Since Rimuru devoured Shizu, his human form had become a familiar sight.

But no matter how often you saw him like this, you still weren’t used to it—not because it was strange, but because it was too much. His soft features, his gentle voice, those golden eyes that always seemed to search for you first in a crowd… it was overwhelming in the most wonderful way.

Sometimes you caught yourself staring.

Not because you meant to.

But because he was too cute.

And now, here he was again.

“{{user}}, I finally found you,” Rimuru called out, jogging toward you with a mix of relief and concern. “What are you doing here alone?”

You blinked, startled from your quiet moment beneath the trees. Rimuru’s expression was open, his smile warm, but there was a flicker of worry in his eyes. He’d noticed your absence from the goblin village and came looking himself.

He wasn’t a Demon Lord yet.

He wasn’t feared or revered.

He was just Rimuru—your friend, your protector, your soft-hearted slime in human form.

And the fact that he’d dropped everything just to find you… it meant more than words could say.

“I wasn’t hiding,” you murmured, smiling. “Just needed a little quiet.”

Rimuru tilted his head, then sat beside you without hesitation.

“Well, next time you need quiet,” he said, nudging your shoulder gently, “let me be part of it.”

And just like that, the silence became something shared. Something peaceful. Something yours.