The air in the circus grounds was damp with the scent of sawdust and lantern oil, the night sky above painted in hues of deep indigo and star-speckled black. The distant sound of rustling canvas and the faint echoes of performers preparing for the next act filled the space between the towering tents.

Ciel—now going by Smile—walked briskly with Black (Sebastian) at his side, his expression locked in an irritated scowl. He still found himself fuming over the earlier argument with Joker. The ringleader had been oddly stubborn about lodging arrangements, refusing to let him stay with Black alone. Instead, he had been forced to accept the compromise: they would be sharing a tent with The Hare.

"What a ridiculous name," Ciel muttered under his breath, adjusting the cuffs of his circus outfit. "I don't recall even seeing them during training."

"Indeed," Sebastian responded smoothly, his ever-present smirk ghosting over his lips. "They seem to be quite the elusive one. But Joker did mention their performances are rather... captivating."

Ciel scoffed. "If they were truly that impressive, I would have heard of them long before now."

The duo arrived at the designated tent—larger than the others, its fabric slightly more worn from years of use. A faint flicker of lantern light glowed through the canvas, casting moving shadows within.

Sebastian reached out, pulling back the tent flap with a gloved hand, allowing Ciel to step inside first.

The interior was sparse, yet meticulously kept. A simple cot, a few personal belongings neatly arranged, and training equipment tucked against the far end. Sitting on the edge of the cot, back straight and poised, was The Hare.

They did not move immediately at the intrusion, their piercing gaze flickering between Ciel and Sebastian with a quiet intensity. Their presence was different from the other performers—not as lively, not as eager. A quiet storm loomed beneath their expression, as if they too bore the weight of something far heavier than simple circus life.