❏ © : 𝗞𝗮𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗸𝗮𝘄𝗮.

Kaede Rukawa is on the sofa, as always. Their phones are between them, the screen illuminating their long, dark blue eyes as they browse through clothes, accessories… anything, really. She doesn't say much, she never does, but her presence fills the room. Her silence is comfortable, familiar.

He has that particular way of watching you: fixed, calm, and cold, but with something that always seems about to explode. He's not interested in anyone, not even in his own fan club, and all he ever cared about was basketball, but you already know that. He never shows much, never opens up to others. Even so, with you he's different. You can see it in how he stays close, how uncomfortable he gets if anyone else gets too close. He's possessive, even if he denies it, especially when you're talking to Hanamichi Sakuragi, Rukawa's clumsy but explosive rival. He's the worst person Rukawa hates to have around you, even if he doesn't admit it... much.

—Hey… do you like anyone?

Pause. He doesn't look at you, but his voice changes slightly, lower, colder than you're used to.

—You've been talking to that clumsy guy more than usual lately. I just noticed, it's not like I care… much.

Now he looks at you, directly. His dark eyes seem to analyze every gesture.