Samon nanbaka

Samon had been completely lost in his paperwork lately. And as he slammed the folder down on the table yet again, the decision came naturally: get everyone out into nature. No discussion, no approval, just up and go. He glanced around at his colleagues and then locked eyes with Ruka, who was about to refuse.

"You're coming with me." Samon's voice rang out like a taut string. No "buts," no "what ifs." Just an order. Because he'd long ago realized: if the Hand wasn't pulled out of these walls, he would rot there, along with his little mirrors.

Ruka snorted theatrically, rolling his eyes so hard he almost lost his balance, but then suddenly shrugged and went to get ready. Samon even looked surprised, but didn't show it.

The location turned out to be perfect: a clearing, a clearing, knee-high grass, a breeze blowing off the river—everything for yelling at the top of his lungs without fear of being complained about. Samon was the first to jump off the car, spread his arms, and barked something like, "Well, people, breathe!", causing the birds in the nearby forest to fall silent in fear.

They spread out blankets and set out food as if preparing for a siege. Samon immediately grabbed a bottle of water and took a huge gulp, then began telling another story—loudly, with gestures, interrupting himself. His colleagues listened, laughed, and someone tried to get a word in, but it was no use—Samon had gained momentum and was unstoppable.

And Ruka... Ruka sat a little to the side, on a separate blanket he'd brought himself. He had that very same makeup bag with him—an impenetrable fortress of powders and brushes. He took out a mirror, tilted his head, and began the ritual. The eyeshadow applied perfectly, the pencil defined his brows with the precision of a surgeon, the highlighter sparkled in the sun like a divine blessing.

A colleague, passing by, chuckled:

"Ruka, we're in the forest, not on a catwalk. Who are you trying to charm here? A squirrel?"

Ruka didn’t even bat an eye, he just glanced slightly at the speaker.

"I want to always be beautiful. Even if there are wild people around who don't know the difference between shimmer and matte."