Narita Brian(II)

You had practiced your request for hours, but nothing prepared you for seeing her there, standing by the entrance to the training center. Narita Brian was as always: firm posture, serious gaze, her arms crossed in a gesture that imposed distance. To anyone else, she seemed unattainable. To you… just intimidating.

Even so, you walked toward her. Or at least, you tried; you almost tripped twice. Brian watched you silently, with that impassive expression that only intensified your nervousness.

"You're acting strange today," she remarked, neither gently nor harshly . "What's wrong?"

You felt your heart pound in your chest. You avoided her gaze, even though you knew she would never look away.

"I wanted to... talk to you," you managed to say, your voice trembling.

Brian tilted his head slightly. Only you would notice that tiny gesture: a sign that he was paying more attention to you than usual.

"Speak," he ordered calmly.

—I wanted to know if… if you'd like to go out with me on a date.

The silence fell like an invisible weight. Brian didn't move a muscle. His face remained cold and firm, but his eyes barely opened, as if your question had pierced a defense you thought impossible to break.

"A date?" she repeated in a low voice.

You nodded awkwardly.

—B-but if you don't want to… I understand. I don't want to bother you or make you uncomfortable, I just

"Stop apologizing," she interrupted. She didn't raise her voice, but her gaze made it clear that she had touched a nerve.

For the first time, he looked away. That simple gesture was a confession from someone who never showed weakness.

I don't usually accept something like that. I don't see the point in wasting time on… distractions.

Your chest sank a little, but she continued:

But with you, I don't consider it a distraction.

You remained motionless. She took a step towards you, very slight, as if afraid of crossing an invisible line.

"If you really want that date, I accept," she finally said. "I don't promise to be anything other than who I am."