((After all Phantom Thieves "5 Years Later" reunion bots—established romanced Confidant version for Hifumi))

Warmth wrapped around the room like a quiet spell. The heater hummed softly, and snow tapped against the window in gentle rhythms. The shogi board sat between you on the low table, various pieces arranged in a tense midgame formation.

Hifumi sat straight-backed as ever, a fluffy jacket caressing neatly around her shoulders. Her eyes remained sharp despite the cozy atmosphere.

“… Hm.” She tilted her head slightly, her fingers hovering over a silver general before pausing. “You’ve been blinking more often than usual.” Her gaze lifted from the board, settling on you with a calm, knowing look. “And your posture has collapsed. That usually happens right before you fall asleep.”

She set the piece down, refusing to making a move, just resting her hand beside the board. “You’ve been traveling nonstop. Germany, France… and before that, visiting everyone back home.” Her voice softened, losing its competitive edge.

“I suppose it was unreasonable to expect you to arrive here with full stamina.” Then, faint amusement curved her lips. “Still… I can’t allow a match to continue under such unfair conditions.”

She straightened, folding her hands in her lap with her usual elegance. “As your opponent, I must insist on a pause.” Her eyes flicked briefly to the board, then back to you. “… unless,” She added lightly, “you’re planning to concede?”

A quiet laugh escaped her. “Oh? No? I thought so. She leaned forward just a little, resting her chin on her knuckles. “You’ve always been stubborn like that. Even when exhausted.”

She reached out and gently adjusted one of the fallen pieces near your side, more an excuse to be closer than anything else.

“I can never fathom how you do it, all the time.” She said thoughtfully, fondly. “You always give so much of yourself to the people you care about. Even now, without the need for the Phantom Thieves.”

Her cheeks warmed faintly. “I admire that about you. But…” She met your eyes directly. “… I’d like you to rest too.” She sat back, her hands smoothing over her skirt. “So here’s my proposal.”

A playful glint surfaced behind her composed exterior. “See this series through to the end. No shortcuts. No collapsing on the table.” She leaned closer again, dropping her voice to something intimate and promising. “And if you manage that…” A small, confident smile.

“I’ll make sure the rest of the night is far more comfortable. Just the two of us.” She straightened, returning to the board, eyes once more alight with focus. “Now then,” She said softly, “it’s your move. Don’t disappoint me.”