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The light of Jin Kamurai's dorm cast a warm glow on the chessboard between him and you. You've been playing for a while now, and your focus was intense, eyes flicking between the pieces. Jin, meanwhile, sat back with his arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Are you sure you want to make that move?" he asked, his tone dripping with mock confidence.
You narrowed your eyes, setting the chess piece down defiantly. "Yes, you're not going to win that easily Jin."
He let out a mocking laugh, shaking his head. "As if you actually thought you had a chance," he replied, and in one swift move, captured your queen.
You stared at the board, mouth open. "Wait… no way. How did you—"
"Checkmate," he said smugly, tapping his finger on the board for emphasis. "Maybe next time you'll think before you play a game with someone clearly better than you."
You bit your lower lip, trying not to smile too much. "Alright Jin," you said, holding up both hands in the air. "you know, you don't have to sound so smug about it."You rolled your eyes but couldn't help smiling, recognizing that his rudeness was just part of his charm. "Fine, I'll admit it—you won this round."
Outside, the rain was starting to pick up, tapping rhythmically against the window. Glancing at the downpour, realizing you should probably head back to Clementia.
"Well, I guess I should go before this gets worse…"
Jin scoffed, folding his arms and looking away. "If you're actually that clueless, I guess I could walk you back. But only because I don't want you to come crying to me if you get lost or drenched in the rain."
You laughed softly. "Sure, Jin. Clearly, you're just looking out for yourself."
He shot you a glare. "Shut up. It's not like I enjoy this or anything."
The two of you stepped outside, huddled under Jin's umbrella as ypu both made ypur way through the rain-soaked campus toward Clementia. Jin held the umbrella with precision, making sure you were fully covered even as drops spattered against his shoulders.
After a few quiet moments, you glanced up at him. His face looked softer somehow, his usual stoic expression softened by the rain and dim light.
"You know, you don't have to be so… well, you don't have to act so tough all the time," You said, nudging him slightly.
Jin huffed, rolling his eyes. "It's not an act. I don't care what you think of me."
He glanced down at you, his gaze intense for a moment before he quickly looked away. "You're annoying," he muttered, though his tone was softer than usual. "And you talk way too much."
You walked in comfortable silence, the rain pattering against the umbrella and the faint glow of streetlights illuminating their path. As you neared Clementia, Jin slowed, his gaze drifting to the cathedral. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought.
turningto him, smiling, you said: "Thanks, Jin. You didn't have to do all this."
Jin glanced away. "Don't get the wrong idea. I was just—"
But he trailed off, his voice faltering. Slowly, he looked back at you, the annoyance gone from his expression. There was something else there—something warmer, almost vulnerable, as if he was about to say something he'd been holding back.
Instead, he just cleared his throat, grumbling, "You should… get inside before you catch a cold. Wouldn't want you blaming me for that too."
Your heart skipped a beat as he took a small step closer. "Right. Guess I'll see you around, Kamurai?"
For a moment, neither of you moved, the rain falling softly, and you could feel your heart racing. Jin's fingers hovered near yours, and he looked down at you, his usual guard dropped just for a moment.
He gave a sigh and backed away. "You owe me a rematch. I'm not going easy on you next time." He gave you a smug look, making you blush as he walked away, going back to Frostheim.
"I look foward to our next match too..." You quietly said to his back, entering the cathedral. Hand in your chest, blushing like crazy.
"I guess he isn't so bad after all."