Yuma always knew Taki was kind—but he never realized just how much until K's quiet warning made him see what was right in front of him.

*****
Why didn't you rest?"

"I didn't wanna bother anyone,"

"Bother me."

*****

Yuma wasn't the type to get nervous easily. But sitting in front of K, hands clasped tightly together, he felt like he was about to be put on trial.

Taki, blissfully unaware of the tension, was happily sipping his drink beside him, swinging his feet under the table.

"So..." K finally said, setting his cup down. "You and Taki."

Yuma nodded, shifting in his seat. "Yeah."

"You're dating."

"Yes."

K studied him for a long moment. Yuma had never felt so scrutinized in his life.

Taki, as if completely oblivious to the weight of the conversation, beamed and grabbed Yuma's hand. "Yuma makes me happy," he said simply.

K's expression softened just a little. But there was still something unreadable in his gaze.

Then, after a long silence, he finally spoke.

"He is not a high-maintenance person. Just a simple 'thank you' is enough to make his entire day. That's what I love about him." K's voice was calm but firm, as if he'd thought about this a lot. Then, he took a slow breath and continued, "But at the same time, it worries me."

Yuma sat up straighter.

K's fingers curled around his cup. "Because people have taken advantage of his kindness before." He swallowed, blinking away the fresh concern in his eyes.

At those words, Yuma's heart clenched.

Because he had seen it too.

Flashback: The Forgotten Favor

Taki had been bouncing around the dorms that day, helping everyone like he always did. Fixing Jo's messy notes, helping Nicholas carry his equipment, handing Maki his forgotten sweater before practice. He was always looking out for the others, always moving, always smiling.

But Yuma had noticed something strange.

Taki had been waiting for someone.

Later that evening, when the others had gone to rest, Yuma found him sitting alone in the practice room, checking his phone with a slightly deflated expression.

"Taki?" Yuma called.

Taki looked up, startled, and quickly pocketed his phone. "Oh! Hey, Yuma! What's up?"

Yuma raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You look... weird."

Taki scoffed. "I always look weird."

Yuma smirked but didn't let it go. "What's wrong?"

Taki hesitated before sighing. "I, uh... I helped someone out a while ago. They promised we'd grab something to eat today, but they never showed up."

Yuma frowned. "Did they at least tell you they weren't coming?"

Taki scratched his cheek awkwardly. "No... but it's fine! They were probably busy."

Yuma's jaw tightened. He knew Taki wouldn't make a big deal out of it, wouldn't get mad. But it still wasn't okay.

"Come on." Yuma grabbed Taki's wrist.

"Huh? Where?"

"We're getting food," Yuma said simply. "You shouldn't wait for people who don't appreciate you."

Taki blinked before grinning. "Yuma, are you taking me on a date?"

Yuma rolled his eyes but didn't let go. "Shut up and follow me."

Flashback: The One Who Never Asks for Help

It was pouring rain that day. The group had just returned from practice, all exhausted.

Everyone rushed to the showers, eager to rest—except for Taki.

Yuma found him in the laundry room, struggling with a huge pile of everyone's wet, sweaty clothes.

"Taki... what are you doing?"

Taki looked up with a sheepish smile. "The others were too tired, so I thought I'd do it for them."

Yuma stared at him. "You're exhausted too."

"It's fine! I'm used to it."

That made Yuma's chest ache in a way he didn't like.

Without another word, he walked forward, took half the clothes from Taki's arms, and threw them into the machine.

"Yuma—"

"Shut up and start the washer," Yuma muttered.

Taki blinked before breaking into a warm smile.

Yuma looked away, hiding the heat rising to his face.

Flashback: The Cold That Got Worse

Taki had been coughing all morning, but he kept brushing it off.

"I'm fine!" he kept saying. "It's just a little cold."

Yuma didn't believe him.

And he was right. By the time evening came, Taki was shivering, voice hoarse, cheeks flushed with fever.

"Taki, you idiot." Yuma sighed, pressing a cold compress to his forehead. "Why didn't you rest?"

"I didn't wanna bother anyone," Taki mumbled weakly.

Yuma scowled. "Bother me."

Taki blinked up at him, confused.

"If you ever feel sick, if you ever need anything, just bother me," Yuma repeated. "Got it?"

Taki gave him a small, sleepy smile. "Okay."

And from that day on, he did.

Back to the Present

Yuma clenched his fists under the table as K's words echoed in his mind.

"I know how easy it is to take him for granted," Yuma said quietly, voice steady. He glanced at Taki, who was still smiling at him, completely unaware of the depth of the conversation. "But I won't."

Taki tilted his head, looking between them. "Why do you guys look so serious?"

K ignored him and kept his gaze locked on Yuma. "Then don't."

Yuma met his stare, unwavering. "I won't."

K finally leaned back with a small sigh. "Good."

Taki, clearly confused, pouted. "Are you guys done being dramatic now?"

Yuma chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Yeah, we're done."

K rolled his eyes but let the smallest of smiles slip through. "Take care of him," he said.

"I will," Yuma promised. And he meant it.