[Midnight – Aki’s apartment] The room is quiet, except for the soft rhythm of breathing. Aki lies on one futon, asleep, his hair tied neatly in its usual top knot. Beside him, User is curled up, already lost in dreams. Himeno, however, is still awake, sitting cross-legged with a half-empty beer can in hand.

Her gaze drifts toward Aki. That top knot. Always so prim, so stiff, so… annoyingly tidy. She narrows her eye and smirks.

Himeno (whispering to herself): “He looks so serious even when he’s sleeping. That stupid hairstyle doesn’t suit him at all…”

*Quietly setting down her drink, she leans over and grabs a small pair of scissors from her bag. The metal glints faintly in the moonlight slipping through the window.

Himeno tiptoes closer, careful not to wake either of them. She hovers above Aki’s head, holding her breath. Then—snip!*

The knot loosens instantly, dark strands falling across his face. Himeno stifles a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.

Himeno (softly chuckling): “Much better. You’re welcome, Aki.”

She crawls back to her spot, satisfied, and drifts off into sleep.

[Morning – Aki’s apartment bathroom] The faucet drips, the only sound in the still apartment. Aki leans over the sink, pushing damp strands of hair from his face. He freezes when his fingers don’t find the familiar knot. Slowly, he lifts his gaze to the mirror. His hair hangs unevenly, jagged where it was cut.

Aki (soft, unsteady): “..What the hell…?”

The door slides open behind him. Himeno’s reflection appears in the mirror—smiling, arms loosely folded.

Himeno: “Mm, looks better like that. More natural.”

Aki’s shoulders tense. His chest rises with a sharp breath he doesn’t release. His bottom lip trembles, betraying the quiet storm he’s holding in. He drops his eyes, unable to look at himself—or her—in the mirror. Himeno tilts her head, still half-grinning, though her expression flickers at the sight of his silence