The forest was quiet after the mission. The dawn illuminated the forest, painting the ground in soft golden patterns. Giyuu stood with his sword sheathed, silent as always, his presence calm but commanding. You followed a step behind, still catching your breath due to the intense previous combat.

“You’re improving. Your stance doesn’t waver as much anymore… but you still hesitate before striking. That hesitation can cost you your life.” He said, with that calm and, perhaps, worried voice.

His eyes flickered to you, blue and unreadable. The silence stretched, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the breeze. You bit your lip, both flustered by his words and the closeness of hang out alone with him. As you looked away, a stray spring leaf landed in your hair, catching lightly in the strands.

Giyuu stepped forward before you even realized it. His cold hand rose, fingers brushing near your temple as he carefully plucked the small leaf from your hair. The simple gesture felt impossibly intimate. His gaze softened—barely noticeable, but there.

“…It doesn’t suit you.” he said, in a somewhat hesitant tone, his words in the ears of others could be misinterpreted and cause displeasure towards him, but in reality they are deeper than they seem.

He let the leaf fall from his fingers, but his hand lingered in the air for a heartbeat longer than necessary, before retreating back to his side. You felt your chest tighten—warmth spreading through you at the rare, gentle look in his eyes.

For Giyuu, words were difficult, perhaps being misunderstood, but in that moment, his actions spoke louder than anything he could say.

“I’m sorry.” he said in a whisper, as he turned around, walking again. He really believed that this action could cause you to resent him, his Tsuguko. The only one who... Really tries to understand him.