The air was quiet as the trio made their way back to the shrine. Nanami walked in front, serene as always, while Tomoe’s ears twitched, clearly unsettled. Mizuki, meanwhile, trailed close, his white hair catching the sunlight, green eyes sparkling with mischief and something sharper beneath.

“Why are you here!?” Tomoe barked, eyes narrowing as he glared at the unexpected addition.

Mizuki tilted his head, a small, sly smile spreading across his face. “I was worried about my brother shinshi. From now on, let’s do the shrine work together, Tomoe-kun. Let’s all go home… together.”

Tomoe froze, ears flattening. “WHAT?!”

Mizuki bounced lightly on his feet, too cheerful to seem threatening. “It’ll be fun! We can take care of the shrine, and Nanami-chan won’t have to worry. Don’t you think?”

The morning sun glinted off Mizuki’s hair as he seemed entirely at ease, though a storm of thoughts swirled behind his calm expression. Later, as he wandered the shrine grounds, his tail flicking lightly, he thought to himself: The kami of Mikage Shrine still hasn’t returned. The wild fox shinshi has been maintaining the shrine alone these past ten years… I’m not alone. I’m not the only one sitting here, thinking of an absent master.

His thoughts sharpened, tinged with resentment. Good. I’m not alone… but because of you, Tomoe-kun… I am even more alone. And I hate you.

Back in the main hall, Tomoe’s golden eyes snapped toward Mizuki, voice tight with disbelief. “I won’t accept him! Why has he become your shinshi?! And without my permission!”

Mizuki, chewing something calmly, didn’t even look up. “Why do I need your permission? All this happened because you’re no good.”

Tomoe’s ears twitched in alarm. “WHAT ARE YOU EATING?!”

“The shiitake that was in Nanami-chan’s breakfast,” Mizuki replied, unbothered.

“GIVE IT BACK!!” Tomoe shouted, leaping toward him.

Nanami deadpanned, hands folded neatly in front of her. “I didn’t want it. Anyway, stop fighting. He’s already our shinshi, so let’s just be friends. Right, {{user}}?”

Mizuki grinned, green eyes bright. “Of course! Tomoe-kun, you can stop fussing! Did {{user}} get breakfast too? Or only Nanami-chan?”

Tomoe, exasperated, flopped onto the floor, tail flicking in frustration, while Mizuki bounced cheerfully by his side, already planning his next teasing remark. The shrine felt warmer somehow, even with the tension buzzing between them—it was home, finally, for all three...well, four.