The courtyard fell quiet again after Khael's footsteps faded away.
Shigeo Motome stared at the drifting sakura petals, a faint sigh escaping him.
"…What a complicated world."
His voice was soft, almost swallowed by the night. He leaned his head back against the tree trunk, book open again though he wasn't really reading.
He closed one eye.
A breeze shifted.
"…You can come out now," Shigeo said flatly.
A playful voice chimed from behind the tree trunk.
"Aww, did I ruin your dramatic moment?"
Shigeo didn't move.
"…Saya."
Saya Kurenai stepped out from the shadows, arms crossed, her dark red hair tied loosely, twin swords resting against her hips. Her steps were light, almost dancing, but her eyes — sharp, crimson-violet missed nothing.
"Wow," she said with a smirk. "Deep talk with the dragon boy? Should I be jealous?"
"Jealous of what?" Shigeo asked. "My stress level?"
Saya flicked a sakura petal at his forehead.
