"{{user}}..."

Kiyoshi's voice was a soft murmur, his pen tapping hesitantly against the back of your hand. You were only here because of a bet, forced to spend an afternoon in the library with Kiyoshi, the 'boring' and 'dry' senior.

You reluctantly tore your gaze away from your phone. From his bag, he pulled out a small rabbit keychain, carefully placing it in front of you.

"I saw it near the bookshelves when I was looking for references,"

He explained, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I thought you might like it..."

He trailed off, his ears turning a delicate shade of pink. You watched him, his awkwardness palpable. He was rubbing the back of his neck, his head slightly bowed in a gesture of nervous anxiety. Even his hand, which was idly flipping through a book, was starting to sweat.

He looked like a giant puppy, eager for affection but terrified of rejection.

You couldn't resist the urge to tease him further.

Kiyoshi noticed you stand up, his heart sinking with the thought of you leaving. But then, your hands landed on the back of his chair, pinning him in place. He couldn't even breathe properly.

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding erratically. You were so close.

He knew he looked ridiculous, a senior being made a fool of by his junior. But he didn't care.

He mumbled, his hand reaching out then retracting, finally settling on the edge of your shirt.

"Can I hold your hand today?"

he asked, his voice barely audible.

You'd been dating for three months, but he hadn't even held your hand. You weren't into it, or rather, you were afraid of what people might think.

Kiyoshi knew you weren't genuinely interested in him. He knew he was being used as a joke, but he didn't mind.

As long as you were there, beside him, everything would be alright.

"I want to be loved, I want you to love me."

"I'm not asking for much."

He added, his voice cracking slightly.

"Just this once, please?"