Chapter 8

One clear morning, Kengo was walking through the tranquil Magic Forest when he heard a long sigh coming from Marisa's cabin.

Following the sound, he found Marisa standing in front of her storage shed, hands on her hips and a troubled expression on her face as she stared at the crooked wooden beams.

"Marisa, this shed of yours looks like it's about to collapse," Kengo said as he approached, his tone lightly teasing. "Are you planning to just let it fall on its own?"

Marisa spun around, and when she saw Kengo, her frown eased slightly, though her voice still carried frustration. "What else can I do if it falls? This shed's been around for years. The rain ruined the foundation, and the walls started leaning. I don't know how to fix it, so what can I do?"

The magician, usually so confident and adventurous, found herself helpless when it came to such practical tasks. She was both annoyed and reluctant to admit her inability.

Kengo bent down, carefully examining the foundation and walls, pretending to deliberate. "Hmm, the foundation is indeed a mess. But, well, I've picked up a little 'basic construction knowledge.' How about I give it a try?"

Marisa's eyes widened with a mix of hope and skepticism. "You can fix the shed? Seriously?"

Kengo grinned. "I can't promise perfection, but it's better than letting it collapse. Just give me a little time to work on it."

Kengo gathered some wood and tools, quietly using his earth manipulation ability to compact the soil around the foundation while subtly reshaping the terrain to improve drainage.

He also carefully adjusted the leaning walls with meticulous control, ensuring the shed stood straighter and more securely than before.

After some time, the shed was restored to its former state—sturdier and more stable than ever. Marisa looked at the newly repaired shed, her jaw practically dropping in disbelief.

"Kengo, this is what you call 'basic construction knowledge'? This is amazing!" Marisa circled the shed, her face full of astonishment.

Kengo wiped the dust off his hands, smiling. "It's nothing special. The foundation was still usable; I just patched things up. Make sure to keep the drainage clear during heavy rains next time."

Marisa clapped him on the shoulder, her voice brimming with satisfaction. "You really saved me this time! Come by my place again, and you can take all the tea leaves you want!"

Not long after, Alice visited Marisa's cabin to discuss improvements to a magic project. As she passed by the shed, she paused, noticing its pristine condition. "Hmm, your shed looks pretty solid. Did you hire some top-notch builder to fix it?"

Marisa beamed with pride, placing her hands on her hips as she replied with a hint of smugness, "Heh, it wasn't some builder—it was Kengo who fixed it!"

"Kengo?" Alice raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with curiosity. "Isn't he a tsukumogami? He can repair sheds?"

"Not just repair sheds; he's also grown the best vegetables!" Marisa's voice grew livelier as she inadvertently began boasting about Kengo's skills. "You know what? He called this 'basic construction knowledge,' but the shed is even sturdier than before!"

As Alice listened to Marisa's enthusiastic recounting, she noticed a subtle change in Marisa's expression—a hint of admiration and excitement in her eyes whenever she mentioned Kengo.

Smirking slightly, Alice asked in a deliberately casual tone, "It sounds like you've got a lot of faith in Kengo. Are you planning to hand over all your broken-down projects to him from now on?"

Marisa froze for a moment, her face tinged with a faint blush, though she quickly brushed it off. "Who said that? I just think he's reliable, unlike some people who only know how to nag." She deliberately emphasized the word "nag," clearly taking a jab at Alice.

Alice chuckled softly, choosing not to respond to the provocation. Instead, she found herself growing curious about Kengo. This so-called "ordinary" tsukumogami, who could not only produce excellent crops but also repair old sheds, seemed capable of impressing even the usually self-centered Marisa. Perhaps, beneath his claims of ordinariness, there was something truly extraordinary about him.

The courtyard of Hakugyokurou lay quiet in the fresh aftermath of a gentle rain. The air was damp, filled with the scent of earth and grass.

In the center of the courtyard stood Youmu, her brow furrowed as she stared at a flower bed in complete disarray. The rain had left the plants toppled and scattered, with dead leaves and mud mixed together.

The once elegant and orderly garden now appeared utterly chaotic.

Clutching pruning tools in her hands, Youmu knelt to clear a small section, only to have the freshly cleaned area muddied again in moments.

Frustration began to bubble within her as she recalled Yuyuko-sama's casual comment about hoping the garden would regain its former beauty. Yet Youmu had no idea where to begin.

"Youmu, are you practicing swordsmanship or daydreaming?" A calm yet teasing voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Kengo standing at the courtyard entrance, a warm smile on his face.

Youmu sighed lightly, setting down her scissors as she replied with resignation, "The courtyard's a complete mess. Yuyuko-sama hopes it can look beautiful again, but I have no idea where to start.

The rain destroyed the flower beds, and it's just… unbearable to look at."

Kengo nodded thoughtfully, his tone gentle and full of concern. "That does sound troublesome. But, you know, I happen to know a little about garden design. How about I give it a try?"

Youmu gave him a skeptical glance. "Garden design? Kengo-san, don't tell me this is another one of your so-called 'basics.'"

Kengo chuckled lightly and replied, "Well, let's call it basics. But don't worry, I promise not to make things worse."

Kengo inspected the garden's terrain and the state of the plants, murmuring to himself, "The drainage here needs work, and the soil's nutrients have been severely depleted."

Then, quietly activating his earth-manipulation ability, he meticulously adjusted the land's topography to ensure better water drainage. At the same time, he subtly enriched the soil to promote plant growth and smoothed out uneven ground.

His movements were careful and deliberate, akin to a master gardener.

As Youmu watched him work, the tension in her brow gradually softened, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

A few days later, Youmu stepped into the garden and was stunned to find the chaotic patch of land completely transformed.

Not only had the plants recovered, but they now displayed an even more harmonious arrangement. The winding paths were carefully restored, ensuring no rainwater would pool there again. The entire courtyard radiated a fresh, natural vitality.

Yuyuko, seeing the restored garden, beamed with delight. "Youmu, you've made the courtyard so beautiful! I thought it would take at least a month to fix everything, but you've already finished it."

Youmu lowered her head slightly, a hint of embarrassment in her voice as she responded, "Actually, it was Kengo-san who helped. He said he knew a little 'basic gardening,' but he did a much better job than I ever could."

Yuyuko's eyes glimmered with subtle amusement as she smiled knowingly. "Kengo-san, is it? It seems he's not just an ordinary tsukumogami." She couldn't help but notice the gentle expression that appeared on Youmu's face as she spoke of Kengo.

That look reminded Yuyuko of her own feelings whenever she thought about Tamami.

"Perhaps… it's a special kind of bond," Yuyuko mused silently, choosing to keep the thought to herself.

In the courtyard, the flowers swayed in the breeze, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Youmu stood among the flourishing greenery, gazing at the rejuvenated scenery with gratitude.

"Kengo-san is truly incredible… Not only is he reassuring in battle, but he's also so skilled at delicate tasks like this," she murmured to herself, a soft smile appearing on her lips.

Unknowingly, Kengo's presence had taken root in her heart. It was a feeling akin to friendship yet layered with something deeper and more difficult to define.

Every time she recalled his quiet yet reliable demeanor, a warmth would rise in her chest, impossible to suppress.

On the slopes of Youkai Mountain, the wind whispered softly, and mist coiled around the towering trees that swayed gracefully in the breeze.

This rugged terrain was a common gathering spot for the oni clan, but its steepness and limited space often left the attendees of their feasts feeling cramped and uncomfortable.

At this moment, Suika sat on a massive boulder, clutching her gourd. She muttered complaints under her breath.

"This place is getting smaller every time! At the last party, there were nearly eight hundred youkai crammed in here. It was so chaotic they ended up fighting, leaving the whole area littered with broken plates and cups.

It was embarrassing!" She took a hearty swig of her gourd and placed it down beside her, squinting in frustration at the uneven ground.

Just then, Kengo appeared in her line of sight, walking over at an unhurried pace with his usual calm smile. "Suika, you seem agitated. Is it because this area is too small for your gatherings?"

Suika glanced at him, her expression softening slightly despite the irritation still lingering.

"Yeah! This lousy place is always too cramped for our parties. I tried leveling it myself, but it turned into a complete mess." She eyed him suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. "What can a tsukumogami like you do? Don't tell me you can move mountains and fill seas."

Kengo chuckled softly, running his hand along the nearby rock wall. "Moving mountains and filling seas? That might be a stretch. But… I do know a little. Would you like me to give it a try?"

Propping her chin on her hand, Suika's tone remained doubtful. "A little? Fine, let's see how far your 'basic skills' can take you!"

Kengo nodded and placed a hand lightly on the ground. He closed his eyes as if listening to the pulse of the earth.

Moments later, subtle changes began to ripple through the terrain. The once uneven ground gradually smoothed out, with hard rocks shifted away and soft soil layered over them.

Using his earth-manipulation abilities, he adjusted the surrounding area, planting a ring of tall trees to provide shade for future gatherings.

Not stopping there, Kengo incorporated crystalline mineral formations into the center of the space. Their translucent brilliance added a rugged elegance to the area.

Small stone platforms were seamlessly embedded into the terrain, serving as natural tables for feasts.

Under Kengo's "minor adjustments," the once-rough terrain transformed into something resembling a masterpiece.

"Ha-ha-ha! This is amazing!" Suika nearly jumped in excitement as she surveyed the revamped gathering spot.

Laughing heartily, she clapped Kengo on the shoulder. "Kengo, your 'basic skills' are no joke! Now this space is big enough for any number of youkai to party without a hitch!"

Kengo smiled faintly, his tone steady. "It should make things more convenient for your gatherings. Just try not to overdo it with the drinking."

Suika blinked, then burst into laughter, raising her gourd with a hearty grin. "Don't worry! Even if I drink myself under the table, I'll have this space to keep me company!" Though her words were bold, a warmth spread through her chest.

This considerate gesture felt less like that of an ordinary friend and more like the steady support of someone she could truly rely on.

Not long after, Yuugi visited the site and stood frozen in shock. "Suika! Which master architect did you hire for this? The terrain here looks incredible!"

Suika crossed her arms with a triumphant laugh. "Ha-ha-ha! Impressive, huh? Kengo helped me out. He said it was just some 'basic adjustments.'"

Yuugi raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Basic adjustments? This looks more like divine power at work. Is he hiding something big?"

Suika shrugged, making no effort to conceal her admiration. "Whatever it is, he did an amazing job! Anytime I bring up a problem with this space, he listens patiently and even takes the initiative to help fix it." As she spoke, an unusual light glimmered in her eyes.

Noticing this, Yuugi smirked mischievously and teased, "Your face lights up when you talk about Kengo. Don't tell me you're—"

"Shut up!" Suika swatted away Yuugi's playful remark, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "He's just a friend who helped out!"

But deep down, Suika knew her feelings for Kengo were perhaps a little more than simple friendship. Whenever she thought about him, his calm and dependable demeanor would surface in her mind.

That quiet presence of his, steady and reassuring, brought her a joy that surpassed even the satisfaction of a fine drink.

On the banks of the Sanzu River, the air was as tranquil as ever, shrouded in a faint mist that lent the water an air of cool solitude.

Komachi lay leisurely on a slightly uneven rock, her arm resting behind her head and an uncharacteristic weariness etched on her face.

"Sigh, just another day like this," she murmured, her gaze drifting toward the clouds, unable to find any comforting scenery.

Familiar footsteps approached, accompanied by a soft chuckle. "Komachi, are you in a bad mood today?"

Komachi lifted her head slightly to see Kengo standing not far away, his warm smile as steady as ever. She rolled over and grumbled, "Oh, it's you, Kengo. I'm not in a bad mood, just feeling exhausted. Every day I run back and forth ferrying souls, and there's not even a decent place to rest. The Sanzu River is so dull; I've lost even the urge to slack off."

Kengo listened quietly, not interrupting her. Only after she finished venting did he reply gently, "That does sound tough. But you said there's no good place to rest—that's an easy problem to fix. I happen to know a bit about landscape design. How about I give it a try?"

Komachi raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly saying, "Landscape design? Kengo, you're not planning to build some kind of resort on this desolate riverbank, are you?"

Kengo chuckled and shook his head. "Nothing so grand. I just think work should come with proper breaks, and a good place to rest is important." With that, he knelt down to inspect the terrain and surroundings, as if sketching a picture in his mind.

A few days later, Komachi was astonished to find that the scenery around the Sanzu River had undergone a dramatic transformation.

The once-rough beach had been smoothed into soft, fine sand, surrounded by lush green trees whose swaying shadows added a touch of refreshing coolness to the area.

In the center of the beach were several smooth stone slabs arranged naturally as seats and tables. Nearby, a small shade canopy made of simple wooden frames and bamboo leaves stood as a practical yet aesthetically pleasing shelter.

Komachi tried lying on one of the stone slabs, finding its temperature perfectly balanced—not too cold, not too hot—with the angle just right for resting her head. Looking up at the dappled shadows of the trees above, she felt a breeze carrying a soothing coolness.

"Wow, this is amazing!" Komachi sat up, her voice full of gratitude. "Kengo, your handiwork is incredible! This place is a slacker's paradise!"

Kengo stood nearby, smiling softly. "Enjoy it, but don't forget you still have work to do."

Komachi couldn't help but laugh at his words. "You sure talk tough, but you're the most considerate one of all."

As Komachi's superior, Eiki Shiki was always keenly aware of her subordinate's work habits. Lately, she had noticed a strange shift: though Komachi remained somewhat lazy, the frequency of her slacking off had decreased.

Even more surprising, her work efficiency had improved, and she had started proactively handling tasks that previously required prodding.

Eiki observed these changes in silence, but one day, her curiosity got the better of her. "Komachi, your work attitude seems to have changed recently. Did something happen to make you turn over a new leaf?"

Komachi rested her hands behind her head and replied lazily, "Eh, nothing much. It's just that there's a new rest area by the Sanzu River, and it's pretty comfortable. So I've been finishing work quickly to go rest, that's all."

Eiki raised an eyebrow, her tone faintly amused. "Oh? And who set up this rest area for you?"

Komachi hesitated for a moment before her lips curled into a slight smile. "Ah, it was Kengo. He said he knew some 'landscape design' and whipped up this spot. He's really something." Her tone betrayed a hint of pride.

Eiki observed Komachi's expression, instantly understanding. Though Komachi's words were casual, the unintentional joy and reliance in her voice when she mentioned Kengo suggested feelings that went beyond mere friendship.

"Kengo… you said he's a tsukumogami?" Eiki asked nonchalantly.

Komachi nodded. "Yeah, he's a great guy—easy to talk to, super gentle, and practically a jack-of-all-trades."

Eiki lowered her head, chuckling softly to herself. "A friend? This kind of sentiment has clearly gone beyond friendship, even if you haven't realized it yet." However, she didn't voice her thoughts, merely saying lightly, "Well, in that case, cherish this 'friendship.'"

Leaning under the shade canopy by the Sanzu River, Komachi lazily twirled a blade of grass in her fingers, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. She knew deep down that the "friend" she mentioned wasn't so simple.

Kengo's steadiness, thoughtfulness, and selflessness had brought a warmth into her life that she had never felt before.

"A friend… Is that really all?" Komachi murmured softly, a rare blush rising to her cheeks. She then laughed and shook her head. "Whatever the case, this guy's 'ordinary' is so uniquely reassuring."

The Scarlet Devil Mansion's courtyard was serene and elegant in the quiet of the night, with moonlight softly spilling over the stone-paved ground.

Sakuya stood at the center of the courtyard, her head bowed as she carefully inspected every crack in the floor.

A gentle breeze brushed past, but she had no time to enjoy the night's tranquility. The preparations for the ball were in their final stages, and the persistent issue of the cracked flooring remained unresolved.

She sighed, her slender fingers lightly touching the ground, her gaze reflecting a rare fatigue and unease. As the Scarlet Devil Mansion's perfect head maid, she could not allow any imperfections, especially for a ball that Remilia herself had personally requested. But the aging floor had introduced a flaw that was, to her, nearly unforgivable.

Amid her chaotic thoughts, a calm voice called from behind, "Sakuya, are you having some trouble?"

Turning around, Sakuya saw Kengo standing not far away, his expression composed and his tone tinged with concern.

She hesitated briefly before admitting, "The Mistress wants to hold the ball in the courtyard, but the cracks in the flooring are too many. If anything goes wrong, the ball could be ruined. I'd planned to repair it myself, but with the time and conditions as they are..." Her voice trailed off, and her brow furrowed deeply.

Kengo nodded lightly, his gaze falling to the floor as if studying each crack intently. With quiet confidence, he said, "I've learned a bit about floor repairs. Maybe I can help. Don't worry—I should be able to make the courtyard even better than before."

Sakuya raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "A bit? Are you sure you can handle such a troublesome problem?"

Kengo merely smiled, replying softly, "Let me try. You can trust me."

Kengo knelt down, carefully examining each crack in the flooring. Placing his hand gently on the ground, he seemed to be feeling the earth's pulse. In truth, he was already calculating how to subtly use his power over the earth to repair the damage.

He began to apply his abilities, seamlessly merging the fractured stone and creating elegant decorative patterns with crystalline minerals.

The courtyard was not only restored but also enhanced, becoming sturdier and more visually stunning. The intricate designs etched into the floor resembled works of natural art, evoking a sense of harmony and elegance.

After working through the night, Kengo finally stood, surveying his work with satisfaction. "It's done, Sakuya. Feel free to inspect it and see if it meets your standards."

Sakuya cautiously stepped across the newly restored flooring, pressing lightly with her foot. The floor was not only stable but had a texture far superior to its previous state. Looking down at the delicate patterns, her eyes shone with amazement.

"Kengo-san, this… this is incredible!" Her voice carried a rare excitement. Turning to him, she offered a deep bow. "You didn't just fix the floor—you've made the courtyard even more beautiful. The Mistress will surely be delighted. Thank you so much."

Kengo responded with a modest smile, his tone unassuming. "It was a small effort; no need to make it a big deal."

When Sakuya reported to Remilia that the courtyard repairs were complete, the Mistress herself came to inspect the results. Seeing the transformed flooring and its elegant designs, Remilia's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "This ball will certainly leave the guests in awe. Sakuya, your preparations this time are exceptional."

Sakuya bowed slightly. "It's all thanks to Kengo-san. He helped solve the most difficult issue."

Remilia raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with teasing curiosity. "Kengo? That so-called ordinary tsukumogami? I didn't expect him to have such talent. Sakuya, it seems your opinion of him isn't low."

As she spoke, she noticed the subtle upward curve of Sakuya's lips—a faint but unmistakable smile of warmth.

The sight didn't escape Remilia's keen eyes. She let out a light hum, thinking to herself, That smile… it's oddly similar to how I feel when I think about Kyouya.

Later, when Patchouli and Flandre heard about the incident, they too noticed something peculiar in Sakuya's tone whenever she mentioned Kengo. Patchouli mused aloud, "It seems Sakuya's view of Kengo isn't just simple gratitude."

Flandre giggled and leaned closer, playfully asking, "Sakuya, do you think Kengo niisan is amazing too? I was the first to realize Tamami niisan was great!"

Sakuya froze momentarily and quickly denied, "Don't be ridiculous. He's just a reliable friend, that's all."

Yet her tone carried a subtle emotion she couldn't completely hide, as if even she couldn't fully understand it.

Every time she recalled Kengo's focused expression while repairing the courtyard, a warmth would rise within her.

This feeling seemed more profound than that of ordinary friendship. She tried to suppress these thoughts, but the more she reminisced, the more vivid the emotions became.

Late at night, Sakuya stood in the center of the courtyard, gazing silently at the star-filled sky. Her mind replayed the scene of Kengo working to restore the courtyard, and a soft smile unknowingly graced her lips.

"He says he's just an ordinary tsukumogami, but everything he does is so meticulous, so gentle…" she murmured, glancing down at the floor beneath her feet. The intricate patterns seemed to still carry the warmth of his presence. "This level of care… is it really just friendship?"

Sakuya shook her head lightly, tucking the thought away. She turned and walked toward the Scarlet Devil Mansion's grand hall, her steps as elegant as ever, but a certain emotion in her heart glowed as brightly as the stars above.

In the Depths of the Magic Forest at Night, Marisa leaned against the warehouse wall, gazing at the glimmering foundation stones under the moonlight, a slight smile curling her lips.

"That guy…" Marisa muttered softly, biting into the perfect apple Kengo had brought her not long ago, the crisp sound echoing in the stillness. She rarely admired anyone, especially someone like Kengo, a self-proclaimed "ordinary" tsukumogami. Yet, the warehouse repairs had undeniably left her impressed.

"Building basics? More like a top-tier expert, and so humble about it…" Marisa took another bite but then remembered how Youmu had mentioned that Kengo also helped restore her garden.

Marisa's smile faltered slightly before she pouted. "Hmph, he's like this with everyone, such a considerate 'good guy.'"

Her gaze shifted toward the warehouse as a faint bitterness welled up in her heart. "But if he treats everyone the same way… what does that even mean?"

In the Garden of Hakugyokurou, Youmu stood silently at the edge of the restored flowerbed, watching the plants sway gracefully under the moonlight.

Kengo's figure appeared in her mind, and his calm voice echoed clearly: "I know a little about garden design; let me give it a try."

Youmu sighed softly. She always pursued perfection, but this time, she had to admit her limitations. Without Kengo's help, the garden might still be in disarray, far from its former beauty.

"He said he only 'knew a little,' but the results are perfect beyond belief," Youmu whispered, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. However, her thoughts were disrupted by something else—recently, Suika drunkenly mentioned that Kengo had also helped her improve her party venue and even planted trees there.

Youmu frowned slightly, a complex emotion bubbling up in her chest. "So thoughtful with everyone… is that really just what friends do?" Lowering her head, she gently brushed a soft leaf with her fingertips, a subtle sense of loss creeping into her heart.

At the banquet grounds on Youkai Mountain, Suika leaned against a large tree, holding a watermelon that Kengo had brought her and taking a hearty bite.

"So sweet!" she exclaimed with satisfaction before slapping her thigh. "That guy's produce is just as amazing as his terrain planning—flawless!"

Thinking back to the venue Kengo had fixed, Suika's lips curled into a grin. As an oni, she had incredible strength but zero knack for terrain planning. Without Kengo's help, she'd probably still be frustrated with the cramped space.

Yet, when she recalled Sakuya casually mentioning that Kengo had also repaired the Red Devil Mansion's courtyard flooring, Suika's brows furrowed, and a trace of sourness seeped into her thoughts. "He's nice to everyone, huh? What's the deal with that? Even someone as great at drinking as me gets the same treatment?"

She took another big bite of the fruit, muttering under her breath, "Fine, maybe I need to show him next time that the oni have their standards too!"

By the banks of the Sanzu River, Komachi lay on the sandy shore Kengo had built, squinting in comfort as the breeze gently caressed her.

"This spot is great. Kengo sure knows how to take care of people," she said lazily, holding a perfectly fresh strawberry from Kengo's basket and nibbling at it leisurely.

Komachi enjoyed a laid-back life, and this beach fit her needs perfectly. Yet, she wasn't oblivious to the fact that Kengo wasn't only helpful to her. Marisa had once proudly shared that Kengo had also fixed her warehouse's foundation.

"That guy really is a good Samaritan, huh? He's thoughtful with everyone." Komachi chuckled, but a subtle, complicated emotion flickered across her face. "But… am I special to him?"

Opening her eyes, she stared out across the Sanzu River, letting out a soft sigh. "I can't figure this guy out."

In the courtyard of the Red Devil Mansion, Sakuya stood quietly on the restored flooring, her fingertips gently tracing the exquisite patterns.

"That man… what a peculiar tsukumogami," she murmured, recalling Kengo's humble smile. "Just some basics? I don't believe that."

Her gaze shifted to the sky beyond the courtyard, and Kengo's image surfaced unbidden in her mind. However, upon hearing from Komachi that the resting area by the Sanzu River was also Kengo's doing, Sakuya's brow furrowed slightly.

"He's so thoughtful with everyone. What's going on in his head?" Her hands tightened slightly, as an indescribable feeling welled up inside her. She tried to dismiss the thought, but a voice deep within kept her from letting go so easily.

Late at night, Sakuya stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the stars overhead. The scene of Kengo repairing the courtyard replayed vividly in her mind, and an unintentional smile crept onto her lips.

"He says he's just an ordinary tsukumogami, but everything he does is so meticulous, so gentle…" she whispered, glancing down at the intricate patterns beneath her feet. The warmth of his presence seemed to linger there. "This attention to detail… is it really just friendship?"

Sakuya shook her head lightly, tucking the thought back into her heart. She turned and walked toward the grand hall of the mansion, her steps as elegant as ever, though a certain emotion in her chest shone as brightly as the night stars above.