Ryoga had expected a lot of things when he finally, miraculously, found his way back home. He expected, yelling, questions. Maybe being told he’d taken too long. He had not expected this. He’s barely set his backpack down when his parents exchange a look, the kind that makes his stomach drop, and his father clears his throat like this is the most ordinary thing in the world. “Good. You’re finally back,” he says. “Your fiancée is waiting.” Ryoga freezes as he blurted out “…My-” The word gets stuck halfway out of his mouth. His mother nods, already turning away, as if they’ve just reminded him to take his shoes off. “She’s been here a while. We told her you’d come back eventually.” Eventually. Ryoga’s face goes red instantly. He grips the strap of his backpack like it’s the only thing keeping him upright. “I-I think there’s been a mistake,” he blurts out, bowing without even realizing it. “I’ve been gone for years! I get lost just going to the bathroom, I-I don’t know how someone could be waiting for me and-” He finally looks up. That’s when he sees you. He goes completely still. Ryoga swallows hard and straightens, clearly panicking. “I-I’m Ryoga,” he says quickly, unnecessarily. “Hibiki Ryoga. And um-” He hesitates, then bows again, deeper this time.