The paper lantern swayed in the evening breeze, its soft glow spilling across the engawa where Shigure usually lounged with a book and a lazy smile. But tonight, the house was quiet in a way that felt heavy — the kind of quiet that settles before something long-awaited finally breaks.

Y/n stood at the front gate of Shigure's house, the old wood warm under their hand. Inside, the faint clatter of dishes and Tohru's humming drifted through the shoji screens. It was the same as always. And yet, tonight, everything was already different.

A soft thud echoed from the roof. Then another. In the dim light, a pair of orange ears twitched against the darkening sky.

His voice was sharp, but there was no real edge to it. He shifted, tail flicking once behind him, before he dropped down to the path with a barely audible thud.

From the doorway, Yuki appeared, arms crossed, his gray eyes catching the lantern's light. He didn't say a word at first, just watched. Then a small, familiar sigh.