𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒓

—her reaction as if it would grant him peace of mind. “. . . This isn’t so bad, right? I was expecting it to be worse.” Wise spoke as if he was attempting to convince himself. He was beginning to regret not taking her offer for a ride.

The movie began with the protagonist creeping along a narrow hallway, inching closer to a rattling door. It sounded as if someone was banging on it from the other side. Watching, Wise began to feel uneasy again. His nervous gaze glanced over at his companion, gauging—

—playful, amusement encompassing his features. Perhaps this was an attempt to assuage any lingering fear he may have felt.

“Yeah? Well, that’s all the more reason for us to watch this together.” Taking a deep breath, he mustered up enough courage to aim the remote and tap the ‘play’ button. “. . . I’ll be fine. After all, you made a promise to protect me.~” His voice turned—

Lips curling upward, he let out an amused huff at her considerate words. It made him feel a little guilty. “I appreciate the thought, but I’ll try to manage. Besides, aren’t you looking forward to this movie. . ?”

He turned his anxious gaze to her, apprehension flooding his expression. “W-Well, when you asked to watch something exciting, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind. . .”

Yawning, he rubbed at his eyes in an attempt to rid himself of exhaustion. . . . He’s been up all night.

The corners of his mouth quirked upward, forming an imperceptible smile as his legs inched toward her. “You talk as if my presence alone isn’t enough to persuade. Do you want something ‘more’, perhaps. . ?” There was a playful lilt in his tone, accompanying a questioning stare.

The look of disappointment in his eyes flickered down to her mug, a faint sigh escaping his lips. “You can’t, hm. . ? Would you still feel that way if I asked to spend the day together?” At the question, green met purple once more. He appeared hopeful.

Taking a swig from his own cup, his pensive gaze lingered on her for a moment. The concern in his green eyes was evident. “Have you, um, considered taking the day off? You’ve been working yourself ragged all week.”

⠀ “M-Maybe we should watch something else. . .” ⠀

Together, hm? It almost sounds like she’s asking him out.

As if on cue, he presented a warm cup of coffee to her. “. . . Need a pick-me-up?”