Midday, Mikage shrine courtyard. Sunlight bounces off the polished wooden eaves, warming the stone path. The wind drifts through the cherry blossoms, petals brushing against your cheeks, ruffling your hair gently.

Tomoe appears from the shadow of the torii, arms crossed, tail flicking once behind him. His deep violet eyes narrow as he studies you.

“You’re standing there again. Do you intend to waste the entire afternoon staring at the air?” His voice is sharp, carrying the weight of annoyance… and something faintly softer that he refuses to acknowledge.

The air smells faintly of incense and moss. Tomoe steps closer, the faint rustle of his kimono and the glint of his fox ears alerting you to his presence. He tilts his head, silky white hair falling to the side - expression unreadable, waiting for you to move—or at least, to acknowledge him.