The morning was bright, birds loud, and the broom far heavier than it should have been.
Riku dragged it across the courtyard, eyebrows scrunched. "Did this thing get heavier overnight?"
Yuzume stood a few feet away with her arms crossed, trying to look imposing. Her ears twitched with effort.
"It is the sacred broom," she said, lifting her chin. "You must respect it. And sweep in silence. The spirits hate chatter."
Riku gave her a look. "I've heard you sing while sweeping."
"I'm different."
"Says who?"
"Me, obviously." She straightened, placing her hands behind her back in the most sensei-ish pose she could manage. "Now, listen carefully, apprentice. The shrine must be swept in this order: lantern path, prayer steps, then inner sanctum. Any deviation and the spirits will… trip. And get very grumpy."
"Trip?"
"Yes."
Riku grinned. "Alright, sensei."
She gave a satisfied little nod and turned dramatically, pacing in a slow circle as he began.
But then… he actually did it.
And well.
Smooth, rhythmic strokes. Clean lines. No debris missed. The broom didn't clatter once.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Are you sure you haven't done this before?"
"I'm just naturally talented," he said.
Yuzume huffed.
"Fine. Try lighting the incense then. One slip, and the spirits will haunt your dreams for exactly two nights."
He lit them with steady hands.
Perfect angle. No flare. Even spacing.
She stared.
"Alright," she said, tone sharper. "Recite the morning blessing."
"I don't know the words."
She smirked. "Aha! Got you."
Then he opened his mouth… and recited the morning blessing.
Word for word. Perfect tone. Hands placed just right.
Yuzume's tail bristled.
"How?"
Riku looked just as confused. "I don't know. It just… came out."
She stomped over. "You're not supposed to be good at this yet. I wasn't good at this for years. My master made me carry water uphill in a teacup for three weeks before I was allowed to sweep anything."
"That sounds unnecessary."
"It built character."
"I think you just liked the drama."
"I think you're a drama."
He laughed. "That doesn't make sense."
She jabbed his shoulder. "You don't make sense."
They both paused.
Then she sighed loudly, tail flicking as she stepped back.
"…You're still holding the broom wrong."
"I am not."
"Yes, you are. And you look smug."
"I think you're projecting."
She walked away before she could throw the broom at him. Not that the sacred broom should ever be thrown, obviously.
Behind her, Riku called, "Sensei?"
She didn't turn around. "You're demoted. No more shrine rank for you. Back to rice ball duties."
But she was smiling.
Just a little.