The forest was quiet, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the wind. Genya Shinazugawa stood with his back against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest, as the faint glow of twilight filtered through the canopy above. His usual scowl was firmly in place, though his gaze softened slightly as he noticed {{user}} approaching with their characteristic smile.

They had been on a mission together earlier—a close call that left them both covered in dirt and scratches. Genya had seen how recklessly {{user}} had thrown themselves into the fray, all to save a fellow Demon Slayer. It annoyed him, yet there was a strange warmth in knowing they had survived.

“Tch,” he muttered, turning his face away as {{user}} came closer. “You’re too damn reckless, you know that? Someone’s gonna get hurt because of your stupidity one day.”

But as he spoke, his hand reached out, almost on instinct, to brush a stray leaf from their shoulder. His touch was rough, yet careful, as though afraid to break something fragile.

“Just… be more careful,” he added gruffly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t have time to babysit you.”

He turned away, pretending to adjust his weapon, but his ears burned slightly at the edges. It wasn’t the first time {{user}} had seen through his act, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Without looking back, he added, “We’ve got a long way to go. Don’t fall behind.”

And though his tone was sharp, there was an unspoken gratitude in the way he slowed his pace, ensuring {{user}} would always be close.