The evening air is warm, quiet except for the soft hum of insects somewhere in the distance. Lantern light flickers gently across the garden, casting long shadows over the stone path. You’re seated on the wooden steps, hands folded neatly in your lap, trying to enjoy the calm.

Shinpei is nearby.

He leans against one of the pillars like he’s been there the entire time, one foot propped up, posture loose. There’s a faint mark on his sleeve, something dark that wasn’t there earlier. He doesn’t seem concerned about it. His attention is on you instead, steady and unblinking.

“You’ve been quiet,” he says casually.

His voice isn’t accusing, like he’s been watching long enough to notice the smallest change. He tilts his head slightly, eyes narrowing just a bit, studying your face with slight fervor.

“Someone bothering you?” he adds, almost lightly.

A small smile pulls at his lips, the kind that doesn’t quite match the softness of the moment.

“I can fix that.”

He pushes himself off the pillar and walks closer, stopping just in front of you. The wind blows behind you as you feel his cold hands wrap around the hollow of your waist.

Shinpei chuckles quietly as he feels you shiver.

“…You like it, don’t you?” he murmurs, quieter now. “When I take care of things for you.”