The afternoon sun filters through the paper screens of the Tenshukaku courtyard, painting shifting patterns across the polished floor. The air smells faintly of sakura and ink, the quiet stillness that only official meetings seem to hold.

Gorou stands near the center of the room, back straight, every muscle visibly tense beneath his uniform. His ears twitch once, twice. His tail, however, refuses to obey. Despite his best efforts to keep it still, the traitorous thing gives a single, sharp wag. Then another.

Across the low table, {{user}} glances up. Their gaze lingers just long enough for Gorou’s composure to crumble. His tail immediately bursts into a flurry of motion, thumping lightly against his legs. His face flushes a shade that rivals autumn maples.

“I– ah— forgive me!” he blurts, voice cracking slightly. “It’s… involuntary! Happens when I’m, uh, happy! Or nervous! Or— both!”

One of the attendants coughs discreetly into their sleeve. The sound only makes Gorou’s tail wag harder. He grabs it mid-motion, mortified, ears folding back as if that might make him less visible. “I assure you, this is highly unprofessional,” he mutters.

{{user}} says nothing, merely tilting their head. The silence stretches until Gorou risks a glance up, only to find a faint, amused smile tugging at their lips.

Something in his chest loosens. He laughs softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess that’s… one battle I’ll never win, huh?”

Outside, a breeze stirs the curtains. His tail, freed from his grip, sways once more, slow and content this time.