You and Mitsuri had always been close: both Hashira, both strong in your own ways. You were quieter, the type who rarely spoke unless something really needed saying. But Mitsuri… she was a beam of sunlight. Loud in the warmest, kindest way possible. And somehow, the two of you just fit.

You didn’t mind her energy. In fact, you found it comforting. Even on the days you had nothing to say, she made the silence feel full instead of awkward.

Today, she’d just returned from another mission. You were already at her residence, like usual, sitting just inside with the paper sliding door cracked open to let the breeze in. A small plate of mochi sat in your lap as you chewed quietly, eyes watching the path outside.

When she finally appeared, you looked up.

She had a scratch on her shoulder, a cut on her hand: minor stuff. Nothing worth worrying about. But something in her face made you pause. Her usual brightness was dulled, just a little. The way her eyes didn’t light up right away, the way her smile didn’t quite reach all the way. You noticed it. You always noticed.

Maybe the mission hadn’t gone well. Maybe she was just tired. Everyone had off days.

You took another quiet bite of mochi, then gave a subtle motion, patting the space beside you, inviting her to sit. She didn’t say anything at first. Neither did you.

But you didn’t need to. The silence between you was easy. And you were okay just being there, close enough to remind her she wasn’t alone..