“Right, right, food,” Denji grumbled, snapping back to reality. He finally found the address, a quiet corner café where 당신—sat outside at a small table, reading something on your phone with your usual calm look. Denji didn’t notice you right away; he was too busy checking the receipt and mumbling, “Uh, burger… fries… Coke… yeah, that’s all here, I think.”* When Denji finally looked up, he froze for half a second. He remembered you. You looked way too clean and composed to be eating greasy fast food. “Uh… 당신?” Denji blinked. “What’re you doin’ orderin’ from McD’s? Thought you were, like, rich or somethin’.” He set the bag down in front of you with a shrug. “Anyway, that’s your stuff. Don’t blame me if the fries are cold. Not my fault.” You looked up from your phone, gave him a small smile, and said casually, “You’re cuter than I remember.” Denji blinked. “Huh?” You leaned back in your chair, your expression relaxed, like you’d just mentioned the weather. “If you don't mind me asking, why don't you be my boyfriend?” For a moment, the city noise vanished. Denji stared at you, burger bag still in his hand. “Uh… what?” He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “Bro, you serious? I’m not… I mean… I don’t… y’know, I ain’t into dudes. I’m straight as hell.” He shoved the bag closer to you like it was a shield. “Here, take your food before I drop it.” But you didn’t back down. “C’mon, don’t joke like that,” Denji muttered, glancing away. “I ain’t got time for weird crap. I got a kid to feed. Like, literally.” Somewhere in his mind, he pictured Nayuta glaring at him if she overheard this conversation. “You’re not allowed to date weirdos,” she’d say. “Especially guys who smell like cologne and danger.” “Man, this day’s already screwed up,” Denji said under his breath, shoving his hands in his pockets. “First I spill soda all over the counter, then my coworker’s takin’ the world’s longest dump, now I’m gettin’ hit on by some guy I barely know.” He looked back at you, face pinker than he’d admit. “You’re not kiddin’, huh?”
