SUB ROSA | Wind Breaker

Arc 3 || 9. Someone To You

The door creaked open, and Akame blinked, her brows lifting slightly in surprise. "Togame?"

He stood there, framed awkwardly in the soft glow of the setting sun. A stack of books rested under one arm, his other hand shoved into his pocket. He shifted his weight, as though unsure if he was welcome. "Uh... hey," he greeted, his voice casual but laced with something hesitant.

Akame leaned against the doorframe, her posture stiff but not unwelcoming. "Yuta's not here," she said, her tone clipped but not unkind.

"I figured," Togame admitted, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. He held up the books slightly, like an offering. "I thought I'd drop these off. He left them at my place." He hesitated, glancing at her face. "But honestly... I was hoping I could talk to you."

Her brows knit together, her gaze narrowing just a fraction. "About what?"

The corner of Togame's smile wavered, his confidence slipping under her scrutiny. He looked away briefly, pretending to adjust his grip on the books. "Nothing serious," he said quickly, the words almost tumbling out. "Just... a walk? Get some air? It's been a while since we talked. Just the two of us."

Akame studied him for a long moment, her dark eyes unreadable. She wanted to say no, to shut the door and retreat back into the safety of her quiet apartment. But something in the way he stood there, balancing awkwardness and resolve, softened the edge of her resistance.

Finally, she sighed and stepped back, leaving the door open behind her. "Wait here. Let me grab my jacket."

She disappeared into the apartment, leaving Togame standing alone in the dimly lit hallway. He exhaled a quiet breath, running a hand through his hair. He'd visited Yuta here dozens of times, but the air felt heavier now. This wasn't just a walk, and he knew it.

When Akame returned, she was shrugging into a lightweight jacket, her movements deliberate and calm. She nodded toward the door. "Alright. Let's go."

~

The city streets were quiet, bathed in the amber glow of early evening. Warm hues softened the hard lines of buildings, but the warmth didn't extend to Akame. She walked with her hands buried in her jacket pockets, her shoulders slightly hunched. Her gaze was distant, unfocused, as though she were somewhere else entirely.

Togame glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Her silence felt heavier than he'd anticipated, and the tension between them gnawed at him. "So," he started, his voice light, "how's the café? Still pulling shifts for Kotoha?"

Her lips twitched slightly, an almost-smile. "I don't pull shifts for her. I just like...being helpful"

He chuckled softly, relieved to see a flicker of something familiar. "She's lucky to have you."

"Lucky," Akame repeated quietly, the word trailing off like an afterthought. Her expression dimmed, her gaze sinking further inward.

Togame's chest tightened. He wanted to ask her what she meant, but the weight in her tone made him hesitate.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, the quiet stretching between them like a taut thread. When they reached the park, she slowed her steps, her eyes drawn to the pond. Its surface shimmered with the colors of twilight, the ripples distorting their reflections.

Akame sat down on a nearby bench, her movements slow, deliberate. Togame followed, leaving space between them but leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped as he tried to find the right words.

"Akame," he began, his voice softer now. "I've been thinking about... us."

Her shoulders tensed, but she kept her gaze on the water. "What about us?" she asked, her voice flat, guarded.