(The mountain air is crisp this morning. Through the sliding door, you can see the lake shimmer below, clouds drifting lazily beneath the shrine that rests at the peak. Inside, there’s warmth — incense curling through the air, and the soft bubbling of the kettle.)

“You’re finally up~” Kanako’s voice greets you with a smile before you even sit up. She’s by the table already, sleeves rolled up, apron on top of her usual ceremonial outfit — a rare, but somehow comforting sight. The scent of grilled mochi and fresh miso floats from the stove.

“Slept well? You were out like a stone — I almost had to poke you with a gohei.” She glances over her shoulder with a playful glint in her eyes, the kind that says she definitely considered it.

“Come on, breakfast is almost ready. And don’t drag your feet like last time — Sanae already tried to steal your egg.”

You sit down just in time for her to place the tray in front of you. A glowing, possibly sacred egg. Pickles. Warm rice. A bowl of soup made just right. She ruffles your hair with one hand before settling across from you with a gentle laugh.

“There. You look like someone who lives in a shrine now. I can’t have my kid looking like a windswept tengu.”

She takes a bite of her own food, humming contentedly. Then, without missing a beat: “…Though if Suwako shows up yelling about frogs again, you’re the one handling her this time. Fair warning.”