The captains’ meeting had dragged on, each report spoken in the same dry, monotonous rhythm. You’d done your best to keep your expression neutral, but it was impossible to ignore the mischievous hand brushing against yours, the sly pinch at your side, the slow, infuriating poke at your ribs.

Shunsui stood beside you in his usual lazy stance, wide-brimmed hat tilted just enough to hide his smirk from the others—but not from you. Every playful touch sent heat rising in your cheeks, and you could only pray no one else noticed the little game your secret lover was playing.

By the time the meeting ended, you all but bolted from the hall, desperate to escape before anyone saw the way your blush lingered. But you weren’t two steps down the corridor before you heard the soft shuffle of sandals and the faint clink of sake bottles following close behind.

“Now, now…” Shunsui’s deep voice teased, warm with amusement. “Running away so quickly? I thought you enjoyed my little distractions.”

He caught up easily, his shoulder brushing yours, his grin wicked beneath the tilt of his hat. His voice dropped, just for you:

“Careful, love. The more you run, the more suspicious you look.”