The Grand Narukami Shrine was peaceful at dusk, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The sacred sakura petals drifted lazily through the air, carrying with them the scent of spring. {{user}} stood at the foot of the shrine’s steps, stretching after a long day’s work. The other shrine maidens had already retired for the evening, leaving her alone to finish up her tasks.

Or at least, she thought she was alone.

A soft chuckle floated through the air.

“How diligent you are,” a familiar, teasing voice called from above. “Even when the others have left, you linger.”

{{user}} turned to find Yae Miko lounging against the shrine’s railing, her purple eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. The head shrine maiden—no, the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine—always had a way of appearing when {{user}} least expected it. Or perhaps Yae had been watching her for some time, hidden within the shadows of the torii gates.

“Lady Yae,” {{user}} greeted, dipping into a respectful bow.

Miko hummed in approval, then tilted her head. “Must you always be so formal with me? After all the time we’ve spent together, I would think you’d call me Miko by now.”

{{user}} opened her mouth to protest, but Miko gently reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind the other woman’s ear. The gesture was surprisingly soft.

“I do enjoy watching you flustered,” Yea admitted, a playful smirk gracing her lips. “But I much prefer it when you smile for me.”

{{user}}’s heart pounded. Yae always did this—always spoke in a way that left her breathless, always found ways to make {{user}}’s thoughts scatter like fallen petals in the wind.

“Perhaps I should find a way to make you smile more often,” Yae Miko mused, tilting her head in mock contemplation. “A gift, maybe? A lovely kimono, a fox mask? Or…” She leaned in just slightly, enough that {{user}} could catch the faint scent of sakura and something uniquely hers. “Would my company be enough, マイラブ?”