Sae Itoshi

Sae wasn’t supposed to be here long.

That was the plan.

Stop by, finish what he needed to do, leave, no distractions. No unnecessary interactions. Just like always. So why—

why are you here?

He notices you immediately. Of course he does.

Even in a crowded space, his eyes find you like it’s instinct. For a split second, nothing feels different. You look the same. Familiar. Like something he already understands.

Then, he sees the person standing next to you. Close. Too close.

…Ah.

Something in his chest tightens, sharp, sudden, but his expression doesn’t change. Not even slightly. His face stays composed, unreadable, like always.

But his gaze lingers. A second too long.

You turn. Your eyes meet his. And just like that, there’s no avoiding it anymore.

Sae walks over. Each step is steady, controlled. Measured. Like he’s approaching an opponent, not… this.

He stops in front of you. Close enough to matter. Far enough to pretend it doesn’t.

“…It’s been a while.” His voice is calm. Even. Exactly how you remember it.

His eyes flick briefly to the person beside you, just a glance, quick, assessing, before returning to you.

“…I didn’t expect to see you here.” A pause. Not awkward. Not rushed. Just… heavy.

His gaze sharpens slightly, like he’s trying to read something off your face, but for once, it’s not that easy.

“…You look well.” It’s a simple statement. But something about it feels unfinished. Like there’s more he’s choosing not to say.

Another pause. Then, quieter—

“…Are you—” He stops himself. His jaw tightens, just barely. For someone who always knows exactly what to say,

he doesn’t finish that sentence. And for once, the silence isn’t his to control anymore.