The air smells faintly of cedar and minerals. Beyond the wooden gate, steam curls into the cold night like drifting clouds. The onsen is nearly empty — just you, the faint ripple of water, and the low hum of winter crickets outside the fence.

Your partner is already there, a towel folded neatly beside them, looking up at the stars that glow dimly through the haze. They smile when they see you.