monolith - alice in borderland oneshots

THE SOFT HUMMING sound of the city below served as a welcoming background as you were  on the rooftop alone with Karube. The neon lights of Shibuya lighted his face with shadows of red and blue tint, and the chilled air slowly moved between you. He leaned casually against the railing with a cigarette dangled between his fingers, the tip of the cigarette glowing dimmly.

"You've never smoked, have you?" Karube said in a low tone, the corner of his lips quirking up into a grin.

You shook your head and tucked a loose strand behind your ears. "Not really my thing. I always thought it would taste gross."

He let out a soft laugh, stepping closer to you. "It's gross," he gestured vaguely, holding it to his face. "But sometimes, it isn't about the taste; it's about the moment. Want to try?"

You hesitated, biting your lip as his eyes rifled through yours, that playful, daring glint making your heart skip. "What if I mess up and look stupid?"

He chuckled again, taking a step that had him close before you. "You think I care about that?" he tipped his head. "C'mon, trust me."

After hesitating for a moment, you nodded, letting out a nervous breath. Karube pulled out a fresh cigarette from his pocket and held it in front of you. The cigarette weight between your fingers was foreign but it felt oddly thrilling.

"Here, let me," he murmured softly, taking the cigarette from your fingers and put it to your lips.

You leaned forward slightly, your pulse quickening as he brushed your chin with his fingers to steady you. His fingers felt warm, his thumb resting slightly under your jaw  as he held your gaze. "Don't move," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Karube pulled out his lighter and flicked it to life. The flame flickered in your small space between him, illuminating his face and yours as you leaned closer. Neither of you were oblivious to the intimacy of the moment: his hand, still touching your chin, the scent of smoke and cologne that clung to his clothes.

"Breathe in slowly," he instructed, his gaze glued on you.

You did what he said, the smoke burning slightly as it filled your lungs. Instinctively, you wanted to cough, but Karube's thumb pressed lightly on your chin, on the other hand grounding you. "Easy," he murmured softly.

You took a slow breath, exhaling the smoke even as it lightly filled your lungs. Karube drew back, grinning widely. His hand lingered for just a second longer than necessary before falling to his side. "You did well. Not bad for your first try."

Your lips twitched into a smile as you held the cigarette in between your fingers. "Guess I have a good teacher." 

Karube let out a laugh, leaning against the railings again. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

You took another slow drag, feeling a little more confident this time, and exhaled as you looked at him. "So, is this your usual move? Lighting cigarettes for girls and making them blush?"

He smirked and run a hand through his hair. "Only for the ones that catch my eye."

Your heart skipped a beat again, with that, but you feigned nonchalance with a roll of your eyes. "Smooth, Karube. Real smooth."

But even as you teased him, you couldn't help but feel the warmth that lingered on your chin where his hand had been, or the way his gaze had softened just slightly as he watched you. And as you sat side by side on the rooftop with the city below you, it dawned on you that this instant, this little act of rebellion, wasn't really about the cigarette at all. It was about him.