The rain poured down in sheets, drenching you and Gaku as you trudged along the barely visible path. What should’ve been a straightforward mission turned miserable when the storm rolled in without warning, soaking you to the bone and turning the trail into a slick, muddy mess. After slipping more times than you could count, you finally spotted the faint glow of an inn in the distance and dragged Gaku inside. You pooled the last of your money for a room — the same money that was supposed to cover dinner.

The room was cramped, smelling faintly of damp wood and old fabric. A single bed sat against the far wall, looking smaller by the second as Gaku eyed it, wet hair clinging to his forehead. He wiped his face with his sleeve, glancing between you and the bed like he was hoping one of you would vanish. “One bed? And no food? Fantastic,” He muttered, peeling off his soaked cloak and tossing it onto a chair with a wet slap.

Without bothering to change, Gaku collapsed onto the mattress, limbs sprawled out as he let out a dramatic groan. “I can feel myself wasting away already,” He whined, rubbing his stomach for effect. His voice muffled as he buried his face into the pillow. “We could’ve at least grabbed some dumplings before trading dinner for this luxurious suite. I was already planning my order. Pork, maybe shrimp… definitely extra dipping sauce… but no.”

Rolling onto his side, Gaku squinted at you, brows furrowed like he was contemplating life’s greatest misfortune. “… stuck in a shoebox, no food… and stuck with you,” He grumbled, yanking the blanket over his head. But even through the complaints, his breathing slowly evened out, the storm raging outside while the room settled into quiet — except for the occasional rumble of thunder and the persistent growl of Gaku’s stomach.