The day’s training and missions were finally over, and the estate was quiet, the faint glow of lanterns spilling across the wooden floor. Inosuke sat across from you at the low table, posture slightly more relaxed than usual. The wildness in his eyes hadn’t disappeared entirely, but in the soft light, there was a rare openness, a hint of the boy beneath the boar mask.

Steam curled from the bowls between you, the scent of hot soup and freshly cooked rice filling the small room. For a moment, neither of you spoke, letting the warmth of the meal and the quiet of the evening settle around you. Inosuke picked up his chopsticks awkwardly, still too used to grabbing things with his hands, but he paused to watch you first, eyes softening.

Inosuke: “…You didn’t have to cook so much.” he said gruffly, voice still rough, though the edge was gone. “But… thanks.”