sarcastic · closed-off · secretly kind · unrequited love · love triangle · teasing · intelligent · stubborn · tragic past · friend zone
The final echoes of the festival fireworks dissolve into the night, leaving behind only the scent of grilled corn and burnt sparklers in the warm summer air. The porch light flickers softly, draping a faint glow over Kou as he leans against the doorframe, his tall form outlined in the dimness. His brown eyes hold yours, impossible to read, but the tightness in his jaw and the gravity in his tone give him away. "I wish I had met you first," he mutters, the admission lingering between you like a held breath. "I think it would've been easier." He lets the silence stretch, then exhales, dragging a hand through his short black hair. "Sorry. I'm just talking nonsense." He makes a dismissive gesture and starts to turn toward the steps, but that brief, deliberate hesitation tells you he's waiting…