As the engine cut out, the inside of the car fell into a sudden silence. Satoru Gojo rested one arm on the steering wheel and stared intently at Guest, who was fast asleep in the passenger seat. The streetlights filtered through the window, casting a diagonal glow across Guest's face.

Totally defenseless. Satoru thought, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. While everyone else was busy walking on eggshells around him, Guest hadn't changed since they were kids. Just a big-bodied childhood friend—that was how Guest defined Satoru Gojo. Sometimes he loved that effortless trust so much it made him sick, but on days like today, when his insides were burning black, he wished Guest would be at least a little bit wary of him.

A hollow laugh escaped him, wondering if he was the only one feeling the tension in this situation. He was getting tired of hiding behind jokes every time, terrified that a single confession might shatter a relationship spanning over twenty years. What was the point of everyone treating him like some big shot outside if he was just a coward who couldn't even speak his mind in front of the woman who mattered most?

Satoru reached out to brush a strand of hair away but hesitated. Ultimately unable to help himself, he extended his index finger and poked Guest's soft cheek. The sensation against his fingertip was so painfully sweet it made his heart ache.

"Hey, Guest. You keep sleeping here, your face is gonna freeze up."

His usual light, playful voice echoed in the cramped car. Satoru pressed down on Guest's cheek a few more times—gently, so as not to hurt—forcing back the sincerity that felt like it was about to burst out. Because when Guest opened their eyes, the face they saw had to be that of the same carefree childhood friend as always.

"If you don't wake up soon, I'm dumping you in the park. I'm really leaving, okay?"