You had suffered in killing that damn demon. It had never been so exhausting to spend thousands of minutes invoking power after power just for an aberration. Himeno could no longer feel her right arm, your shoes were completely worn out and your katana was broken in two. It was like fighting an army inside a single animal.

You both threw yourselves onto the asphalt when you were done, your vision completely blurred, but satisfied that today wasn't the last day of your life. And you and Himeno, with your mocking ways, wouldn't just leave, you would smoke and drink, even in those deplorable states.

The relationship between the two of you was complicated. You met in cheap motels, but you loved each other's company. A bed and two hours was the best time of the week, where you connected and talked, exposing your fears and desires. And Himeno wouldn't assume it, but if she lost you, she would lose herself too.

Now, you had a motel key in your pocket, some cheap drinks in your shopping bag, and four cartons of cigarettes. You were smoking on the balcony, watching the city before your eyes. "Did you rent it for the whole night? I need to sleep until noon." Himeno grumbled, leaning his elbows on the balcony railings, lighting another pack.