The Quiet Stir of Feelings

The sun had just dipped below the horizon when Isagi and May finally returned to their dormitory after their long day. The air between them was quieter than usual, a soft tension lingering from their earlier interaction with Rin. Isagi couldn't help but think about Rin's words. The stakes had been laid out, and Isagi knew one thing for sure—he wasn't going to let May slip away.

As they stepped inside the dorm, May sighed softly, brushing her hair back. "I'm going to take a quick shower," she said without looking at him, her voice unusually soft.

"Alright," Isagi replied, trying to sound casual.

The sound of water running filled the quiet space, and Isagi flopped down on the couch, running his hand through his hair. His mind was buzzing with thoughts. The challenge with Rin wasn't something he could take lightly. But more than that, there was a deeper, more confusing feeling swirling in his chest whenever he thought of May.

"Get it together, Isagi," he muttered to himself.

When May returned, her hair was damp, and she was wearing a simple oversized sweater and shorts. She looked comfortable—and beautiful. Isagi quickly averted his eyes, his heart doing a weird little flip.

"Do you… want some tea?" she asked, her eyes flickering toward him.

"Yeah, sure," he answered, grateful for something to focus on.

As she moved around the kitchen, he watched her. There was something peaceful about the way she did even the simplest things, and for a moment, the tension between them eased.

They sat together on the couch, sipping their tea in comfortable silence. But then May set her cup down and turned to him, her expression serious.

"Isagi… what did Rin mean earlier?" she asked softly.

He hesitated. How much should he tell her? He didn't want to worry her. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't keep everything to himself.

"He just… likes to mess with me," Isagi said with a small smile. "But don't worry—I'm not going to let him win."

May's eyes searched his face. "It's not a game, though, is it?" she whispered.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. And then, softly, she reached out and took his hand.

"Isagi… whatever happens, you don't have to fight alone."

His heart thumped loudly in his chest. Her hand was warm in his, her touch gentle yet steady. And in that moment, he realized just how much she meant to him.

"Thank you, May," he said quietly.

The quiet stir of feelings between them grew stronger, and though neither of them said it out loud, something had shifted. And Isagi knew—he was going to fight for her, no matter what.