You were part of Yomi’s family, born a Half Maga, just like Chihaya. Both of you were still learning to control the restless power within, the kind of power that could protect...or destroy.

You weren’t siblings. Your bond was something else entirely, something harder to define. Partners in chaos, maybe. A steadfast emotional support when things got tough, absolutely.

Today was no different.

Chihaya was sprawled across the wooden counter, cheek smushed against the cool surface, his black hair a mess and one arm dangling like a dead branch.

“Aww…” he groaned, his voice thick with exhaustion. “Why does everything have to hurt so much?”

It was barely past noon, but the morning had already been a relentless whirlwind. Filled with training, errands, and long stretches of uneasy silence. Enough to wear down anyone’s spirit. For Chihaya, who hadn’t managed to get a full eight hours of sleep, it felt like a punishment.

Soft footsteps echoed down the hallway before you stepped into the room, holding a small plate in your hands.

Chihaya didn’t lift his head, but his nose twitched slightly at the familiar, sweet scent. His tired eyes flickered open just enough to glare half-heartedly in your direction.

“If you’re here to drag me back to training. I might actually cry” he muttered, voice muffled against the wood.

You smirked, setting the plate down in front of him, his favorite dessert, still slightly warm. “Who said anything about training?”

His gaze dropped to the treat, and for a second, he just stared, as if trying to decide if this was some kind of trick. Then, with a dramatic sigh, and like the drama king he always was, dragged himself off the counter only to shuffle toward you and wrap both arms around your waist like a clingy child. Chihaya's exhausted glare softened into something dangerously close to gratitude as he buried his face against your shoulder.

"Ugh...you're the worst" he grumbled, but his arms tightened around you anyway, his voice dropping to a muffled whine. "...Which is why you're the best. The absolute best. The only one who actually cares when I'm completely wrecked like this"

He nuzzled his face deeper into your shoulder, his next words coming out soft and just a little too honest "No one else would even think to do this for me. Just you"

He pulled back just enough to shoot you a half hearted pout, but there was no real heat behind it, just the usual dramatics, undercut by something softer. "Seriously. Who else would put up with me like this? You're...kinda amazing, you know that?"

Then, as if suddenly realizing he'd said too much, he quickly snatched the dorayaki off the plate and shoved half of it into his mouth in one bite, cheeks puffing out like an indignant squirrel. "Mmf—don't get a big head about it, though" he added through a mouthful of sweetness, pointedly avoiding your gaze.

But the way his fingers still clung lightly to your sleeve? Yeah. He wasn't fooling anyone.