Rosie followed her companion through the bustling streets of Kaminla, her boots tapping against the cobblestone as they weaved through the crowd. Her eyes subtly flicked toward him, tracing the lines of his rugged frame.

He was handsome in a fierce, almost untamed way. He carried an aura of quiet strength, his presence enough to command respect without needing to say much. The man of few words had a build that matched his demeanor—slim but muscular, toned in a way that spoke of years of battle-hardened experience.

His skin was fair, though it had the roughness of someone who'd spent more time fighting than lounging. His sandy blond hair was short and spiked, a bit wild, with messy bangs that fell just over his intense red eyes. Those eyes—sharp, focused, often narrowed as if he were constantly analyzing everything around him, ready for anything. He towered over her easily, his imposing height making her feel small in comparison, though it didn't bother her. In fact, she found herself intrigued by the silent intensity he radiated.

And then there were the tattoos. Black, ritualistic symbols snaked around his arms, their intricate designs wrapping around his biceps like marks of power, or perhaps memories of battles won. The ink contrasted starkly against his sleeveless, tight black tank top, which clung to his body in all the right places, emphasizing the hard lines of his muscles. His baggy pants and knee-high combat boots completed the look, giving him a dangerous, battle-ready air.

Rosie wouldn't admit it aloud, but she had watched him get dressed that morning—watched the way his body moved with effortless strength. The memory sent a slight warmth to her cheeks, but she quickly shook it off. He's a warrior, nothing more.

Despite his often gruff and irritable demeanor, she didn't mind. She liked challenges, and something about his moody silence made her think there was more to Katsuki than the rough exterior he presented. She wondered, as they walked toward the Adventurers Guild, what it would take to break through that wall he kept around himself.

Would he ever warm up to her?

As they entered the guild, Rosie followed him closely, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the request board. She always loved the moment of scanning through the flyers, seeing what new adventures awaited. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, scanning through the various quests, excited by the prospect of new journeys.

A moment later, she noticed a figure standing beside her—another adventurer, by the looks of it. He had navy blue hair, wore square glasses, and had a stern expression, his eyes scanning the same request she had been eyeing. It was for a 1,000 gold reward, a job to protect a carriage from bandits.

Before she could reach for it, the man grabbed the parchment. She yanked her hand back, startled, and looked up to find him blinking down at her with a frown.

"I didn't realize you were also going for the request," he said, his tone neutral, though polite.

Rosie smiled, waving it off. "It's fine. You take it."

The man's stern expression softened, and he extended his hand. "I'm Iida."

"Rosie," she replied, shaking his hand. "And really, you grabbed it first. It's yours."

"Thank you. Perhaps we'll cross paths again," he said with a nod before turning to leave.

Rosie watched him go, her gaze returning to the board. She let out a quiet sigh. The pay didn't really bother her, but that particular request had caught her interest. Still, there were plenty of others. She scanned the board again, hoping to find something new and exciting.

Before she could choose another request, her thoughts were interrupted by her companion's sharp voice. "We're taking this one," he snapped, tearing a parchment from the board and thrusting it into her hands.

Rosie blinked at the parchment, the suddenness catching her off guard. "Now hurry up, we have shopping to do before we set off," he added, already turning his back to head to the front desk.

She glanced down at the paper in her hands, her eyes widening at the details. The request was far more dangerous than a simple escort mission:

Track down a sorcerer who has been capturing young virgins for sacrifice.

Location: Malita.

Malita was a remote, eerie place located in the northwest of Astela. The trip would take at least two days, possibly more if the terrain was difficult. It was a serious mission, and Rosie wasn't entirely sure why he had chosen it, or why he wanted to travel with her at all.

Puzzled, she hurried after him as they left the guild, catching up with him as they navigated through the crowded street. "We're going together?" she asked, her voice curious. "Why?"

He stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with an annoyed scowl. "You saved my life," he growled. "Until I save yours, I'm not leaving your side."

Rosie blinked up at him, startled by his intensity. "What… for?" she asked, genuinely confused by his sudden declaration.

"Are you stupid?" He snapped, his tone harsh but clearly frustrated. "I refuse to be indebted to anyone, especially for a life debt."

Her eyes widened slightly in realization. He was referring to the goblins from the night before—the fight by the river. She had saved him, in a way, since he hadn't had his weapons. The idea of him feeling so strongly about a debt amused her, though she kept the thought to herself.

"I see," she hummed, her smile soft.

Before he could snap at her again, Rosie turned and continued walking toward the shops, her mind already thinking ahead to the supplies they would need. As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of curiosity toward him. He might have been irritable and gruff, but there was something deeper beneath that.

She could feel it.

Stopping to glance back at him, she tilted her head and called, "If we're to travel together, at least tell me your name."

"Katsuki," he ground out, clearly annoyed at her persistence.

Rosie's face lit up with a beaming smile. "Katsuki! Well, then—let's get going!" she giggled, her bright energy a sharp contrast to his dark mood as she led the way toward the shops.

Despite his scowl, Katsuki couldn't help but watch her walk ahead, his thoughts swirling with mild irritation—and something else he couldn't quite place.