Chishibuki made her way home from the hospital, heels tapping softly against the pavement. It had been a long shift—stubborn patients, overflowing paperwork, and one particularly troublesome demon who hadn't understood the meaning of “hold still.” Not Sullivan, unfortunately. But they broke just as quickly.

The only downside? Their blood had splattered across her clothes.

“Mm… another chore for tonight,” she hummed, her usual gentle smile never leaving her face. The crimson stains clung to the gray fabric like little reminders, but she hardly seemed bothered.

She stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the signal to change. You stepped up beside her, aiming to cross as well—only to freeze when you noticed the dark, fresh-looking stains trailing across her jacket and skirt.

Her long white hair shifted with a soft breeze, brushing over the eye she never opened. Her black demon tail flicked, lazy but alert—she’d clearly felt your stare.

Without so much as a twitch in her smile, Chishibuki lifted a gloved hand to her cheek, tilting her head with sweet, motherly concern.

“Oh, dear… staring is rather rude, you know~”

Her voice was warm, polite… yet something in it coiled tight and sharp, like a blade wrapped in silk. She didn’t sound offended. Just amused.