Noctem

Fuyumi and Rei

Shoto walked through the front door, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The familiar sound of cooking wafted through the air, and he smiled, knowing his mother was preparing dinner.

"Shoto! You're home!" Fuyumi called from the kitchen, her face lighting up as she spotted him. "How was today at the agency?"

"It was good. We had some successful patrols," he replied, shedding his jacket and hanging it by the door. "But there's something I want to talk about."

"Uh-oh. That sounds serious," Fuyumi teased lightly, furrowing her brow playfully. "Did you finally get a girlfriend?"

Shoto felt a flush of embarrassment as he sat on the couch, running a hand through his hair. "Actually... it's about Y/N."

His mother entered the room, a warm smile on her face, wiping her hands on a towel. "Who is Y/N, dear?" she asked, interest shining in her eyes.

"She's a new hero at the agency," Shoto explained, his heart racing slightly. "I met her during patrols. She's... well, she's really special."

"Oh? Special, huh?" Fuyumi leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Tell us more, Shoto! What makes her so special?"

Shoto hesitated for a moment, reflecting on his feelings. "She's strong, confident, and really passionate about being a hero. She has this amazing ability to manipulate shadows, which she uses for good. But she's also been through a lot—trying to escape the expectations of others."

"Sounds like she's been forging her own path," his mother responded thoughtfully. "That's admirable."

"Yeah, exactly," Shoto said, feeling encouraged. "She's different from anyone I've ever met. When we were out on patrol together, I saw her really step up when we faced danger. She's brave, maybe even braver than I realized."

"A strong woman, huh?" Fuyumi smiled, sensing the admiration in her brother's tone. "You've got good taste!"

Shoto felt his cheeks heat up again. "It's not—well, I mean..." he stammered, trying to hide his flustered state. "I just want to help her. I know she struggles with her past, and I feel like we understand each other better than anyone else."

His mother and Fuyumi exchanged a glance, a knowing look passing between them. "Wanting to help someone you care about is incredibly important," his mother told him gently. "But you also need to remember that you can support her while still being true to yourself."

"Right," Shoto agreed, feeling a sense of clarity. "She reminds me of the importance of standing up for who you are, and I want to be that sense of reliability for her. I think there's a real connection there."

Fuyumi leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a playful grin. "Shoto, look at you! You're practically glowing when you talk about her. Sounds like you're smitten."

"Shut up!" he barked, trying to maintain his composure but feeling warmth wash over him. "It's not like that! We're just friends... for now."

"Friends who happen to care for each other deeply? That's a good start," Fuyumi teased, shooting him a wink. "You know, if you need any advice on how to ask her out, just let me know!"

"I'll keep that in mind, but I think I'll handle it myself, thanks," Shoto replied, chuckling softly.

The atmosphere shifted slightly, and Shoto's mother looked at him with careful consideration. "Just be honest with her, Shoto. Vulnerability can help you both. If she's someone you want to be around, share those feelings."

Hesitating still, Shoto nodded slowly. "I want to... I just don't want to put enough pressure on her. Her past isn't something I want to exploit."

"Then take it slow," his mother encouraged, her warmth enveloping the room. "Relationships require time and trust."