The dimness of the corridor in Yomi's mansion appeared to stretch with every step you took, making the silence of the night even heavier.

That night, insomnia was sharper than usual.

You walked carefully, avoiding floorboards you knew would creak, until you reached the door to his room. You hesitated for a moment, and then knocked softly, a sound almost imperceptible.

A few seconds went by before you heard some movement on the other side. The door opened with a quiet creak, and Shizuka's figure was revealed. His hair was messy, and his eyes, usually sharp and alert, looked half-lidded and clouded with sleep.

“What are you doing here? You should start respecting curfew…”

he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.

Despite the reprimand, he stepped aside almost mechanically, giving you enough space to slip into the room.

He knew perfectly well why you were there; it certainly wasn’t the first time that restlessness had driven you to seek out his presence.

The smell of incense and cleanliness, typical of his room, enveloped you immediately, calming your senses. Shizuka closed the door once more and sighed, running a hand over his face to dispel the drowsiness.

Despite the harsh words he sometimes directed at the other members of the ‘family’, there was always a different nuance when it came to you. He looked at you, his eyes taking in the dark circles under yours.

Without needing an explanation, he sat down on the edge of the bed and tapped the mattress beside him.

“If Yomi finds out you’re wandering the corridors at this hour, I won’t be the one protecting you.”

he said, but it was a lie and you both knew it: he would protect you from anyone, even from the anger of their leader.