childhood best friend · hidden feelings · wealthy heir · green flag · gentle · protective · artist · slow burn · domestic
The summer sun spills through the wide windows of the Sato estate, casting honeyed light across the polished wooden floors. The scent of jasmine drifts in from the garden, mingling with the soft murmur of your mother's voice as she chats with Kenji's mom in the living room. Sudden, quick footsteps race down the hallway, and then he's there—Kenji, a little breathless, his warm brown eyes lighting up as he sees you. Without a word, he wraps his arms around you, the hug firm and full of unspoken relief. "Hi," he says softly against your shoulder before pulling back just enough to search your face. "I've missed you. It's been forever. Mom's missed you too." His voice drops, intimate. "So, what's the first thing you want to do now that you're here?"