OBLINE, KUSUO SAIKI.

✶. that's my bad.

✶ . . . ARE YOU SURE THESE WON'T make me look like an old man?"

You appraised yourself in the mirror, tilting your head to study the rectangular glasses from all angles. You had always preferred circular glasses, but lately, you were a little worried that they did make you seem blind.

Megumi would never let you live it down if he knew he had made you insecure. The little shit.

The sales assistant blushed when you looked at her. "I don't think you have to worry about that. This style is extremely flattering on you. Any style here would be."

"You're making me blush," you teased, replacing the glasses. You levelled the full force of Six Eyes on the assistant and watched her knees turn into jelly.

"While I appreciate your advice, I think I'll just stick with my usual style."

"Of course. I'll bring them in from the back."

You tapped your fingers on the counter as you waited for the sales assistant. What to do after the glasses? You wondered if any of the guys were up to hang out for a while. You could always bother Kusuo, but he probably needed some time to himself or he'd spontaneously combust.

You knew that Kusuo had been the one to bring you home after the ramen fiasco. He'd even been kind enough to remove your glasses and tuck you in. You'd wanted to thank him, but with just one look, he had probably known. Had probably felt the stutter in your chest when you'd looked at him.

There were times when you were talking to Kaido or Aren and they would make fun of you for looking at them so intently. It was a habit of Six Eyes, sure, but sometimes you forgot that not everyone had telepathy. You forgot that you couldn't just look at a person and have them know what you were thinking. It made your conversations with Kusuo feel effortless. You were barely aware of it half the time.

In a way, Kusuo reminded you a lot of Suguru. He had always been good at reading your moods. But there was a difference between that and Kusuo's actual telepathy. The psychic could never misunderstand you. You never had to explain yourself. Maybe that was why you liked the two of them so much. You needed someone levelheaded and down-to-earth to balance you out.

Speaking of which, Suguru had finally responded to your group text detailing the ramen shop from hell. Shoko had been delighted, as expected. Suguru only said that Kyoto Jujutsu High was still sore about losing the Goodwill Event and that you probably shouldn't be yanking on their chain.

Killjoy, you'd texted. You know Utahime deserved it.

Dumbass, he'd texted back. She's going to kick your ass one day.

You're both dumbasses, texted Shoko. Why do you always have to be arguing like an old married couple?

You missed those two. You should probably find a time to hang out soon.

"Thank you for your purchase," the sales assistant chirped, packing up your glasses. "Have a wonderful day!"

"You too! I appreciate it!" You tipped your cap and swept off, only to be caught up in the sizable crowd outside of the shop.

"Excuse me," you said, stopping a passing girl. "What's going on?"

You couldn't help puffing out your chest when the girl did a double-take. "Oh, I'm not really sure. Everyone just started rushing over here. I think there's a celebrity here."

"A celebrity?" Stars sparkled in your eyes. "No way! I have to go see them!"

Good grief, you too? I should have known.