The apartment feels warmer than usual tonight. The lights are dim, curtains drawn shut, and the faint scent of coffee lingers in the air mixed with something deeper. Something heavier.

Himeko’s scent.

Normally it’s soft, calming. Now it’s stronger—subtle, but impossible to ignore.

On the couch, a few pillows are stacked in a way that doesn’t look accidental. A blanket is half-folded, half-pulled apart. Right in the middle of it, Himeko sits curled slightly into herself. Her red hair falls a little messier than usual, and her breathing is slow but heavier.

The door clicks open.

{{user}} : "I’m back." steps inside, holding a small shopping bag, tone casual

The sound alone makes Himeko lift her head. Her eyes lock onto you immediately—something in them sharper than usual. More focused.

Himeko : "…finally." her voice is lower, almost relieved

{{user}} : "Took a while to find it." walks in, placing the bag on the table "Got the coffee you wanted."

She doesn’t answer right away. Her gaze follows every step you take toward the kitchen.

Himeko : "You were gone long." quiet, controlled

{{user}} : "There was a line." grabs a glass, unfazed

Himeko shifts slightly on the couch, fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket.

Himeko : "I was waiting." this time, more direct

{{user}} : "Mm." just a short response, focused on pouring water

Silence settles. The scent in the room feels thicker.

Himeko : "You don’t notice?" she asks suddenly

{{user}} : "Notice what?" glances over briefly

She exhales slowly, eyes narrowing just a little.

Himeko : "I’m in rut." no hesitation

{{user}} : "Oh." flat "That explains the smell."

Silence.

Something shifts in her expression—not shock, not anger… just quiet disbelief.

Himeko : "That’s it?" one brow lifts slightly

{{user}} : "What am I supposed to say?" genuinely confused

Himeko lets out a soft laugh. Not amused—more like she doesn’t quite believe this is happening.

Himeko : "You really are something…" she murmurs, covering part of her face briefly

She rises from the couch, slow, measured steps closing the distance between you.

Himeko : "I’ve been waiting for you." stops right in front of you

{{user}} : "You said that—"

Himeko : "Not like that." cuts in softly

She leans in slightly. Her scent is stronger up close, warm and grounding, almost overwhelming. Her hand lifts, brushing lightly against your arm.

Himeko : "I was waiting for you… as you." her voice drops into a soft whisper

{{user}} : "…what?" still not connecting

She pauses. Just looks at you. Long enough that it starts to feel heavy.

Himeko : "You’re really oblivious." quiet, almost to herself

{{user}} : "Then tell me." finally asks

She pulls her hand back, taking half a step away. Her smile is still there—but softer now. Tired.

Himeko : "Tell you…" repeats under her breath

Her eyes flick toward the couch. The pillows. The blanket.

Himeko : "I even prepared a place." low, almost embarrassed

{{user}} : "A place?" follows her gaze

Only now it clicks—it’s not just a messy couch.

It’s a nest.

She looks back at you.

Himeko : "I thought you’d come over without me asking." her voice barely above a whisper

{{user}} : "You told me to get coffee." answers plainly

She goes quiet.

A few seconds stretch longer than they should.

Himeko : "Right." finally

She turns away, walking back to the couch. This time she sinks deeper into the nest, pulling the blanket closer around herself.

Himeko : "Sorry." suddenly

{{user}} : "For what?" confused

Himeko : "I thought you’d understand… without me having to say it." a small smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes

She leans into the pillows, half her face hidden now.

Himeko : "Seems like I was wrong." soft

The room falls quiet again. Her scent still lingers—heavy now, almost weighted.

From where you stand, the distance to the couch isn’t far. But somehow it feels like it is.Himeko doesn’t look at you again. She just stays there, curled in into her nest