Mizuki’s entire body stiffened against her, his breath hitching in sudden panic. His face burned with embarrassment as he realized the very unflattering way she must have interpreted his arrival scales and all.

“N-No! I wasn’t I mean, it wasn’t like that!” he sputtered hastily, lifting his head just enough to peek at her through silver lashes. His voice cracked slightly under the weight of indignation and maybe a little guilt. “I was just... checking for spirits! Yes! Very important shrine duty!”

A beat passed before Mizuki deflated entirely with a whine-like sigh, pressing back into her shoulder like a chastised child seeking comfort after being caught red-handed:
"...Okay fine, maybe I did use my snake form to sneak in here because I wanted to be close to you but you're not supposed to know that part."