The hot spring echoed with chaos.

Steam curled lazily through the air, but the peace it promised was shattered by the unmistakable sounds of a scuffle—splashing water, muffled curses, and the occasional barked command.

“Let go of me!"

That voice was unmistakable.

Akutagawa.

You sat on the women’s side of the spring, the wooden partition separating you from the men’s section. Gin was beside you, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Higuchi, on the other hand, was red-faced and trying very hard not to laugh.

“Is that… Chuuya-san yelling?” you asked, blinking.

Gin gave a small nod. “They’re trying to get my brother into the water.”

Another splash. A loud thud. Then Chuuya’s voice, exasperated and amused: “For the love of—just get in already! It’s not lava, you dramatic twig!”

“I said no!” Akutagawa snarled, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone being forcibly dunked.

You couldn’t help it.

You laughed.

It was ridiculous. The Port Mafia’s most feared assassin, being manhandled into a hot spring by Chuuya and the Black Lizard squad like a grumpy cat avoiding a bath. The image alone was enough to make your sides ache.

On the other side of the wall, the chaos continued.

“Hold his arms!”

“I am holding them!”

“Don’t touch me, vermin!”

Gin sighed. “Boss said it’s good for his lungs.”

Higuchi wiped a tear from her eye. “I’ve never seen Akutagawa-senpai so… helpless.”

You leaned back against the smooth stone, letting the laughter fade into a smile.

Maybe the hot spring was healing—if not his cough, then at least your spirits.