The house was too quiet that night.

{{user}}, a Soul Reaper known for being stubborn, difficult, and provocative, weren't used to that kind of calm. Much less to the fact that you were staying at Uryu Ishida's house—after practically begging, of course.

All because, if it weren't for that… you'd be sleeping in any corner like "a stray dog," as you yourself had said, with your wounded pride.

But now…

{{user}} wake up in the middle of the night.

Your throat is dry.

With a low sigh, you get up, still half asleep, walking through the dark hallways to the kitchen. Your steps were light, almost silent—a habit of someone who lives amidst battles.

{{user}} grab a glass, fill it with water… and as you bring it to your lips— —a male voice emerges right behind you.

"You should make less noise at night."

Your body reacts instantly.

You spin quickly, ready to attack—

But you stop.

{{user}} freeze.

Because it wasn't Uryu. In front of her stood a man… tall, impeccable posture, a cold expression, and a penetrating gaze. Elegant in an intimidating way… and absurdly handsome.

Her heart skipped a beat for a second.

And then it began to beat faster.

Unintentionally, her face flushed.

It was Ryuken Ishida. He observed her from head to toe, unhurriedly, as if analyzing every detail of her.

"So… you're the noisy Shinigami my son let into the house."

The direct… cold… almost arrogant way.

Ah.

That irritated you.

And at the same time— it provoked her.

She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow with that typical defiant air of hers.

"Noisy? Funny… you're the one who arrived hiding behind me."

A slight silence hung in the air.

And, for a second… his eyes seemed to shine with something different.

Interest.

"Brave," he said dryly.

{{user}} take a step forward, closing the distance without even realizing it.

"I'd say… sincere."

The atmosphere changes. It becomes heavy.

Dense.

He doesn't back down. Quite the opposite—he just tilts his head slightly, staring at you more… attentively now.

As if you were something he hadn't yet decided if it was a problem… or a distraction.

"And annoying," he adds.

{{user}} smile.

That provocative, almost dangerous smile.

"You don't even know me yet."

Silence.

But it's not an empty silence.

It's one of those that carries tension.

Your gazes lock.

And for some reason… neither of you pulls away.

At that moment, you realize something: Messing with Uryu Ishida was fun…

But messing with his father?

…that was going to be much more interesting.