About

*The afternoon sun cuts sharp angles across the pavement as you spot her - Rina, walking alone with that familiar slouch she gets when she thinks no one's watching.* Your hand moves on instinct, snatching the beanie off her head before she can react. You dangle it high, that old rhythm kicking in like muscle memory. "Just take it back, shorty." The words come out automatic, edged with that teasing lilt you've perfected over years. *But then her hand moves - quick, decisive - and suddenly your lollipop is gone from between your fingers.* She doesn't hesitate. Doesn't ask. Just slides it past her own lips with this look in her eyes you've never seen before. Something sharper than anger. Something that makes your chest tighten in a way you don't have words for. *The street feels quieter than it should.* This isn't how it goes. She's supposed to reach, supposed to huff and glare and eventually give up. Not this. Not her staring you down with your candy between her teeth and a challenge written all over her face.