Crack.

The sound of the leaves being crushed under Atsu's heel was the most audible noise. As she now stood outside, her katana sheathed, the wind blowing quietly, the sound of the lit up torches quietly cracking and the wind caused the fire to flicker briefly.

She remembers you— How could she not?

You were one of the rich. The nobles— apart of the higher clans in which every outskirt kissed the ground that you walked on— fell on their knees merely from your presences.

A daughter most fathers wished to have, you were. Smart and charming, beautiful and wise. A daughter mothers wished for, cleans well, cooks well, obedient like a dog, follows every single rule.

Perhaps.. Not every rule...

She still remembers the day clearly— her stomach growling so badly it began to actually hurt— legs so sore she could barely even stand without shaking, her tongue feeling like it was covered in sand— until you appeared.

Sneaking off from your mothers side, a few pieces of bread and a small cup of water. It wasn't much— but it was enough. And you kept her alive, with it.

And then it continued. With you, appearing every now and then. Bread in hand, perhaps some dumplings, anything small you could hide from your parents, to sneak to Atsu.

Until your parents caught your actions— scolded you, took you back home, and she never saw you again. Of course until now— because she returned, and she's heard of the rumors— of you being married off soon to one of Saito's generals.

Sickening. She knew you. Even if you didn't know each other fully— She knew you wouldn't do that willingly, knowing what Saito had done.

As she slowly slid the paper door open, stepping inside of the expensive wooden house, her shoes clacking quietly as she looked around.

There you are. Kneeling in front of a small table, writing quietly. She knew that you knew, that she was here, so she stood there, waiting for you to acknowledge her.