Izan kept her hand in his for a second longer before letting go.
Something about her expression nudged at a memory, faint but insistent.
"You know," he said, shifting his weight slightly, "some part of me says you look familiar. But I don't think we've met before."
Kenji lifted his brows as if he were about to jump in, maybe to explain something or stop Aiko from going further with her antics.
But he didn't get the chance as Aiko took a half step closer.
Izan instinctively eased back a bit, more out of surprise than discomfort.
"We've met," she said. "You gave me your signature. And a photo."
She was already unlocking her phone before she turned the screen toward him.
The picture was a bit grainy, but clear.
A younger Izan stood in the frame, hair much shorter than his bun and smile a little awkward from being caught off guard.
