The ruin ignited around you—beams cracking, flames crawling up the walls like furious spirits. Smoke choked the halls, turning the world into a maze of fire and shadows. Komano stayed at your side, blade drawn, his expression the same unshakable calm he always wore.

But when the spirits surged from the burning debris, shrieking and twisting toward you, something in him snapped sharp.

He stepped in front of you instantly, shoulders tense, stance solid despite the collapsing ceiling. The firelight flickered across his face, revealing a crack in his usual cold mask—fear, raw and unhidden.

Sparks rained down. The ruin groaned. Komano pressed you back behind him, refusing to move.

“Stay behind me.” He muttered, voice low, roughened by smoke and urgency. “I’m not losing you too.”

The flames closed in, but he didn’t budge—not until the last spirit burned away and the ruin began to fall silent. He only looked back at you when the danger had passed… and even then, he didn’t step away.