PoV: ?

CLANG!

Rough, callused hands swung the hammer at a rhythmic pace, going through the motions like a perfect machine that never faltered.

CLANG!

The blacksmith's mind was completely focused, not even the most tempting distraction could sway him. A passion, like a raging flame, burning inside his heart. Calm amber eyes, seeing what no one else could.

CLANG!

The hammer struck the molten steel, shaping it into the dangerous form of a weapon. Powerful blows rained down on the blade, purging it of impurities, preparing for the final strike.

CLANG!

The song of steel ends, he reaches for his tongs, still completely focused. The blacksmith picks up the blade and brings it over to the barrel, navigating gracefully through his forest of weapons stabbed into the forge floor, before plunging it into the cold water. Steam fills the room, dampening his red locks, and mixing with the sweat running down his bare chest. He doesn't even take a break to rest, his focus never broken, an unshakable calm contrasting the hellish heat of the forge.

He cast an intimidating form, chest bare, lean muscle exposed, standing impassively in a city of steel.

That was the image I'd walked in on.

I lasted all of twelve seconds before I fainted.

"Ah, Sakura!"

-Scene-

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Ah, it's fine Senpai, the heat got to me is all."

His uniquely shaped eyebrows furrowed in worry, and I couldn't help the pang in my heart. I didn't like to make him worry, but I couldn't deny it felt…pleasant to know he cared so much.

He frowned, but thankfully didn't push it. Looking thoroughly unconvinced, he stood up from the table, his amber gaze focused entirely on me.

"Well since you're here we can get started on breakfast." A callused hand, a sign of his hard work and dedication, reaches out to me and I accept his aid in standing up.

'Fujimura-sensei and that girl will be here soon.' I ponder over how much time I have alone with Senpai, 'I wasted so much time unconsciously.' Resolving to make up for it, I follow him into the kitchen.

I'd grown used to this, the monotony of life in this house. It'd been our routine for the last five years, and it was my favorite part of the day.

I'd wake him up if he wasn't up already, rare as that was, then we'd head to the kitchen and cook together side by side like newlyweds.

The thought alone makes me flush, thankfully his back is to me so he doesn't see it. Afterwards, Fujimura-sensei and her…. Daughter? Sister?

'I'm not quite sure of their relationship status. All I know is….No, nevermind.'

Though the thought of Fujimura-sensei with a child was amusing.

They'd arrive and complete our little family, we'd sit down to eat together. Usually Senpai or Fujimura-sensei would compliment my growing culinary skills, I'd get a little embarrassed as Fujimura-sensei would tease me, and that troublesome girl would pout. It was a simple cycle, days blending into one. Nothing special about it in the slightest, but it was the one thing I loved more than anything, the one thing I wanted to protect more than anything.

Every moment I spent here was heaven, a frighteningly short bliss I didn't want to let go of.

It scared me, the possibility of Grandfather finding this place, this haven.

I was afraid, more than anything that it'd be taken away, that it would be used against me.

Yet a part of me knew the truth. It knew I didn't deserve this place, these people. Not Senpai, not Fujimura-sensei, not even that dreadful little girl. This little peace of heaven, this beautiful dream of paradise, didn't belong in the hands of such a disgusting person. I could feel them now, torturing my dirty body from the inside, a constant reminder that I was unclean, a stain on this perfect picture.

Yet despite that,

'I don't want to let go.'

A singular plea, a desperate wish.

'Even if it's short, even if it's wrong of me!'

Was that so wrong of me, that a person as disgusting and dirty as myself could long for this happiness to last forever?

As I stood there gazing into the fridge, It was all I could think about. Every moment like this one, every second reminding me I wasn-

"Sakura? Sakura!"

I snapped out of my thoughts, and inwardly winced at the worry I'd brought back to his features. The dark feelings from before bubbled at the surface, silent whispers surpassing my ears and going straight for my heart. I clutched the open door, as if trying to steady myself.

I opened my mouth to apologize, but before I could, he stepped into my space. I flush at his closeness, then blink when his right hand presses against my forehead. He concentrates on me, and a warm, dreadful feeling fills my body.

"Maybe you should sit this one out, we can-"

"No!"

He blinked, I flush again.

"It's fine, I'm fine Senpai, I was just…..lost in thought is all." I look away from him, his gaze an amber colored concoction of confusion and worry. Thankfully he decides to drop it, letting out a sigh.

"If you say so."

Those were his words, but his expression was completely different. His face had twisted into a frown, and I couldn't help but wilt a bit. I couldn't think of anything to say to convince him I was alright, and I didn't want to risk the chance of my words upsetting him even more.

The rest of the time we spent cooking in an awkward silence, though he'd shoot me a worried glance every one and a while.

-Scene-

By the time we finished cooking, the tense air from before had finally passed and I decide to make an attempt at small talk.

"Is your injury better, Senpai?"

He looks up from the plate he was serving, judging by the rather sizable portion, Fujimura-sensei's, before replying.

"It seems like it, all thanks to you of course."

I flush.

"I-I didn't do much, Fujimura-sensei helped more than I did."

He rolls his eyes in exasperation.

"She was the one who caused it in the first place, she gets no credit for fixing a problem she caused."

"Now now Senpai, Fujimura-sensei already apologized, you shouldn't be too mean to her."

We go back and forth like that for a bit, over little things, nonsensical matters that hold no meaning. The Archery Club, more specifically Mitsuzuri-senpai's determination on getting him to return, Ryuudou-senpai's request, Nii-san's bragging habits, though I try my best to defend him.

An opening door ends our meaningless, yet meaningful conversation.

"Ohayo, Shirou, Sakura-chan!"

The tiger-themed teacher's greeting echoes throughout the almost empty home. A welcome sound that makes me happy, almost as happy as Senpai's greetings.

"Good Morning, Onii-chan."

In comparison, the voice of the Holy Grail fills me with nothing but dread.