"Masatsuki, what the hell are you up to? I was doing just fine up there. Why'd you call us down here?"
A sharp voice came from outside, followed by two blurs flickering through the doorway, quickly revealing themselves.
One was a bold, big-sister type with wild purple curls and a vibrant, fiery energy.
The other had an elegant presence, adorned with a golden hair ornament and a skeletal hand resting on her back.
They were Kirio Hikifune and Senjumaru Shutara—members of the Royal Guard, sent by the Soul King himself to support Masatsuki Aozaki.
Masatsuki's face lit up at the sight of two familiar figures. A few excuses for requesting time off sprang to mind, but judging from the irritated look on one of the senior members' faces, a welcome party probably wasn't happening.
Still, seeing two people he held dear filled him with joy.
"Kirio, Senjumaru... I'm glad you're finally here."
"We came the moment we got the message," Kirio said, scratching her head with a wide, enthusiastic grin. She crossed her arms, her impressive figure drawing attention whether she meant to or not. Then she shot a playful glance at Senjumaru and winked at Masatsuki.
"Senjumaru-senpai's really missed you, you know. She's been muttering your name every day."
"I have not!" Senjumaru huffed, waving her hand dismissively. "I just haven't had a decent model for my outfits lately, that's all!"
Masatsuki rolled his eyes. There she went again.
If she'd said it with a calm face, maybe he could've believed her. But the way her voice wavered and how she kept rambling just gave her away completely.
Still, Masatsuki was indulgent when it came to people like her. He didn't interrupt, just stood there quietly as she came up with excuse after excuse—for ten straight minutes.
Eventually, Senjumaru finally fell silent and drained her cup.
"Anyway, now you get it. We're only here because of an order from His Majesty the Soul King. Not because I missed you or anything like that."
"I get it," Masatsuki said gently as he reached out and patted her head. "But I missed you. That's why I wanted you two to come down."
Senjumaru immediately shrank back like a startled quail.
She still remembered how much of a mess she'd been after Masatsuki left the Soul King Palace. Once her common sense returned, all she could think about was how mortifying that whole period had been.
Masatsuki looked at her, the corners of his lips curling into a warm, doting smile as he gently brushed a hand through her hair.
He knew this senpai could be prideful and have a sharp tongue at times, but honestly... that only made her more endearing. He considered it a charm point.
Senjumaru, meanwhile, was flustered. She didn't want to admit how much she'd missed him—but he'd seen right through her without even trying.
Then again, now that they were technically engaged, a little head patting wasn't that big a deal. And even a kiss wouldn't exactly be out of line.
...If only Kirio Hikifune weren't still watching.
Not that hiding anything from that blunt woman ever worked—whatever they didn't tell her, she'd end up figuring out in a day or two anyway.
"No, no, don't say stuff like that! If someone hears you, they'll totally get the wrong idea..."
Senjumaru Shutara waved her hands in a panic.
"You didn't say anything about this when you called me down. It was for making clothes, right? That's the only reason I came! Don't tell me... you tricked me?!"
Seeing her on the verge of short-circuiting, Masatsuki Aozaki didn't press her any further. Instead, he pinched her cheeks and gave them a gentle rub.
"Of course I'm telling the truth. But... I won't be satisfied until it's perfect."
Senjumaru puffed her cheeks in protest.
"What's with that attitude? Are you doubting my craftsmanship?!"
Satisfied, huh?
She opened her mouth but didn't say anything, thinking—if he's not satisfied, does that mean I can't leave? How absurd.
But she wasn't actually angry.
In her heart, Senjumaru had always believed her weaving skills were second to none. Even Masatsuki and Kirio Hikifune had praised her work time and again.
Still... this time felt different.
"Just wait and see! Even if I can't stand you, since I accepted the Soul King's order, I'll see it through to the end."
She thumped her chest confidently, then turned and walked toward the doorway. With a sudden turn, her haori fluttered in the breeze as she beckoned Masatsuki with a single finger.
"It's just a haori. Let me show you what I can do."
Masatsuki gave a small nod, genuinely admiring her spirit.
This time, he had no intention of letting them return to the Soul King Palace so easily.
Satisfied was a completely subjective term—and the one deciding that would be him.
...
Since Kirio Hikifune and Senjumaru Shutara had already met the rest of the household, no formal introductions were necessary.
After breakfast, the three of them quickly settled into a nearby room.
Senjumaru gave a quiet "hmph," her expression faintly displeased. Then, suddenly, she said:
"Strip."
Masatsuki blinked. "???"
What was with this woman? Ordering him to do that again?
Senjumaru narrowed her eyes, clearly growing impatient.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and take your clothes off. Or do you need me to help you?"
Her gaze locked firmly with his, filled with unwavering determination.
Masatsuki sighed. This woman was definitely getting bolder. Still, he reluctantly began to undress.
...
Just then, Kirio Hikifune stood up, patted her belly, and casually shuffled toward the door.
"Ugh, I'm starving. I'm gonna grab a bite—carry on, you two."
Masatsuki raised an eyebrow. Didn't they just finish eating?
Something felt off... but he didn't dwell on it, turning his focus back to Senjumaru.
When he turned again, what he saw left him completely speechless.
At some point, a pile of clothes had appeared on the floor.
Senjumaru stood there, hair slightly messy, barely covered by a thin Shihakushō that clung to her skin. A soft blush was rising across her pale, exposed shoulders.
Their eyes met, and the air around them fell completely silent.
Then, without a scream or a thrown object, Senjumaru simply pulled the robe up a little higher, still blushing.
How was she that fast?
Masatsuki didn't bother asking himself dumb questions. He was no rookie in this sort of situation.
"Good thing I'm the only guy in the house. If anyone else saw this..."
He let out a sigh, turned around, and gently closed the door behind him.
It wasn't just to protect Senjumaru's privacy—it was also the proper thing to do.
Granted, it'd be even better if he could walk out himself. But clearly, that wasn't an option right now.
...
Soft footsteps echoed behind him. Senjumaru came up quietly and placed a gentle hand on his back.
"I... I remember you're interested in sewing, right? Want to learn?"
Her voice was soft, laced with a shy but sincere curiosity.