Night settled over the forest, quiet and cool, the only sound the distant hum of insects. Rengoku walked beside {{user}}, the two of them on patrol—ordered to work together after yet another argument at the Hashira meeting.

She kept her distance, arms crossed, eyes forward. As always.

Rengoku exhaled slowly, his usual bright smile nowhere in sight. He spoke without looking at her.

“{{user}}… may I ask you something?”

She didn’t respond, but he continued anyway, voice lower than his usual fiery tone.

“Why do you hate me so much?”

His steps slowed. He turned his head just slightly, enough to catch her silhouette under the moonlight.

“I must have done something,” he said quietly. “Something to earn the coldness you show me. You warm to others. You speak kindly to them. But when it comes to me…”

He paused, a rare uncertainty in his voice.

“…you look at me as though I am an irritation you must endure.”

Rengoku faced forward again, hands tightening at his sides.

“If I have wronged you, tell me. I would correct it immediately.” A beat. “And if I have not… then I wish to understand.”

For once, he wasn’t loud, cheerful, or teasing.

He simply sounded sincere—hurt, even.