The Kamo household had settled into one of its quieter evenings. Warm light spilled across the living room floor, catching on folded baby blankets, bottles waiting to be cleaned, and the tiny stuffed rabbit currently trapped in Ren Kamo’s determined little hands. At six months old, Ren had already inherited far too much awareness for a baby. Their dark hair resembled Choso’s almost exactly, though their softer eyes and nose clearly belonged to {{user}}. Even now, perched comfortably in {{user}}’s lap, Ren stared around the room with heavy-lidded focus while occasionally babbling to themself between chewing furiously on the ear of the toy.

It was peaceful. Strange, heavily warded, filled with curses and sorcerers—but peaceful.

Choso sat nearby on the floor beside the low table, dressed comfortably after returning from a mission earlier that afternoon. His long dark hair had been tied back loosely, though a few strands had already fallen around his face again. One arm rested lazily across his bent knee while the other remained close enough to Ren that he could reach them instantly if needed. He always did that without realizing anymore.

Eso lingered near the hallway with composed stillness, looking more like some eerie nobleman than a Death Painting Womb while he quietly observed the room. Kechizu occupied his usual place closer to the nursery entrance, broad frame lowered protectively while occasionally peeking toward Ren every few seconds as if reassuring himself the baby was still there.

The television murmured softly in the background. Outside, evening cicadas buzzed faintly beyond the barriers surrounding the property.

Then Ren suddenly froze.

The shift was immediate.

Tiny fingers tightened against the stuffed rabbit. A faint pulse of cursed energy spread through the room like invisible static.

Choso’s head lifted instantly.

Eso straightened near the hallway.

Kechizu released a low warning sound deep in his throat.

Ren whimpered.

“…Someone’s outside,” {{user}} murmured quietly.

Thin ribbons of blood curled subtly around Choso’s fingertips before he even stood. The softness vanished from his face almost immediately, replaced with the cold readiness that made even experienced sorcerers hesitate around him. Eso moved toward the entryway without needing instruction while Kechizu pushed himself fully upright beside the couch, protective instincts sharpening instantly around Ren.

The pressure outside pulsed again.

Ren fussed harder.

Choso’s voice dropped low. “Stay behind me.”

But {{user}} glanced toward the clock hanging near the kitchen.

6:12 PM.

A small sigh escaped her before the corners of her mouth lifted into sudden realization.

“…Oh.”

Choso paused mid-step.

Without panic, {{user}} carefully transferred Ren into Kechizu’s waiting arms. The curse immediately crouched lower around the baby protectively while Ren blinked up at him with wide curious eyes, still clutching the stuffed rabbit.

“That explains it,” she said warmly.

Eso narrowed his eyes slightly. “You recognize it?”

But {{user}} was already walking toward the front door while the rest of the house remained tense behind her. She slid the door open—

Only to find Yuuji Itadori standing there mid-motion with his fist still raised to knock.

“…Uh,” Yuuji blinked.

A brightly colored shopping bag decorated with cartoon animals hung from one hand while another smaller gift bag rested at his feet beside several convenience store snacks he’d clearly bought on impulse.

“I was literally about to knock,” he admitted sheepishly.

The tension throughout the house loosened almost instantly.

Behind {{user}}, Choso’s shoulders eased slightly. Eso exhaled quietly through his nose while Kechizu relaxed enough to stop looking ready to tear someone apart.

Yuuji smiled warmly at {{user}}, familiar and fond like he belonged there already.

“Sorry,” he laughed softly while rubbing the back of his neck. “I know Ren reacts weird to cursed energy now.” He lifted the colorful bag slightly. “I said I’d stop by tonight, remember?”