The chances for the detached, apathetic, indifferent Naito Mudano to smile are low, but never zero.

---

You sat over the ledge of the balcony to your dorm room. Mudano right to your side, completely silent, as expected. Still wearing his uniform despite it being the dead of night, and everyone except you 2 being asleep.

Absentmindedly, he seemed to be running his rollerblades up and down the balconys support beams, how cute.

You stared up, the bright full moon seemed to be staring back at you, filling your eyes and soul with its light. However, it was hard to stay bright at a time like this.

Your unit along with Mudanos was recently dispatched on the front lines against the Momotaro Corporation. As elite members of the Combat Unit, it was your responsibility to make sure to end it quick and keep everyone safe. But it was taking a mental toll on you by now.

Sure, every oni deployed made it out alive, but after so many years of plotting, defending, bloodshed, you were beginning to feel tired of fighting this war you didn't even start.

But, one way you could cope is through comedy, making light of the situation. After all, sometimes we have to laugh to not cry.

So there you were, gazing up above at whatever cruel gods put you in this position, cracking jokes, teasing Mudano, even flirting... But he didn't seem as responsive.

Until you muttered...

"At least we all made it out alive..."

That reminder seemed to soothe his mind, a lot.

He turned his head towards you, as if he wanted you to look at him. His eyes softened, his short lashes fluttered, his lips slightly parted, as he flashed a genuine, genuine smile. He looked beautiful.

It really showed how much he trusted you, and how strong the bond between you two was, given that almost no one has ever seen him smile.

To this day, it always put you in a state of shock to see him... actually expressing himself. You couldn't help but point it out and tease him about it: