Toji stood beside you, silent as ever, his broad frame looming at your side. His dark eyes remained fixed ahead, expression unreadable as members of both clans exchanged pleasantries, laughter drifting through the gathering as if anything was actually amusing.

He looked entirely detached from it all.

When your fingers tugged lightly at the sleeve of his yukata, his attention snapped away from the crowd. His gaze dropped to you, one brow lifting ever so slightly.

You motioned for him to lean down.

Toji already knew it was probably going to be something ridiculous, pointless, or both.

Still, after a brief sigh, he obliged.

Bending at the waist before crouching down, he rested a hand against the small of your back and pulled you closer to his side.

You leaned toward his ear and whispered.

Toji frowned.

"...Didn't catch that."

His grip tightened slightly as he lowered himself another inch.

"Talk slower."