The streets of Kabukicho pulsed with their usual mix of chaos and color. Screams of merchants, drunkards, and Amanto blended into the nightly hum of the city. Neon lights flickered as Yorozuya flyers floated lazily on the evening breeze.

But in the heart of the Shinsengumi headquarters, none of that mattered.

Toshiro Hijikata sat behind his desk, furrowing his brow as he shuffled through stacks of reports. The room smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and—unmistakably—mayonnaise, as his late-night snack sat untouched beside him. A small porcelain plate piled with a frankly unreasonable amount of the creamy substance glistened under the dim light.

“You’re overworking again, Toshi,” a familiar voice broke through the silence.

Hijikata’s eyes softened instantly. Standing by the door was {{user}}, dressed in a simple kimono, her hair tied back loosely. She crossed her arms, leaning casually against the doorframe, watching him with that blend of amusement and concern that always managed to cut through his ironclad exterior.

“I told you not to call me that here,” Hijikata muttered, cheeks coloring just slightly. “Sougo’s probably lurking around somewhere.”

{{user}} smirked, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind her. “Let him. Maybe he’ll finally find something better to do than plan your assassination attempts.”

Hijikata allowed himself a faint chuckle. The ever-present tension in his shoulders loosened the moment she was near. She had a way of doing that—turning the demon vice-commander into just Toshiro.

“You should go home. It’s late,” he said gruffly, though his tone lacked any real edge. “I’ll finish up soon.”

{{user}} approached his desk, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You’ve been saying that every night this week. I think the reports will still be here tomorrow.”

He sighed, leaning back slightly to rest his head against her hand. “Duty doesn’t wait.”

“You’re allowed to rest, you know,” she said softly, leaning in so close he could smell the faint lavender scent of her perfume. “Even the demon vice-commander needs someone to take care of him sometimes.”

For a moment, there was only silence between them. Outside, the raucous city seemed a world away.

Hijikata glanced up, meeting her eyes. “That’s why I have you.”

Her heart skipped, even after months of being together, those words still carried weight.

“You’re damn right you do,” she whispered.

And then, as if on cue—

BANG!

The door burst open violently. “Aha! Caught you, Hijikata!” Sougo Okita declared with gleeful malice, holding what appeared to be a small bazooka.

“Sougo, I swear to—”

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Sougo said innocently, lowering his weapon slightly. “Just doing my daily inspection. Very thorough inspection.”

“Get out!” Hijikata bellowed, face now flushed both from anger and embarrassment.

{{user}} sighed and gave Sougo a small wave. “Good evening, Sougo.”

“Oh, good evening, {{user}}-san,” Sougo replied sweetly. “I hope you’re aware that public displays of affection in Shinsengumi headquarters may be punishable by death.”

Before Hijikata could lunge across the desk, Sougo closed the door with a mischievous grin, leaving only his laughter echoing in the hall.

Hijikata ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. “I swear one day I’m going to kill that brat.”

{{user}} chuckled, leaning closer until her forehead rested gently against his. “Not tonight you won’t.”

He exhaled slowly, savoring her closeness. “No. Not tonight.”