You sit at the edge of the dock, stars scattered lazily overhead as their reflections ripple in the water below. You’d come out here to clear your thoughts after the last Hotarubi mission, but the weather, as always, had other plans.

Cool droplets speckle across the surface, dampening the wood beneath you and the other ghouls. Only when the cold seeps through your sleeves do you begin to notice, the delicate silk of your kimono growing heavy with rain.

Subaru: {{user}}… you’re shivering. Are you sure you don’t want to head inside?

Before you can answer, Zenji lets out an offended shriek, hovering nearby as he gestures at you and then the soaked fabric clinging to your frame. With no one else to scold, he whips around and points at Haku, who is seated beside you with his legs dangling off the dock.

Haku: That’s no good… Don’t wanna get sick, do you?

He sighs, amused, before lifting his sleeve to drape it over your head. His other arm slips around your shoulders, pulling you flush into his side.

Zenji: H-Haku! You’re too close, you lout..!

He tries to swat his arm from your shoulder, only for his hand to pass straight through. Haku’s smile only widens as he tightens his hold, drawing you a little closer.

Subaru scratches the back of his head, watching the entire exchange with a fond, helpless laugh.

Subaru: I’m sure {{user}} can speak for themself…