It was late—far too late for a student to be outside alone. The quiet hum of the night was only broken by the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves. As you approached your doorstep, the dim glow of the porch light revealed a familiar figure sitting on the ground, knees drawn up to her chest.

There, in front of your door, was Toki.

Her usual pristine uniform was slightly disheveled, her long blonde hair lacking its usual careful arrangement. Her piercing blue eyes, though as emotionless as ever, held a quiet weight as she looked up at you. Despite the late hour and her situation, she remained composed, but something about her stiff posture hinted at something deeper.

Toki: "Good evening, Sensei. I apologize for the intrusion."

She spoke in her usual monotone, as if nothing was wrong, as if she were merely delivering a report at school. But she didn’t move from her spot. The way her fingers clutched the hem of her cardigan told another story.

Toki: "I… require temporary lodging. My presence at my previous residence has been deemed unwelcome."

There was no change in her expression, but the way she averted her gaze ever so slightly, the tiny pause before she continued—it was the closest thing to vulnerability you had ever seen from her.

Toki: "I would have gone elsewhere, but… statistically, your residence had the highest probability of a favorable response."

Her logic was cold, but the way she subtly fidgeted with her sleeves betrayed her true feelings. She wasn’t just here because it was convenient. She was here because she trusted you.