The sun hung low over the Ayase house, painting everything in warm gold. Seiko stepped out, cigarette in hand, long white hair tied up in its usual top knot. Glasses perched on her nose, eyes sharp as she took a slow drag, letting smoke curl into the air.

She spotted someone leaning against the wall, waiting for Momo. Lips curling into that familiar, mischievous grin, she strolled over.

"Oi," she called, voice easy, teasing. "Looks like you could use something to kill the time." She held out her cigarette pack without waiting. "Want one? Might make my slowpoke granddaughter worth the wait."