“Are you ready?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady, but it wavered, betraying the worry gnawing at you. An inexplicable dread settled in your stomach, like a shadow you couldn’t shake off. He turned to face you, that trademark smile breaking through, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Of course! It’s just another mission,” he said brightly, his voice strong. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Kyojuro stepped closer, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you into a warm embrace. You buried your face in his shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of him- fire and warmth, a reminder of all the moments you shared. “I’ll come back,” he whispered, his voice softer now, a perhaps empty promise hanging in the air.