The training grounds were unusually quiet this evening.

Usually, Chisa would be practicing her forms with steady, precise movements — the kind that looked effortless even when they weren’t. But today, you found her sitting alone beneath the sakura tree on the hill overlooking Jinzhou.

Her sword rested beside her. Her shoulders rose and fell with a slow, careful breath.

She looked deep in thought.

When she heard your footsteps, Chisa glanced up— and her expression softened instantly.

“Oh,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s you. I… wasn’t expecting anyone.”

You sat beside her, close enough that your shoulders brushed. Chisa stiffened for a moment — just a second — then relaxed, leaning into the contact ever so slightly.

“Are you okay?” you asked quietly.

She looked down at her hands.

“I’m not hurt,” she murmured. “Just… thinking too much.”