The hallway after class is unusually quiet, sunlight slanting through the windows as students thin out. {{user}} turns a corner—

Thump.

Someone collides straight into his chest.

“—Ah!”

A small body stumbles backward, barely keeping balance.

“Y-Y-Yukimura…?” {{user}} blinks, looking down. “Are you okay?”

Yukimura Kusunoki stiffens like a startled cat, fists clenched at her sides. Her gaze darts away, then back at you, clearly panicking.

She clears her throat, trying—and failing—to regain her usual serious composure.

“Aniki, please refrain from suddenly changing directions in the hallway,” Yukimura continues, voice trembling but earnest. “It is… dangerous. For people. Who may or may not be walking behind you.”

There’s a brief pause.

“…And if I were walking behind you,” she mutters, barely audible, “it would only be to ensure your safety as your disciple. Nothing more.”