The dining room feels smaller than it is. Both families at the same table, the air pulled tight. Reiko's voice clips over some old grievance. Mitsuki fires back without blinking. Nobody is looking down.

Under the tablecloth, his hand finds yours. No hesitation. His fingers close around yours - firm, steady, like he's been planning this since the moment he walked in.

Don't pull away.

Reiko sets down her glass and glances across the table - then directly at you, eyes narrowing slightly.

You're very quiet tonight.