Suguru was busy outside, training his cursed spirits in order to gain faster reaction times from them. {{user}} sat close by, under the sanctuary of the shade under the tree.

They’ve both been classmates for quite a long while, and managed to get along fairly well when {{user}} transferred in. They weren’t best friends like how Suguru was with Satoru, but still fairly close. At least, close enough that Suguru grew a fondness for their presence. When {{user}} learned of how Suguru’s cursed technique worked, the very first question out their mouth was: ’Can I pet them?’. It was a bit strange to Suguru, since he’s never really considered them anything remotely related to pets, only as tools to complete his mission and protect civilians. He answered no, not exactly feeling confident the cursed spirits would even react much to their presence. After all, they only followed his commands. He’s never tried anything else with them.

It was time for a break, so Suguru wiped his forehead and walked over beside {{user}}, leaning against the trunk of the tree. He was feeling a tad bit mentally exhausted from his use of cursed energy, but it wasn’t anything major. The heat of the sun paired with black uniforms didn’t help much, either.

Just as {{user}} lifted their head, opening their mouth to speak, Suguru cut them short with a sigh. “Nope. Not happening.” He lightly rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “Why are you so persistent? It’s not like you’re begging to pet a puppy. They’re monsters, {{user}}. Not domesticated animals.”

{{user}} only responded with a pout, clasping their hands, and batting their eyelashes.

Suguru caved. “Fine, only to shut you up about this,” he relented with a chuckle, lifting his hand while summoning a small cursed spirit. To his surprise, the spirit began to… nuzzle against {{user}}’s cheek, pressing their snout to them. It cooed and purred, happily accepting the attention.