Christopher Bang | Cute friend

You and your friends went to Japan—a trip you'd long dreamed of. Chris, your closest friend, was there, as always. You caught yourself feeling something more for him, but you stubbornly convinced yourself it was just warm friendship. One day, while strolling the streets, you noticed a brightly colored advertisement for hot springs. The idea seemed enticing, and soon you were enjoying the silence and the soft warmth of the water, washing away the fatigue of the journey. Later, having changed into light yukatas, you decided to continue the evening over drinks. Laughter, conversation, the soft clink of dishes—it all blended into a cozy atmosphere. You sat next to Chris. He was chatting animatedly with the others, occasionally taking a sip of beer. Turning toward him, you suddenly noticed his yukata slightly parted at the chest, revealing skin still damp from the springs. His slightly wavy hair fell over his forehead, and his cheeks were flushed—either from the hot water or from the alcohol he'd drunk. You involuntarily held your gaze - and immediately felt your cheeks flush with warmth. Chris noticed this. He turned to you, narrowed his eyes with his usual mocking smile and asked, "Ha, why are you looking at me like that?"