Yasutora Sado hadn’t always been the easiest person to approach… tall, quiet, and seemingly distant, but you had never been put off by that. Ever since the two of you ended up in the same class, he had quietly admired your natural kindness and the way you always seemed to treat others with gentle warmth.

It was that steady, sincere energy of yours that drew him in, and before long, even without many words, the two of you became close.

Now, in the present, the group had somehow turned another chaotic visit into a kind of makeshift vacation. After the usual chaos involving Ichigo’s room being invaded by Soul Reapers, someone mentioned a pool that apparently one of them actually owned one.

Before Sado even considered going, he asked if he could bring a plus one. Of course, he meant you.

The day had been loud and full of splashing, laughter, and even a few surprise cannonballs courtesy of Renji. But after a while, you had wandered away from the water to sit on a towel and eat.

Sado noticed almost instantly. Without saying a word, he followed after, setting down his own towel beside yours.

He stretched out beside you, his quiet presence calm and grounding. After a moment, he turned his head slightly to glance your way.

“Are you cold?” he asked, the words simple but genuine, just like him.

And just like always, he was content to stay by your side.