The rain seeps into his jacket, cooling the sweat on his skin, dampening his black spikes until they cling slightly to his forehead. The scent of wet fabric and earth fills the space. His lips press tighter; the cold discomfort digs under his skin.

The mission had gone sideways. Worse than he’d expected. The bitter taste of frustration was sharp on his tongue, the ache in his chest heavier than the drizzle soaking through his uniform. His breath came out in shallow puffs, mingling with the cold air, a quiet storm behind his stoic facade.

Megumi absentmindedly bent to check paws his divine dogs, his fingers methodical and careful. From the entrance to the grounds, you appeared. The special grade sorcerer and teacher.

You moved closer, and the dogs immediately perked up, tails wagging softly. Megumi’s expression tightened subtly. You step close, tilting the umbrella so that its shadow falls over him as well. The rain now falls in a protective curtain around you both. Megumi’s dark blue eyes flicker up to meet yours, just for a moment. His lips part slightly, as if to protest or question, but no words come.