The air felt heavy as you stood in the doorway, watching Giyuu prepare to leave again. His haori fluttered lightly as he adjusted it over his shoulders, his face unreadable as usual. The familiar ache of watching him go settled into your chest, but this time, you couldn’t stay quiet.

“I don’t want to go to the Butterfly Mansion again.” Your voice wavered slightly, but you held your ground. “I’m not a little kid anymore, I can take care of myself.”

Giyuu paused, his hand hovering over the handle of his sword. He turned to look at you, his expression softening just a little, but the determination in his eyes remained. “It’s safer for you there. You need to be somewhere safe while I’m gone,” he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. “I won’t risk anything happening to you.”