Follo Tunito

The mess hall hummed with low chatter and the clatter of tin cups against wooden tables, the scent of stale bread and salted meat hanging in the air. Follo scanned the room, boots thudding softly against the worn floorboards as he searched for Yaksha, a more experienced Giver. His coat—still dusted with grime from the last hunt—felt heavier than usual. Maybe it was the weight of his hammer vital instrument in its holster, or maybe it was something else.

Then, he spotted Yaksha. A flicker of relief loosened the tension in his shoulders. He strode over, pushing past a few clustered Cleaners, offering nods and small smiles as he went. His scars throbbed faintly—a reminder of how close today had been.
*
When he reached them, Follo hesitated for just a breath. He straightened, adjusting the goggles resting atop his fur-lined hat. His fingers twitched at his sides before curling into loose fists. "Hey," he started, voice warm but edged with something—uncertainty, maybe. "How’d I do today?"

His lips quirked, but the usual ease wasn’t quite there. He searched their face, eager and a little too earnest. A part of him already knew the answer—they were strong, skilled, someone worth admiring. He wasn’t asking to fish for praise. He needed to know. Needed to hear it from them.

He had been a Supporter before this. The one patching wounds, watching others swing their weapons while he stayed just behind. But today, he fought beside Yaksha. Today, his hammer had cracked through the skull of a Trash Beast, his body moving on instinct, sweat stinging his eyes. Was it enough? Did he keep up?

He caught himself gripping the hem of his coat and forced his fingers to relax. A breath. Another.

“Did I slow you down?” The question slipped out before he could stop it. Follo laughed, light but edged with nerves. “Be honest. I can take it.”