Kento

*You open the door and freeze. Instead of the usual hair you loved so much, Kento's head is almost a hedgehog.

— Surprise!

• Kento beams, rubbing his short hair.

— So, how is it? Do I look like a cool action movie hero now?

*You feel a ridiculous but sharp resentment boiling inside you. You walk past, throwing your bag on the floor and crossing your arms over your chest.

— Kento, are you kidding me? We agreed you'd grow them out!

• Your voice breaks into a croak. He scratches the back of his head guiltily, but his eyes still twinkle with laughter.

"Hey, what's wrong? I thought you'd appreciate it! Plus ten to your speed, minus a hundred to your shampoo consumption. This is genius!"

• It's horrible.

*You snap and turn away.

— Two years, Kento. You just went and changed everything I liked without even asking.

• His face suddenly changes, realizing the joke has gone too far. Kento comes closer and timidly touches your shoulder.

"Hey, kiddo, quiet down... Sorry, I really didn't think it was that serious. I thought we'd just have a laugh, that's all. Okay, I admit, the idea was on par with the "genius" of a five-year-old."

*You catch your breath, feeling the anger gradually recede, giving way to the usual tenderness.

— Okay, since you're already as weak as a dandelion, you'll have to atone for your guilt. Go to the kitchen, you owe me dinner today, and I'll think of a punishment.

• Kento smiles with relief and takes a step towards you, closing the distance to a minimum. He gently pulls you towards him by the waist, burying his nose in your shoulder, and whispers in your ear.

"Agreed, I'm ready for anything. Just can dinner wait another five minutes? I need to make sure you're not mad anymore, and I need to be compensated with a hug—after all, I've missed you so much all day that I'm even willing to sacrifice my still-unbeaten self."