his eyes, but the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. He wasn’t annoyed, just a little shy under all the attention.  Euijoo leaned forward on his elbows, grinning. “That explains why you came home that night looking like you’d just won the lottery. Walking on clouds, humming to yourself like some anime protagonist.”

Even Jo chimed in on the comments, a light blush on his cheeks, yet his voice was nothing but warm and genuine,“It sounds really sweet,” he said with a small, honest smile. “Like… the kind of moment you don’t forget.” 

Harua turned to (Y/n), raising an eyebrow. “That’s why you barged into my place humming and spinning like a Disney princess,” he said, laughing. “You were glowing for, like, a week. I thought someone had either drugged you or handed you a bouquet of compliments.”

(Y/n) laughed,trying to hide her face in Nicho’s shoulder for a moment. “I was happy,” she admitted. “It felt like… everything made sense again.” The warmth around the table grew thicker, familiar, teasing, but deeply genuine.  Nicho gave (Y/n)’s hand a light squeeze under the table. And for once, even with the teasing and the noise, he didn’t feel like hiding that smile.

“Okay, okay,” Kei said, raising his glass slightly. “So what’s next? Ninth meeting?” Everyone leaned in again, eager for more.

(Y/n) continued, her voice light with nostalgia as she began describing their ninth meeting—their second date, and the day everything between them finally shifted.

~~~ Flashback ~~~

It was a Saturday afternoon, just warm enough to feel like the beginning of summer. The sun filtered softly through the trees as they walked side by side, fingers intertwined, the world around them quiet in a way that made even the sound of their footsteps feel like part of a melody.

They hadn’t planned much, just a walk, no pressure, no fancy dinner. Just time. And somehow, that made it perfect. Eventually, their steps brought them to a familiar place, the basketball court.

(Y/n) paused, eyes lighting up the second she spotted the orange ball lying forgotten at the edge of the court. Without a word, she let go of his hand and dashed toward it. “Hey!” she laughed, spinning around to face him with the ball hugged to her chest. “You owe me a proper introduction to this thing.”

Nicholas raised a brow, amused. “An introduction?” She grinned. “You know. Since it did hit me in the head and all. I figure we should get along, me and basketball.” That laugh, the one he never used with anyone else, loud, hearty, warm, slipped past his lips before he could help it. He walked toward her, shaking his head but already rolling up his sleeves.

“Alright,” he said, taking the ball from her gently. “First things first, stance.” And so, lesson one began. He guided her step by step, from how to hold the ball to how to bend her knees just right. At first, her throws were a mess, wildly off the mark, each one followed by a dramatic groan and a giggle. But she kept trying, determined.

And he kept laughing, not at her, but because of her. She made everything feel lighter. After a few more tries, she finally made a shot. The ball hit the rim, bounced, and dropped in. “I DID IT!” she shouted, hands flying into the air. Nicholas clapped slowly, dramatically, as she ran over and high-fived him like she had just won a championship. 

They collapsed onto the court afterward, lying on the warm pavement side by side, staring at the blue sky. Silence settled between them, not awkward, but full of something that buzzed beneath their skin. She turned her head toward him. “Hey.” He turned too, eyes meeting hers. “I really like you.” His breath caught for a second. But then he smiled, soft, rare, completely real. “I like you too,” he said.

After their quiet confessions, laughter still lingering between them, Nicholas stood up and walked over to where the basketball had rolled after their last shot. He picked it up, turning it in his hands for a moment before glancing back at her with that familiar glint in his eye.

“Alright,” he said, spinning the ball on his fingertip for a second before catching it. “If I make the shot from here… you have to officially agree to be my girlfriend.” (Y/n), still lying on the court, propped herself up on her elbows, one brow raised in mock challenge. “And what if you miss?”

He smirked, eyes narrowing playfully. “Then I have to be your boyfriend.” She snorted, sitting up fully now. “So either way, we end up together?” Nicholas shrugged, stepping back and aiming. “Seems fair to me.” She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

But she didn’t stop him. Instead, she got to her feet, hands cupped around her mouth as she began cheering dramatically, “Go, Nicho! Show the hoop who’s boss!” Nicholas took a breath, bounced the ball once, twice, then took the shot. It was as if the world held its breath.

The ball arced through the air, the sunlight catching on its surface mid-spin, and for a second it felt like everything slowed down. Then, swish. The ball went in, clean, nothing but net.

(Y/n) didn’t hesitate.

She bolted across the court, flinging herself into his arms with a laugh, her excitement bursting out in the shape of a wide, radiant smile. Nicholas caught her easily, spinning them both for just a second before setting her down, holding her close.

His hand slid gently to her cheek, thumb brushing her skin as he looked down at her with something soft in his eyes. And then he kissed her. This kiss wasn’t like the first. It wasn’t shy or tentative. It was confident, deep, filled with everything he hadn’t said but had felt for a long time—fire and warmth and something fierce that had been growing inside him ever since the day she ran into him in that hallway.

She kissed him back just as boldly, fingers gripping the front of his shirt like she never wanted to let go. And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet of an empty court and the sun dipping lower in the sky, Nicholas and (Y/n) weren’t just two people who kept running into each other. They were something real.

~~~ End of flashback ~~~

The moment (Y/n) finished the story of their ninth meeting, the table erupted. Maki was the first to jump up slightly in his seat, clapping his hands together with an over-the-top grin. “That’s so cheesy! I love it! I want a partner too!”

Yuma laughed so hard he had to cover his mouth with his sleeve. “You seriously made her win her own heart with a basketball shot? That’s so Nicho-coded.” Euijoo leaned back, arms crossed, nodding as if this were some sports anime plot he wholeheartedly approved of. “A clean shot and a kiss? Legendary. No wonder you were so happy that night.”

Jo clapped his hands once, a rare grin on his face. “I still can’t believe that basketball court became your spot. From getting hit to getting kissed, that’s a full-circle moment.”

Harua raised his drink, laughing. “I knew something had changed after that weekend! She came home glowing, literally humming like some rom-com heroine. You should’ve seen her, and best of all, she stopped stealing my bed.”

Fuma chuckled beside him, shaking his head. “I’m just glad I didn’t ruin anything after all. But damn, Nicho, you really pulled out the cinematic moves.” Nicholas, a bit red in the ears now, just rolled his eyes and leaned closer to (Y/n), muttering, “This is why I didn’t tell them earlier.” But he was smiling. Proud. Because their story, messy, chaotic, and warm, was theirs. And everyone at that table was loving every second of it. 

The rest was history.

From that day on, things just fell into place. (Y/n) and Nicholas became a pair in every sense of the word, sunlight and shadow, soft laughter and quiet strength. Their relationship blossomed naturally, and with it, so did the friendships between all of them.

Late-night group chats, spontaneous meetups, weekend hangouts, support during finals, teasing that never went too far, and moments of sincere connection, they became home to each other. And now, sitting around the table, the night buzzing with laughter and warmth, it made perfect sense.

That’s how they ended up here, surrounded by friends, love, memories, and a bond that had all started with one girl rounding a corner too fast and one boy standing still just long enough for fate to step in.