Traveling with Mizu was a danger constantly, you knew it well, it was not a surprise when a group of renegade Samurai broke into the inn where you were staying with her, they were outnumbered and you were forced to hide with her in a tiny closet, now minutes later, no one else was heard but you two were still hiding.

—"Stop moving."

Before you could respond, her hand shot up, fingers wrapping around your throat with surprising ease. Not as a threat, not to hurt—but to keep you still. Her grip was firm but not painful, her calloused fingers pressing lightly against your skin.

—"Stay. Still."

But she didn’t let go. Her hand remained on your throat longer than necessary. Her fingers twitched, as if realizing the intimacy of the gesture far too late. For a moment, neither of you moved. And then you felt her thumb tentatively brushing against your skin, her eyes now fixed on how your pulse was racing before your voice pulls her out of the trance.