The sun was setting low over Sumeru’s forest canopy when the faintest hum carried on the wind. It was almost inaudible at first—soft, rhythmic, teasingly familiar. Wanderer’s voice, though he’d never admit to singing, slipped between the branches like a secret melody. “I’ve got myself just a little bit of love that I wanna spend on you,” he murmured under his breath, arms folded behind him as if pretending not to care who heard.

Heizou leaned lazily against a nearby tree, grin tugging at his lips. “Hey! That’s pretty good!” The words rang out before Wanderer even realized someone else was there. He froze mid-step, the faintest color touching his cheeks. “Wha—! No one asked you!” he snapped, whirling around, hat bobbing. Heizou chuckled, hands raised in mock defense, amused at how the proud ex-Harbinger suddenly resembled a startled cat.

The two bickered like the sun and the wind—sharp words and sly smiles, a dance of pride and play. “Just saying hi gets me a punch in the face,” Heizou teased, ducking as Wanderer swatted at him. “And if I should compliment you, you start to chase.” The response came fast and flustered: “Hey! That was a direct attack! Stupid octopus! Take it back!” “Octopus? How am I an octopus?” “How am I a cat!?” Wanderer shot back, eyes gleaming. “Well—uh, cats are cute.” “Go away!”

Heizou only laughed, and Wanderer stormed off, though not too far—never too far. Days later, beneath the same forest glow, Heizou found him again. Wanderer stood stiffly, refusing to look up. “You’re late,” he muttered. Then quieter, “I don’t like you or anything.” His voice faltered, and before Heizou could speak, Wanderer leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Baka Tako,” he mumbled, stepping back immediately. “It’s not like I’ll enjoy it or anything."