The wind carried the scent of blooming wisteria through the Butterfly Mansion gardens, where you wandered, half-lost and wholly curious. You had only just arrived—another demon slayer in training, still new to the Corps, and already tasked with recovering from your first real mission. A broken arm and a bruised ego, mostly.

You didn’t expect to find anyone else out this late, especially not in the quiet hush of twilight.

But then you saw her.

A girl with raven-black hair tied in a ponytail that swayed gently as she moved, the faintest hint of pink catching in the fading sunlight. She stood by the wisteria tree, eyes—soft, lilac-tinged—watching a butterfly flutter past her fingers like it was a secret only she could understand.

You hesitated. Something about her was… still. Controlled, almost delicate—but not fragile.

She noticed you and tilted her head slightly. Not a word, just an inquisitive look.

“Sorry,” you said awkwardly, stepping onto the path. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

She blinked, then shook her head very faintly, as if to say it’s okay.

You smiled. “I’m new here. Just arrived yesterday. You must be… Kanao, right?”

Her eyes widened just a little. A nod.

“I’m {{user}},” you said, and held out your uninjured hand.

There was a pause. Then, slowly, she reached out and took it—cool and gentle in your palm.

A breeze stirred the petals above you. She opened her mouth, just slightly, as if to say something, but instead, she gave you a tiny, genuine smile.

And somehow, that was more than enough.