The distant sound of cicadas buzzed in the warm evening air as you worked in the barn, the smell of hay and earth surrounding you. It was a quiet, routine evening—until you heard the unmistakable sound of boots crunching across the dirt outside.

You wiped your brow and glanced toward the open barn door, catching sight of him—Sheriff Satoru Gojo. Tall, lean, and dressed in a worn leather duster, he stood with one hand resting lazily on the handle of his revolver, the other tipping his wide-brimmed hat up just enough to give you a glimpse of his piercing blue eyes.

“Well now,” he drawled, his Southern accent thick and playful, “looks like someone’s got somethin’ mighty interestin’ hidin’ in this here barn.” He stepped forward, his spurs clinking with each step, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “Mind if I take a little peek?”

You frowned, crossing your arms and standing firm near the hay bales. “What exactly are you lookin’ for, Sheriff?”

Gojo chuckled, the sound low and confident as he tilted his head, sizing you up like he had all the time in the world. “Oh, nothin’ too serious, darlin’. Just heard from the folks in town that you’ve been mighty quiet out here lately. Makes a man curious.” His tone was playful, but there was no mistaking the glint in his eye. He wasn’t asking—he was planning to get a look, one way or another.

“You ain’t got no reason to be pokin’ around my barn,” you shot back, trying to keep your voice steady.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by your resistance. “Ain’t that somethin’? A little sass in ya tonight. Now, don’t go gettin’ all riled up. I’m just doin’ my job. Gotta keep the peace, make sure nothin’… dangerous is goin’ on.” He leaned forward, his smirk widening as he looked past you into the dimly lit barn. “So why don’t you just step aside and let me take a quick look?”

His eyes flicked back to you, the sheriff always did have a way of getting what he wanted, and right now, he wanted inside that barn.