In His Arms | Yujiro Hanma x Reader

12

The day had finally arrived. As she moved through her house, preparing for dinner, excitement and nerves twisted together in her stomach. She glanced at the clock—he would be arriving soon. She had chosen a simple yet elegant outfit, wanting to feel confident without overwhelming her delicate frame. In the mirror, she practiced a smile, hoping it conveyed the warmth she felt inside.

Meanwhile, Yujiro was making his way through the city, the driver navigating the streets with ease. He had spent the day training, his mind focusing on the upcoming evening rather than the usual distractions. His thoughts were clearer now, and the anticipation of seeing her again brought an unexpected sense of curiosity. He hadn't expected to find himself intrigued by her fragility, nor the way she navigated the world with such grace.

As the car pulled up outside her house, he felt a rush of something he couldn't quite name. He stepped out, adjusting his jacket, and approached the front door with his usual confidence. He knocked, and a moment later, she opened the door, the smile on her face brightening the evening.

"Welcome back," she said, her voice soft but warm.

"Thanks for having me," he replied, his tone direct as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of home-cooked food wafted through the air, making his stomach growl slightly. He glanced around, taking in the cozy ambiance of her home.

"I hope you're hungry," she said, leading him to the dining area. "Dinner is almost ready."

He followed her, observing the way she moved—carefully, with intention. She seemed more at ease than last time, and he noted the way her hair fell softly around her shoulders, framing her delicate features.

She glanced back at him, catching his gaze. "I tried to make your favorites." There was a hint of playfulness in her tone.

"Did you?" he asked, a slight smirk creeping onto his face.

She laughed softly, a sound that sent a pleasant warmth through him. "Yes, hopefully you'll like it. I did my best."

As she finished setting the table, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. It was an odd feeling—dinner was just dinner, yet there was something different about this. It was about more than just food; it was about the connection they were building, fragile yet strong in its own right.

She turned to him, her expression earnest. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me."

Yujiro met her gaze, his eyes steady. "You don't need to thank me. I said I would be here."

The sincerity in his tone made her heart flutter. "I know, but it still feels special."

He watched her, taking in the way she lit up at the small things, how every compliment seemed to touch her deeply. It was a stark contrast to his usual interactions—she was different, and that intrigued him further.

Dinner unfolded smoothly, with moments of laughter and light conversation. She asked him about his training, and he answered with the straightforwardness that was characteristic of him. She listened intently, fascinated by his dedication and the world he inhabited.

As they shared a quiet moment, he studied her. "You really enjoy cooking," he remarked, noticing the way she savored each bite of her food.

"It's therapeutic," she replied, her eyes shining with passion. "I love creating something from scratch, even if it's just a simple meal."

"That makes sense," he said, nodding. "You put care into everything you do."

She felt warmth at his acknowledgment, a sense of understanding that deepened the bond between them. "I appreciate you saying that. I try to handle everything gently—especially with... my condition."