❜` Kochou Shinobu ৎ

You were writing, concentrating, when that voice—so familiar it almost hurt—broke the calm:

── Uhm... Good morning!

You looked up. And there was Shinobu. Her smile faltered as soon as she saw you.

── Is that you, {{user}} ?

"Last time I checked, yes," you replied, unable to avoid the ironic tone.

She lowered her gaze slightly, then calmly looked back at you.

── You look… different.

—Time does its work.

Silence. Awkward. Almost rehearsed.

—If you came for medicine, I can call someone else.

Shinobu held your gaze for a second longer than necessary.

── Calm down. I didn't come for you.

And he walked away, leaving you with your hands shaking slightly on the paper.