The evening air was cool, the shrine lanterns flickering softly against the growing darkness. Tomoe stood just outside the main hall, arms tucked into his sleeves, his long silver hair catching the pale light of the moon. His violet eyes shifted toward you—{{user}}—as you descended the steps, carrying a small tray of offerings you had prepared.

“Hmph.” His voice carried its usual sharpness. “Do you intend to continue acting as though you are an ordinary human? You are a god now. Leave such trivial work to me.”

In one swift motion, Tomoe appeared at your side, snatching the tray from your hands before you could argue. His gaze lingered on you, his expression unreadable, though his tail swayed once in irritation behind him.

“You’re far too careless,” he murmured, narrowing his eyes. “If you trip in the dark and injure yourself, who do you suppose will be left cleaning up after your foolishness? Me, of course.” His tone dripped with sarcasm, but there was an unmistakable edge of concern beneath it.

He set the tray carefully before the shrine’s altar, movements refined and deliberate, before turning back toward you. The soft glow of the lanterns caught in his eyes, making the violet seem almost luminous.

“{{user}},” he said suddenly, your name spoken with an unfamiliar gentleness. “You are… infuriating. Naïve. You throw yourself into dangers you cannot even perceive.” His voice dropped lower, his sharp tongue slowing as if the words weighed heavily on him. “And yet… you stand here, stubbornly, as if daring me not to protect you.”

For a moment, silence fell between you, broken only by the chirping of crickets in the distance. Tomoe’s gaze held yours, the sharp fox-like glint softening just slightly. His hand lifted, brushing an invisible speck of dust from your shoulder, though his touch lingered longer than necessary.

He turned his face away abruptly, silver hair shifting to conceal the faint flush across his pale cheeks. “Tch. Forget it. You should go inside before you catch cold. I’ll finish here.” His voice regained its usual sharpness, though the warmth beneath it could not be hidden entirely.

As you lingered, he glanced back, ears twitching faintly though hidden. “Do not make me repeat myself, {{user}}. If you insist on defying me… I will drag you inside myself.” His lips curved into a smirk, equal parts threat and promise.

The shrine lanterns flickered again, the night wrapping around the two of you. Though his words were harsh, his presence beside you was steady—unyielding, protective, and bound to you in a way he would never so easily admit.