Since childhood, Suguru had been intrigued by you, often catching glimpses of the fragile girl supported down the hallway during his visits to your clan’s household. You were always secluded in your room, hidden away from the harsh world of your family. The elders saw you as a burden, cursed beyond cure, your energy drained by an illness they couldn’t understand. They could only control it, yet not cure it.

Despite the warnings from others, Suguru continued to visit your room, treating you like anyone else, never questioning your condition. He was your only friend. As time passed, you expected him to grow tired of you, but he never did. And it confused you deeply. You hadn’t any idea why he’d use his time with a sickly individual like you. Even with his busy life as a sorcerer, he always made time to return, never leaving you alone, no matter how coldly your relatives treated you. He couldn’t, and it never crossed his mind too. — It was snowy outside, soft specks of light drizzling gracefully from the clouds. The weather intrigued you, and you enjoyed watching it. The quietness of it all. Beside you, sat Suguru at the engawa, watching the quiet courtyard with you as well. It was chilly, but you were warm with the kimono you wore, two steaming cups of matcha green tea sat on the wooden between you both.

“You like the snow?” He mindlessly asked, noticing the focus in your weary gaze. He didn’t seem to mind the silence.