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Mimiko and Nanako practically skipped ahead, their excitement radiating off them in waves. I couldn't help but smile at their energy.
"So, what's so special about these crêpes?" I asked, glancing down at them as they clung to my hands.
"They're the best!" Mimiko exclaimed.
"The filling is really creamy and sweet! And they have so many flavors!" Nanako added enthusiastically. "Last time, I got strawberry and chocolate, but Mimiko likes the ones with banana and caramel!"
"Banana caramel sounds pretty good," I mused.
"It is!" Mimiko nodded quickly, her golden eyes lighting up. "We're gonna make sure you get one too, Y/N!"
I chuckled. "Alright, alright, you two win. I'll try one."
As we exited the temple grounds and stepped into the bustling city streets, the atmosphere shifted. The once quiet morning was now alive with the sounds of people moving about—vendors calling out their deals, the distant hum of traffic, and the occasional laughter of children playing. The scent of fresh bread and roasted coffee drifted from nearby cafés, mingling with the crisp morning air.
The crêpe shop wasn't too far, and when we arrived, I could see why the twins loved it so much. It was a charming little place with pastel-colored awnings and an open window where a kind-looking old man stood flipping crêpes with practiced ease. The air was thick with the scent of vanilla and melted chocolate.
"There it is!" Nanako cheered, tugging me toward the counter.
The old man looked up from his work and smiled warmly. "Ah, back again, I see," he chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron. "And you brought a new friend?"
"Yes! This is Y/N!" Mimiko introduced me eagerly. "She's going to try your crêpes today!"
The vendor gave me a knowing nod. "Well, I hope you're ready. These two always get the sweetest ones on the menu."
I laughed. "I think I can handle it. What do you recommend?"
Nanako and Mimiko both started talking at the same time, listing their favorites with so much enthusiasm that the vendor had to chuckle. I watched as the girls happily picked and bickered about crapes. Making me chuckle.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched them—Nanako waving her hands animatedly while Mimiko pouted whenever her sister disagreed. Their energy was infectious, and despite their bickering, it was obvious how much they adored each other.
"Children, am I right?"
A smooth, amused voice cut through the air from behind me.
I let out a small laugh before turning around. "Yeah, they definitely have enough energy to power an entire city."
And that's when I saw him.
Tall, effortlessly confident, with stark white hair. But what stood out the most were his eyes—brilliant and piercing, a shade of blue so striking it felt almost unnatural. He had a smirk playing on his lips, the kind that suggested he found everything mildly entertaining, including me.
For a moment, our gazes locked, and something unspoken lingered between us. It wasn't just curiosity—it was as if he was studying me, intrigued.
"Gojo, stop staring at the lady like a creep." The boy beside him—around the same age as the twins, with dark hair and a reserved demeanor—nudged him with an unimpressed look.
He chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair playfully. "Come on, Megumi, I was just admiring the scenery." His gaze flicked back to me, teasing. "And the company."
I raised an eyebrow, amused by his shameless flirting. "Do you always admire people this intensely, or am I just special?"
His grin widened. "Oh, you're definitely special."
Nanako and Mimiko suddenly tugged at my dress, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air.
"Y/N! We got your crêpe!" Mimiko announced proudly, handing me the warm treat wrapped in paper.
"Thank you," I said, taking it with a smile before turning back to Gojo, who was now crouching down beside Megumi, poking his cheek.
Megumi sighed as if this was an everyday occurrence. "Are we getting our crêpes or not?"
Gojo gasped dramatically. "Oh, excuse me for socializing. You know, it wouldn't kill you to make some friends, kid."
"I have enough," Megumi deadpanned.
Gojo rolled his eyes before standing up again, looking back at me. "So, what's your verdict? Best crêpe you've ever had?"
I took a bite, letting the caramel and banana melt in my mouth before nodding. "I have to admit, it's pretty amazing."
Nanako and Mimiko beamed, clearly proud of their choice.
Gojo tilted his head. "See? You should always trust the kids. They have good taste."
I smirked. "Is that your way of saying I should trust you too?"
His grin was playful, but there was something behind it—an undeniable spark of interest. "Maybe. But you'll have to spend a little more time with me to find out."
Before I could respond, My phone buzzed. Seeing that it was an unknown number, I answered assuming it was Suguru. "Hello?" Instead, it was Manami voice that went through the speaker. "Y/N! It's me, Manami. I almost forgot to tell you—Suguru said he needs to speak with you later."
At the mention of his name, something flickered in Gojo's expression—just for a split second. It was subtle, but there. A shift in the air.
"Okay, thanks for letting me know. Talk later!" We hung up the phone.
"Oh?" He leaned in slightly, his curiosity piqued. "You and this Suguru guy close?"
I studied him, wondering if there was something deeper to his question. "We have our conversations."
Gojo hummed in thought before flashing me another playful smirk. "Well, I'd love to have a conversation with you sometime too."
