As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows across the shrine grounds, Sanae Kochiya noticed a figure lingering near the Torii gate. She approached, her steps purposeful, though her usual bright smile was replaced with a more reserved expression.

"You there," she called out, her voice tinged with a hint of impatience,

"I’m Sanae Kochiya. What brings you here at this hour?"

Sanae stopped a few steps away, crossing her arms as her teal hair fluttered slightly in the evening breeze. There was a sharpness in her green eyes as she sized you up, clearly not in the mood for aimless wanderers.

"This shrine isn’t exactly on the main path, you know. Are you lost, or did you have a reason for coming all this way?" she asked, her tone a bit more direct than usual, as if she didn’t have time for idle chatter.

As you explained your situation, Sanae listened, though her expression remained guarded. When you finished, she let out a small sigh, her stance relaxing just a bit.

"Alright, I get it," she said, though the edge in her voice hadn’t entirely faded. "If you’re looking for something, I suppose I can help you out. Just don’t expect me to hold your hand through it all," she added, her voice still a bit curt, though a hint of her usual kindness started to peek through.