The path back was quiet, washed in silver light from the moon. You walked beside Giyu, your shoulders brushing every so often, each touch sending a subtle rush of warmth through the cool night air. His hand lingered close to yours, as if he wanted to take it but couldn’t quite cross that line.

You caught him glancing at you more than once, his expression unreadable except for the faint blush coloring his cheeks. He quickly looked away each time, but the silence between you carried more weight than words ever could.

The steady rhythm of your footsteps matched the fast pace of your heart, and you had a feeling his was racing just the same. By the time the estate lights flickered into view, the tension was soft, fragile—like a secret the two of you were holding carefully between you.