The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Aldon stirred, groaning softly as he shifted under the covers. His mind was still hazy with sleep, and it wasn’t until he felt something warm and solid wrapped around him that his eyes shot open.

  His breath hitched. He wasn’t just lying in bed—he was nestled in Dabi’s arms.

  Aldon’s heart began to race, his gaze darting to Dabi’s face. He was still asleep, his sharp features softened in the morning light. The usual tension etched into his brow had faded, leaving him looking oddly peaceful. Aldon’s cheeks burned as he realized he was practically curled into Dabi’s chest, his arm draped across the other man’s waist.

  Oh no. Oh no, no, no.

  In his panic, Aldon yelped, jerking back. The sudden movement threw him off bance, and he tumbled out of bed with a thud, nding in a heap on the floor.

  “Son of a—” Aldon groaned, rubbing the back of his head.

  The commotion roused Dabi, who blinked sleepily, his blue eyes barely cracking open. He propped himself up on one elbow, his hair sticking out at odd angles. “Where are you going?” he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep.

  Aldon froze, his face flushing an even deeper shade of red. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, a soft meow broke the tension as Mr. Whiskers trotted into the room, weaving between Aldon’s legs with a look of feline curiosity.

  Dabi’s gaze flicked between Aldon and the cat, his smirk slowly forming. “Did you fall out of bed, firefly?” he teased, his tone ced with amusement.

  Aldon scowled, his embarrassment only deepening. “You—! I—! It wasn’t my fault!” he spluttered, gesturing wildly. “You were—you were holding me! Why were you holding me?!”

  Dabi shrugged zily, lying back down and tucking an arm behind his head. “You were the one who decided to cuddle up in the middle of the night. What was I supposed to do? Push you off?”

  Aldon’s jaw dropped. “I—what? No, I didn’t!”

  “You did,” Dabi said with a yawn, his smirk widening. “I was just being polite.”

  “Polite?!” Aldon repeated, his voice pitching higher.

  Mr. Whiskers meowed again, rubbing against Aldon’s side as if to calm him down. Aldon buried his face in his hands, groaning loudly. This was a disaster. An absolute, complete disaster. And yet, as his mind repyed the image of Dabi’s rexed face, the warmth of his arms still lingering in his memory, a traitorous part of him couldn’t help but feel… flustered. Maybe even a little happy.

  Oh, no.

  Realization hit him like a freight train. That childhood crush he thought he’d buried years ago? The one he’d convinced himself was nothing more than a fond memory? Yeah, not so buried after all.

  Aldon peeked through his fingers at Dabi, who was now lounging like he didn’t have a care in the world, his smirk practically glowing with self-satisfaction.

  “Are you just going to sit there all day, or are you going to make breakfast?” Dabi asked, his tone as casual as if they hadn’t just woken up tangled together.

  Aldon groaned, pulling himself to his feet and brushing off his pajamas. “Do I look like a maid to you?” he shot back, gring at Dabi over his shoulder.

  Dabi’s smirk widened, his sharp blue eyes glinting with amusement. “You’re way too uptight to be a maid. More like a grumpy butler.”

  Aldon rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he shuffled toward the kitchen, his ears still burning red. “And yet, you keep showing up like I’m running a free inn.”

  “And yet, you’re the one who invited me in the first pce,” Dabi countered smoothly, reclining back against the pillows like he owned the pce.

  As Aldon busied himself with brewing coffee and preparing breakfast, he couldn’t shake the thought: What am I supposed to do now?

  Dabi, meanwhile, stretched out on the bed, his smirk softening as he stared at the ceiling. Well, that was fun, he thought, though his chest tightened slightly at the memory of Aldon’s warmth.

  After breakfast, Dabi stretched zily, his usual smirk in pce as he leaned against the balcony door. “Well, firefly, it’s been nice. Don’t miss me too much,” he teased, stepping outside before Aldon could respond.

  Aldon rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t set anything on fire.”

  “No promises,” Dabi called back, leaping off the railing and disappearing into the morning haze, a flicker of blue fmes trailing behind him.

  Once the apartment was quiet, Aldon gnced at the clock. His chest tightened briefly—today was the day. Taking a deep breath, he headed to his bedroom to get ready. Aldon adjusted the gloves of his hero costume, the morning light catching on the faint sheen of its bck and practical design as he prepared for what would be his st day at Endeavor’s agency.

  Aldon stood outside the towering building that had been his second home for years. The agency’s bold emblem gleamed in the morning sunlight, and for a moment, he hesitated, taking in the familiar hustle and bustle of heroes and sidekicks moving through the entrance. He adjusted his gloves, his eyes—each a swirl of blue and red—reflecting the dual emotions he felt. Today marked the end of an era for him.

  As he entered, the receptionist at the front desk gave him a bright smile. “Heading out for your st day, Aldon?”

  He returned the smile with a small nod. “Yeah. Feels strange, though.”

  “You’ll do great at Hawks’ agency,” she said warmly. “Don’t be a stranger, alright?”

  “I won’t,” Aldon replied before heading toward the office.

  The air buzzed with activity—sidekicks refining their maneuvers, reviewing reports, and the occasional burst of their ughter echoing from a nearby training session. Aldon walked through it all, exchanging farewells and handshakes with his colleagues. Some offered words of encouragement, others joked about him trading “fire and grit” for “feathers and speed.”

  Finally, he made his way to the observation deck—a quieter space where he often went to gather his thoughts. It wasn’t long before he heard the sound of heavy boots approaching behind him.

  “You’re not sneaking out without saying goodbye, are you?” Endeavor’s deep voice rumbled.

  Aldon turned to see the towering figure of his boss, arms crossed and fmes flickering faintly around his shoulders. There was an intensity in his gaze, as always, but something else lingered—something quieter.

  “I wouldn’t do that,” Aldon said with a small smile. “I owe you too much for that.”

  Endeavor stepped closer, his presence as commanding as ever. “Leaving for Hawks’ agency. Not exactly the same type of hero work you’ve been doing here. Why the change?”

  Aldon leaned against the railing, looking out over the city skyline. “Because it’s time and he offered it to me a while ago,” he said simply. “I’ve learned so much here—how to control my quirk, how to handle the pressure, and how to carry the responsibility that comes with being a hero. But this… this feels like the next step. Hawks and I have a simir vision. I think I can do more there.”

  Endeavor studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You’ve always been ambitious, Aldon. That’s not a bad thing. But Hawks’ way of doing things… It’s unconventional. Make sure you don’t lose your edge.”

  “I’ll stay sharp,” Aldon promised. “And I’ll make sure I don’t embarrass you.”

  That earned a faint huff of amusement from Endeavor. “Shoto will miss you,” he said suddenly, his voice softer.

  Aldon blinked, taken aback. “Shoto?”

  “He’s mentioned it more than once,” Endeavor said, his tone matter-of-fact. “You helped him when he interned here. Those training sessions—showing him how to bance his fmes—it stuck with him. He still talks about what he learned from you.”

  Aldon felt a swell of emotion in his chest. “I didn’t realize… I was just trying to help. He’s got so much potential. I’m gd I could be a small part of that.”

  Endeavor nodded, the faintest flicker of approval crossing his face. “You’ve been a valuable part of this agency, Aldon. I don’t give out compliments lightly, but you’ve earned it.”

  Aldon’s throat tightened, but he managed a small smile. “Thank you, sir. For everything. For taking me in and for pushing me to be better.”

  Endeavor pced a hand on his shoulder, the weight of it grounding. “Good luck, Aldon. And remember—don’t let anyone, not even Hawks, dictate what kind of hero you want to be.”

  Aldon nodded, his eyes meeting Endeavor’s fiery gaze. “I won’t.”

  As he turned to leave, he hesitated at the doorway. Before he could say anything, Endeavor spoke.

  “You know,” the hero began, his tone lighter than usual, “you’re welcome to come around sometimes. Shoto could benefit from sparring with you again. It would be good for him.”

  Aldon gnced back, surprised by the offer. “Really?”

  Endeavor nodded, the faintest flicker of warmth in his otherwise stoic demeanor. “You’ve been a good influence on him. He still has a lot to learn about his fmes, and I’d rather he learns from someone he respects.”

  Aldon smiled, the corners of his eyes softening. “I’d like that. Just give me a call if you need me, and I’ll be here.”

  Endeavor’s gaze held his for a moment, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. “Good,” he said simply. “Don’t be a stranger, Aldon.”

  “I won’t,” Aldon promised, his eyes glinting with sincerity.

  With that, he stepped through the doorway and into the sunlight, leaving behind the chapter of his life that had shaped him while carrying its lessons forward.

  Walking out of the agency for the st time, Aldon felt a strange mix of emotions. He gnced back briefly at the building, its towering presence a symbol of everything he’d worked for. Then, with a deep breath, he turned toward the horizon.

  Hawks’ agency awaited, and with it, a new chapter of his life. One filled with challenges, uncertainty, and the promise of growth.

  Aldon stepped into Hawks’ agency, the box of his belongings banced against his hip. The building had a sleek, modern design—open spaces, gss panels, and an atmosphere that radiated efficiency yet felt surprisingly welcoming. Waiting near the entrance, Hawks leaned casually against a wall, his trademark grin in pce, while Tokoyami stood beside him, his arms crossed in a stoic posture.

  "Right on time, Angie," Hawks called out, pushing off the wall with an easy grace. His golden eyes sparkled with mischief. "You bring your whole life in that box or just the essentials?"

  Aldon smirked, adjusting his grip on the box. "Only the essentials, of course. My cat didn’t fit, so he had to stay home."

  Hawks chuckled. "Good call. I’m not sure Tokoyami here would get along with a feline coworker."

  Tokoyami tilted his head slightly, his deep voice even. "I hold no particur grudge against cats, Hawks. However, I appreciate the decision to avoid potential complications."

  Aldon turned his attention to Tokoyami, intrigued. "You must be Tokoyami. Hawks has mentioned you to me before." He extended a hand, his tone friendly. "Aldon Ito Pavus. Nice to meet you."

  Tokoyami regarded Aldon thoughtfully before taking his hand in a firm shake. "It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard much about your skills and reputation. I look forward to observing your methods."

  Hawks cpped his hands together, cutting through the exchange. "Alright, boys, let’s save the bonding for ter. Aldon’s got a shiny new office waiting for him, and I’ve got a busy schedule to pretend to manage."

  "Shiny? Should I be concerned?" Aldon quipped, following Hawks as he led the way.

  "You’ll see," Hawks replied cryptically, his wings shifting zily as he walked.

  The group made their way through the agency, the hum of activity creating a vibrant backdrop. Sidekicks greeted them as they passed, their enthusiasm a stark contrast to the more formal atmosphere of Endeavor’s agency. Hawks’ leadership style was evident in the rexed yet productive energy that filled the space.

  Finally, they arrived at a smaller office tucked into a quiet corner of the building. Hawks pushed the door open with a flourish. "Ta-da! Your new HQ, Firefly."

  Aldon stepped inside, taking in the space. The room was modest but thoughtfully arranged, with a sturdy desk, a comfortable chair, and a wide window that let in plenty of natural light. Shelves lined one wall, perfect for organizing files or dispying personal touches. A small potted pnt sat on the desk, a welcoming touch.

  "It’s cozy," Aldon said, setting his box down on the desk. "Definitely better than a pile of paperwork in a shared space."

  Tokoyami nodded in approval. "A private space ensures focus and efficiency."

  Hawks leaned against the doorframe, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "See? I know how to treat my people. And let’s not forget," he added, his voice dropping slightly, "this setup gives you more time for that rehabilitation project of yours."

  Aldon stiffened briefly, gncing at Hawks. He appreciated the reminder, but the context wasn’t lost on Tokoyami, who tilted his head in quiet curiosity.

  "Rehabilitation project?" Tokoyami asked, his tone measured.

  "Just something he’s been tinkering with," Hawks said quickly, his grin widening. "You know, hobbies. Keeps the mind sharp, right, Angie?"

  Aldon chuckled awkwardly, picking up the potted pnt to inspect it. "Exactly. Nothing exciting, Tokoyami. Don’t let him hype it up."

  Tokoyami’s gaze lingered for a moment longer before he gave a slight nod, seemingly satisfied. "Understood."

  Hawks cpped his hands together, breaking the lingering tension. "Alright, I’ll leave you to settle in. Once you’re done, we’ll get started with the fun stuff. And, Tokoyami, don’t let him scare you—he’s harmless. Mostly."

  With a pyful salute, Hawks guided Tokoyami out of the room, leaving Aldon alone with his thoughts and his belongings. He exhaled, shaking his head with a faint smile. Typical Hawks. Always towing the line but never crossing it.

  Turning his attention back to the office, Aldon began unpacking, his thoughts settling as he imagined the possibilities ahead in this new chapter.

  The sun filtered through the tall windows of Hawks’ agency cafeteria, casting a golden glow on the bustling space. Hawks had insisted they all have lunch—that was the fun stuff. Aldon, Hawks, and Tokoyami sat around a small table den with ptes of food, the aroma of grilled vegetables and teriyaki chicken wafting through the air.

  Hawks leaned back in his chair, effortlessly bancing on its two back legs, his trademark grin pstered across his face. Tokoyami was quiet as usual, diligently picking at his meal while keeping his sharp gaze on the conversation.

  “This,” Hawks said, pointing his chopsticks dramatically toward Aldon, “is what real team bonding looks like. Good food, great company, and no paperwork in sight.”

  Aldon chuckled softly, spearing a piece of tofu with his fork. “You just wanted an excuse to eat without getting scolded for skipping meals.”

  “Busted,” Hawks admitted with a wink, then turned to Tokoyami. “See, this is why you’ve got to surround yourself with people who call you out. Keeps you sharp.”

  “I’ll take it under advisement,” Tokoyami replied stoically, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

  Despite the light banter, Aldon couldn’t help but notice the slight edge in Hawks’ demeanor. He seemed more animated than usual, his ughter a bit too loud, his smile stretched just a little too wide. It wasn’t obvious—Hawks was a master of hiding his emotions—but Aldon had been friends with him long enough to notice the cracks in the facade.

  “You’re unusually chipper today,” Aldon remarked, trying to keep his tone casual. “Big pns ter?”

  Hawks’ eyes flicked toward Aldon, sharp and assessing, but his grin didn’t waver. “What can I say? I’m just happy to have my dream team all together. Gotta savor these moments, right?”

  Aldon raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further, turning his attention back to his food. He knew better than to dig too deep into Hawks’ business—especially when Hawks didn’t want to share.

  But Hawks wasn’t the only one acting strange. Hawks had noticed Aldon’s hesitations, the way his fingers drummed against the table when he wasn’t speaking, and the occasional faraway look in his eyes. Aldon was good at hiding his thoughts, but Hawks could tell when something was off.

  “So, Angie,” Hawks began, leaning forward slightly, his tone still light but with an undertone of curiosity, “what’s been keeping you so distracted tely? New hobby? Secret admirer? Spill.”

  Aldon nearly choked on his water and quickly covered it with a cough. “Distracted? I’m not distracted. I’ve just… had a lot on my pte, that’s all.”

  Hawks tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing just a fraction. “A lot on your pte, huh? You know you can talk to me, right? Hero to hero, friend to friend…”

  “I appreciate that,” Aldon said smoothly, his expression calm even as his mind raced. “But it’s nothing worth talking about. Just adjusting to the new gig, that’s all.”

  Hawks didn’t look entirely convinced, but he leaned back again, twirling his chopsticks between his fingers. “Alright, alright. I won’t pry. But you know me—I’m always here if you need to vent.”

  “Noted,” Aldon replied, offering a small smile.

  The conversation shifted as Tokoyami mentioned a recent mission, his tone as serious as ever. Aldon chimed in, grateful for the change of topic, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of Hawks’ gaze lingering on him. It was as if Hawks were silently trying to piece together a puzzle he wasn’t sure existed.

  And Hawks wasn’t wrong to be curious. Aldon’s thoughts drifted to Touya—Dabi—and the increasingly complicated bancing act of keeping their connection hidden. He could feel the weight of it pressing against his chest, but he couldn’t let it show. Not here. Not now.

  Likewise, Hawks’ own secret mission gnawed at the back of his mind. He’d just finalized pns for his next meeting with Dabi—a calcuted risk in his dangerous double life as a spy. The strain of maintaining the charade was relentless, and Aldon’s perceptiveness wasn’t helping. If anyone could see through him, it was Aldon.

  The lunch continued with forced lightness, both men dancing around their own secrets while pretending everything was fine. By the time the ptes were empty and the conversation had waned, Hawks cpped his hands together and rose to his feet.

  “Well, this was fun! Let’s do it again sometime,” Hawks decred with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Now, back to saving the world and all that.”

  Aldon stood as well, nodding. “Thanks for the lunch, Hawks.”

  “Anytime,” Hawks replied, his gaze lingering on Aldon for a beat longer than necessary. “And Angie?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Don’t work yourself into the ground,” Hawks said, his tone light but pointed. “I need my friend sharp.”

  Aldon gave a short ugh. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  As they left the cafeteria, the unspoken tension lingered in the air, each man silently grappling with his own burdens. They both knew there were things they weren’t saying—secrets that couldn’t be shared.

  The Next Day

  The morning sunlight streamed through the wide windows of Aldon’s office, casting long shadows across the desk cluttered with papers and scattered notes. Yet, Aldon paid little attention to the sunlight or the pile of work in front of him. Instead, he sat back in his chair, his eyes staring bnkly at the ceiling.

  His thoughts weren’t in the present. They were lingering on Touya. More specifically, on the night he’d cleaned Dabi’s staples in the shower. The memory pyed on a loop in his mind—the way Dabi’s scarred skin felt under his fingers, the warmth radiating off his body even in the cold spray of water, the faint hitch in his breath when Aldon’s hands had lingered just a second too long.

  Aldon groaned, burying his face in his hands. “What is wrong with me?” he mumbled to himself, his voice muffled. “Get it together, Aldon. You’re a hero, not some… lovesick idiot.”

  But no matter how much he scolded himself, the memory wouldn’t leave. It clung to him, vivid and inescapable, and he couldn’t help but feel the heat rising to his cheeks as the image of Dabi’s sharp smirk and piercing blue eyes refused to fade.

  “What is wrong with me?” Aldon repeated, this time with a whine, slumping further into his chair.

  The sound of a soft chuckle snapped him out of his thoughts, and he jerked upright in his seat, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest. Standing in the doorway, arms crossed and an amused grin on his face, was Hawks.

  “What’s wrong with you, indeed?” Hawks said, sauntering into the office and leaning casually against the edge of Aldon’s desk. “Spill it, Angie. What’s got you brooding like you’ve just lost a competition?”

  Aldon’s face turned bright red as he stammered, “N-nothing! It’s nothing! Just… thinking about work, that’s all.”

  Hawks raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Work? Sure didn’t sound like work, buddy. You looked like you were ready to start narrating some angsty monologue.”

  “I don’t monologue,” Aldon shot back, his tone defensive. “And I said it’s nothing. Drop it.”

  Hawks smirked, clearly enjoying Aldon’s discomfort but deciding to let it slide—this time. “Fine, fine. If you’re going to be all secretive about it, I won’t pry. But,” he added, his grin widening, “I do have a solution for that broody energy of yours.”

  Aldon raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Oh? What’s your brilliant pn?”

  “Karaoke night,” Hawks decred, cpping his hands together. “Drinks, snacks, and questionable singing with friends. We’ll invite Fat Gum, Mirko, and Rex. You in?”

  Aldon blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Karaoke? Really?”

  “Yep,” Hawks said, popping the ‘p.’ “Come on, Angie. You need to loosen up. A few songs and some good company will do wonders for that head of yours.”

  Aldon hesitated for a moment before sighing. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be the star of the night.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Hawks said with a chuckle, already pulling out his phone to text the others.

  That Evening

  The private karaoke room was alive with ughter, the air filled with the scent of snacks and the clinking of gsses. Hawks, Fat Gum, Mirko, Rex, and Aldon were all gathered around, each with a drink in hand and a pte of food nearby. The room was cozy, with colorful lights fshing in time with the music pying in the background.

  Hawks stood by the machine, scrolling through the song list with a mischievous grin. “Alright, everyone, it’s time to show off your pipes. Who’s going first?”

  “I’ll go,” Mirko said, cracking her knuckles as she stood. “Prepare to be amazed.”

  Her performance was energetic and wild, with plenty of exaggerated dance moves that had the group roaring with ughter. Fat Gum followed with a surprisingly soulful bald, earning appuse and a few pyful whistles. Rex, ever the stoic, reluctantly took a turn, his deep voice lending itself surprisingly well to a rock cssic.

  Then it was Hawks’ turn. He grabbed the mic with a cocky grin. “Alright, folks. I’m not gonna tryhard this or anything,” he said, his tone dripping with mock humility.

  But the moment the music started, it was clear Hawks was, in fact, trying very hard. He belted out the song with dramatic fir, his voice surprisingly smooth and powerful. By the end of his performance, he threw his arms out like a showman, grinning as the group cpped and cheered.

  “Beat that, Angie,” Hawks said, handing the mic to Aldon with a smug grin.

  Aldon rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his small smile. “Alright, if you insist.”

  As the opening notes of the song began to py, Aldon took a deep breath. The moment he started singing, the room fell silent. His voice was rich and controlled, each note effortlessly carrying emotion and precision. It was clear he had years of practice behind him, and by the time he hit the final note, the room erupted in cheers.

  Hawks pouted dramatically, crossing his arms. “Of course. Mr. Music Genes over here just has to one-up me.”

  The group burst into ughter, with Mirko spping Hawks on the back. “You walked right into that one, birdbrain.”

  “You were great, Hawks,” Aldon said with a grin, handing the mic back. “But I did warn you not to challenge me.”

  Hawks sulked for a moment before breaking into a ugh. “Alright, you win this round, Angie. But next time, I’m bringing backup.”

  The night continued with more songs, drinks, and ughter, the group’s camaraderie growing stronger with each passing moment. For a little while, Aldon forgot about the weight on his shoulders, losing himself in the joy of the moment.

  But even as he ughed and sang along with his friends, a small part of him couldn’t help but think of Touya and wonder if he’d ever be able to share a night like this with him.

  The karaoke room erupted with cheers as Hawks smugly announced the next performance. “Alright, people, time to turn up the heat! Rex, Mirko—you’re up for a duet!”

  Rex raised an eyebrow from behind his facemask, clearly unamused. “I don’t sing duet.”

  Mirko snorted, crossing her arms with a sly grin. “Too bad. You’re singing it tonight. No arguments.”

  Before Rex could protest further, Mirko grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the front. The screen lit up with the chosen song—a cssic love bald. Groans and ughter filled the room.

  “You’ve got to be kidding,” Rex muttered, looking utterly unimpressed.

  “Come on, snake boy,” Mirko teased, nudging him. “Just follow my lead.”

  As the music started, Mirko unched into the song with surprising gusto, her voice confident and slightly off-key. Rex, meanwhile, mumbled through his lines with reluctant participation, his deep voice surprisingly pleasant when it wasn’t dripping sarcasm. The contrast between their tones only added to the hirity.

  At the table, Aldon chuckled at first, but as the lyrics began to talk of longing and unspoken feelings, his smile faded. His mind drifted to Touya. The memory of his rare, soft smile flickered in his mind, and he felt a pang in his chest. That flutter. That impossible-to-ignore feeling.

  The room blurred as he became lost in thought, the lyrics resonating far too deeply. He barely noticed that everyone’s ughter had quieted, and all eyes were on him.

  “Hey!” Mirko’s sharp voice snapped him out of it, punctuated by a firm pinch to his arm.

  “Ah—ow!” Aldon yelped, jerking back and rubbing his arm. “What was that for?!”

  Mirko leaned in, smirking knowingly. “Who are you daydreaming about, loverboy?”

  “I—what?!” Aldon stammered, his face turning a vivid shade of red. “I wasn’t daydreaming!”

  “Sure you weren’t,” Hawks chimed in, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. “You’ve been zoning out like that a lot tely, Angie. Spill.”

  Fat Gum and Mirko exchanged curious gnces, and even Rex tilted his head slightly, intrigued.

  Aldon sighed, realizing there was no escaping this interrogation. He fiddled with the edge of his sleeve, his voice quiet as he finally admitted, “I just… I can’t help it. I feel this flutter in my chest when he gives that small, rare smile of his. And I just can’t stop thinking about him tely. But it’s more… complicated than that.”

  The room fell silent for a moment, and then Mirko grinned, her sharp teeth fshing. “Complicated and rare smile? A bad boy, huh? I bet you want to fix him.”

  Aldon’s eyes widened, and his blush deepened as he looked away, clearly caught. “Y-yeah,” he muttered, barely audible.

  The room erupted into ughter and teasing, with Mirko leaning back smugly. “Called it. Angie’s got himself a project.”

  Fat Gum chuckled softly but didn’t join in the teasing. Instead, he gave Aldon a supportive smile. “Hey, whoever it is, they’re lucky you feel that way about them.”

  Aldon smiled faintly, grateful for the kindness. “Thanks, Taishiro.”

  As the ughter subsided, the conversation naturally shifted toward love and crushes. Hawks leaned back in his chair, tossing a grin toward Rex. “What about you, snake boy? Got any juicy stories?”

  Rex raised an eyebrow, his voice as dry as ever. “No. Dating’s never been my thing.”

  Mirko rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. Everyone’s had at least one crush.”

  Rex shrugged, his fingers idly tracing the edge of his mask. “I’ve been on dates, sure. But it never led anywhere. Most people are too scared to get close. You know— fangs and leaking venom.” He pulled down his mask just slightly, revealing his sharp, snake-like teeth. “Not exactly inviting.”

  The room grew quiet as Rex continued, his tone even but tinged with vulnerability. “I always carry the antidote with me, just in case. But even that doesn’t make a difference. People talk, they’re polite, but they don’t… try.”

  Fat Gum frowned, his usually cheerful demeanor dampened. “That’s rough, Rex. I didn’t realize…”

  “It’s fine,” Rex said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ve gotten used to it. Doesn’t mean I like it, though.”

  Mirko scoffed loudly, leaning forward with a challenging grin. “I’d dare.”

  Rex blinked, his sharp green eyes narrowing. “What?”

  “You heard me,” Mirko said, her grin widening. “I’m not scared. You’ve got the antidote, right? So why not?”

  The room erupted into shocked excmations, with Hawks nearly dropping his drink. “Whoa, whoa, whoa—wait a second, Mirko! Are you serious?”

  Mirko shrugged, standing up and crossing her arms. “Dead serious. What’s the big deal? You said it yourself, Rex. No one’s dared before. So, I’m daring.”

  Rex stared at her, his usual stoic expression repced with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “You’re insane.”

  “Maybe,” Mirko said with a smirk. “But I’m also not a coward.”

  The tension in the room was electric as Rex slowly reached into his pocket, pulling out a small vial. He held it up, his gaze locked on Mirko’s. “This is the antidote. You’d have to take it right after.”

  “Fine by me,” Mirko replied, stepping closer.

  The room fell silent as Mirko leaned in, her confidence unwavering. Rex hesitated for only a second before meeting her halfway. Their lips met briefly, the kiss surprisingly gentle for someone as bold as Mirko.

  When they pulled apart, Mirko immediately grabbed the vial, downing its contents with a satisfied smirk. “I took your first kiss, snake boy,” she said, her tone dripping with triumph.

  The room exploded into cheers and ughter, Hawks clutching his stomach as he ughed. “Oh, man! Mirko, you’re unreal!”

  Rex, still processing what had just happened, blinked before letting out a quiet chuckle. “You’re ridiculous,” he muttered, though there was the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

  “And proud of it,” Mirko shot back, plopping back into her seat like nothing had happened.

  As the evening continued, the group fell into a comfortable rhythm of singing, drinking, and pyful banter. The tension from earlier faded, repced by the easy camaraderie of friends enjoying each other’s company.

  For Aldon, the night was a welcome distraction, though the memory of Touya lingered faintly in the back of his mind. For now, he let himself ugh and sing along, grateful for the people around him who made the chaos of life just a little easier to bear.