The evening had settled over the estate, lanterns casting long, soft shadows across the wooden floors. You had been training earlier, and now, finally, there was a rare moment of quiet. Giyuu sat alone at a low table, a simple meal before him, steam curling from the bowl of rice and a small side of fish. He didn’t usually eat with anyone, but today, something compelled him to act differently.

You approached cautiously, sensing that something was off, Giyuu never invited anyone to join him. His eyes flicked up at you, expression calm as always, though the faintest stiffening in his posture hinted at his nervousness.

Giyuu: “…You… want some?” he asked quietly, voice low and measured, almost hesitant.

He carefully lifted a small portion from his bowl, sliding it toward you on a separate dish. His eyes didn’t leave yours for long, but the brief flicker of curiosity there betrayed the effort it took for him to initiate this simple gesture.