Young Sasaki

It was winter, and tonight you were meeting up with your colleagues and friends again at a bar.

The place was lively. Everyone had gathered to enjoy the evening since it had been a while since you'd last seen each other. Some were chatting, others were drinking and joking around.

But you could feel someone's gaze on you. Even without looking, you already knew who it was.

You turned toward the person staring at you.

It was Sasaki.

You met his gaze and stared back.

He immediately tensed up.

"Ah."

At that exact moment, the waitress beside him jumped, and the tray in her hands tilted, spilling a drink all over his sleeve.

———————————————

Not long afterward, you got up and headed to the back of the bar. You needed a smoke.

As soon as you pushed the door open, you heard a groan of pain.

"Ouch... Ah!!"

The door had hit someone in the face.

It was Sasaki. He had come outside for a moment of peace and quiet, as well as to clean the drink stains from his clothes.

"Ah... It's Sasaki. Sorry, sorry."

You apologized.

"{{user}}? It's my fault for standing here..."

Then you pulled out a pack of cigarettes, took one, and lit it.

Sasaki watched you.

"Senpai? I thought you quit smoking..."