The doorbell rang just as Kuri was tidying up the small living room of her cottage near the Sohma Main House. She glanced at the clock. Haru wouldn't be back for another hour, and she wasn't expecting anyone. Wiping her hands on a towel, she approached the door cautiously.

When she opened it, she found two girls standing there—a lively young woman with bright eyes and a cheerful expression, and a quiet, shy girl clutching a stuffed tiger.

"Are you Hikawa Kuri-san?" the older woman asked, her voice full of energy.

"Yes, that's me," Kuri said, surprised. "And you are?"

"I'm Sohma Kagura!" the woman declared, flashing a bright smile. "I came to visit! And this is Kisa!"

The younger girl peeked out from behind Kagura, offering a small, timid wave. "Hello, Hikawa-san."

Kuri blinked, then quickly stepped aside to let them in. "Oh, please come in! It's nice to meet you both."

XXX

As soon as they settled in, Kagura made herself at home, flopping onto the couch and launching into a cheerful tirade.

"So, Kuri-chan, you're the one Haru's living with, huh?" Kagura grinned, leaning forward. "That's so interesting. But I have to ask—have you seen Kyo recently?"

"Kyo-kun?" Kuri asked, surprised by the sudden question. "No, I haven't."

Kagura sighed dramatically, clutching a cushion to her chest. "He's been avoiding me again! Can you believe it? After everything we've been through, he still acts like I'm going to break his neck every time I see him."

Kuri bit her lip to hide a smile. "Maybe he's just… overwhelmed?"

"That's no excuse!" Kagura huffed. "I mean, sure, I get a little enthusiastic when I see him, but it's only because I care so much! Kyo just doesn't understand how much I love him."

"Or how much you terrify him," Kuri thought, though she wisely kept the comment to herself.

XXX

While Kagura continued to chatter about Kyo—ranging from his favorite foods to his bad habits—Kuri noticed Kisa sitting quietly on the edge of her chair, hugging her stuffed tiger. Her large amber eyes darted nervously around the room, as if unsure of her place.

Kuri smiled softly and knelt down beside her. "Kisa-chan, would you like some tea? Or maybe a snack?"

Kisa looked up, her cheeks flushing pink. "Oh… um, tea is fine. Thank you."

As Kuri poured tea for the three of them, she struck up a gentle conversation with Kisa, asking about her favorite books and what she liked to do for fun. Slowly but surely, Kisa began to open up, her voice growing a little louder and her smiles coming more easily.

"You're so good at drawing!" Kuri exclaimed as Kisa showed her a small sketchbook she carried in her bag. "I could never do anything like this. You've got real talent."

Kisa blushed but beamed at the compliment. "Thank you, Hikawa-san. I like drawing animals the most. Especially tigers."

"I can see that," Kuri said with a laugh, glancing at the tiger sketch on the page. "You must really love them."

"They make me feel brave," Kisa admitted softly. "Like… I can be strong, even when I'm scared."

Kuri's heart warmed at the confession. "That's a wonderful way to think. I bet you're stronger than you realize, Kisa-chan."

XXX

Just as the conversation was settling into a comfortable rhythm, the front door opened, and Haru stepped inside. He paused in the doorway, taking in the scene with a small, surprised smile.

"Kagura. Kisa," he said, his deep voice calm and even. "What are you doing here?"

"Haru!" Kagura leapt to her feet, grinning. "We came to visit Kuri-chan! And I was just telling her all about Kyo."

"I'm sure you were," Haru said with a chuckle, setting his bag down. "Kisa, are you having fun?"

Kisa nodded, her face lighting up. "Yes, Haru-nii. Hikawa-san is really nice."

Haru's gaze shifted to Kuri, his smile softening. "She is, isn't she?"

Kuri felt her cheeks flush but quickly looked away, busying herself with refilling the teapot.

Haru walked over to Kisa and ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'm glad you came. You don't visit often enough."

"I was nervous," Kisa admitted, glancing at Kuri. "But Hikawa-san made me feel better."

"She has a way of doing that," Haru said, his gray eyes meeting Kuri's. "I'm happy you're making friends, Kuri. You're good at it."

Kuri's heart fluttered at the warmth in his voice, but she kept her composure, smiling back at him. "Thank you, Haru-kun. I'm just glad they came to visit."

XXX

As the sun began to set, Kagura and Kisa prepared to leave. Kagura, still talking about Kyo, hugged Kuri tightly at the door.

"Thanks for letting us drop by, Kuri-chan!" she said. "We'll have to do this again soon. And don't forget—if you see Kyo, tell him he owes me a proper visit!"

"I'll… try to remember," Kuri said with a laugh, waving as Kagura bounded down the steps.

Kisa lingered for a moment, looking up at Kuri with a shy smile. "Thank you for today, Hikawa-san. I hope we can talk again soon."

"Anytime, Kisa-chan," Kuri said warmly. "You're always welcome here."

As they walked away, Kuri turned to Haru, who was leaning casually against the doorway, watching her with a quiet smile.

"You're really good with Kisa," he said. "She doesn't open up to just anyone."

"I think she's wonderful," Kuri said honestly. "I'm glad she felt comfortable with me."

Haru nodded, his gaze soft. "It means a lot to me, seeing her happy like that. And seeing you happy, too."

Kuri felt her heart swell at his words, and for once, she didn't try to hide the smile that spread across her face.

XXX

As Kuri cleaned up the living room later that night, she reflected on the visit. Kagura's energy was overwhelming, and Kisa's sweetness was endearing, but what stuck with her most was the way Haru had looked at her—like she was someone who belonged.

Maybe I'm not just the Sohma Priestess, she thought. Maybe I can be part of this family, too.