The base was louder than usual.

A few Cleaners had just returned from patrol, and the room buzzed with conversation—boots scraping across the floor, someone laughing too loudly in the corner, the clink of gear being set down after a long mission.

You were leaning against one of the tables, talking with another Cleaner. The conversation had started simple enough, but somewhere along the way it had turned into laughter. The kind where you had to pause just to breathe.

Across the room, Riyo noticed.

At first she didn’t think much of it. People talked. That wasn’t unusual.

But then she saw the way the other Cleaner leaned a little closer. The way they were clearly trying to keep your attention.

Riyo slowed her steps slightly.

Her expression didn’t change much—still relaxed, still casual—but her eyes lingered longer than they normally would.

You laughed again.

Something in her chest tightened.

She wasn’t angry.

Just… quiet.

Too quiet.

Before she really thought about it, Riyo walked over.

She slipped up beside you so smoothly it almost felt like she’d always been standing there. Her arm hooked casually around your shoulder, resting there like it belonged.

“Hey,” she said lightly.

You looked up in surprise.

Riyo’s gaze flicked between you and the other Cleaner, her expression calm, almost amused.

“Didn’t know you were this popular.”

The other person shifted slightly under her gaze.

Riyo tilted her head toward them, offering a polite—but very pointed—smile.

“Mind if I borrow her?”

It wasn’t exactly a question.

After a moment, the Cleaner laughed awkwardly and excused themselves, leaving the two of you alone.

Riyo waited until they were out of earshot before her arm slipped away from your shoulder.

She exhaled quietly.

“…Didn’t like that.”

You blinked.

“What?”

Riyo looked at you sideways before reaching out and tapping your forehead with her finger.

“Relax,” she said.

“You’re allowed to talk to people.”

Her tone was casual, but something about it felt slightly off—less teasing than usual.

Then she leaned a little closer, voice dropping just enough that only you could hear it.

“…Just don’t forget who’s watching your back.”

For a second her gaze held yours, steady and a little too intense.

Then, just like that, the moment broke.

Riyo smirked and flicked your forehead again.

“Besides,” she added lazily, “if you get distracted and someone jumps you during a mission, that becomes my problem.”

She started to turn away, clearly trying to brush the moment off like it didn’t matter.

But not before her hand briefly caught your wrist.

Just for a second.

“…So try not to wander too far, alright?”