The Honmaru was quiet that morning. Hana decided to wake up early to work on mending the torn clothes of their Touken Danshi. She was focused on fixing the hem of a haori that had been shredded near the shoulder. In a moment of carelessness, the needle pricked her finger, and she let out a gasp.

"Are you alright?" came Omokage’s voice, almost immediately. Hana had the suspicion he was observing her again.

"I'm fine," she replied, smiling up at him. "But I'm almost out of thread. And patches. I think it's time for a supply run."

"I will accompany you," Omokage said. "To carry things, and ensure your safety."

"You always say that like you're volunteering to go into battle," Hana laughed.

"Errands are battle, are they not?" Omokage wondered, but nobody answered him.

Hana leaned out the open shoji door and called down the corridor, "Sai-chan! I'm going to the store! Are you coming?"

Sai emerged from her room, dressed in her usual red yukata tied with a black obi. The faint scar across her cheek was covered with makeup. "Yeah. I want to see if they have that concealer shade I like."

"What about Nansen," Hana added knowingly, "he is coming too, right?"

Almost on cue, Nansen appeared from behind Sai, stretching like a cat waking from a nap. His hair was messy on one side, as if he had been sleeping on it. "Nyaaaa… I dreamed of a sunbeam the size of a futon," he said with a large yawn.

Sai was smiling in a way that only Nansen brought out of her. "Let's get going."

---

The general store was packed with all sorts of essentials. Shelves near the entrance displayed colorful stationery, notebooks and gel pens to envelopes and rolls of washi tape. A small corner offered a small selection of paperbacks, local magazines, and crossword puzzle books. Along one wall, cosmetics and toiletries were neatly arranged beside first aid supplies.

Other aisles had convenience store goods, snacks, bottled drinks, instant noodles, and canned soup, along with household basics like batteries, dish soap, and paper towels. There were even a few shelves dedicated to seasonal items and small toys, making it the kind of place where you could find a little bit of everything.

Hana immediately headed to the fabric supplies section, Omokage trailing dutifully behind her with a large tote bag. 

“Ugh, why do they put the good ones so high up?” she muttered, frowning. She stood on her toes, arm stretched high toward a sewing kit just out of reach on a high shelf. Her fingertips brushed the edge of the plastic packaging, but it stubbornly stayed put.

She glanced behind her. Omokage was quietly waiting, holding the tote bag with both hands like a knight with his shield.

“Omokage,” she said, turning to him, “could you reach that sewing kit for me? I think it’s mocking me.”

Omokage stepped forward without a word, easily taking the kit from the shelf and handing it to her with both hands.

“You are small,” he observed plainly.

“I know that,” Hana huffed, cheeks puffing slightly. Then she smiled. “But that’s why I keep taller friends around.”

Omokage nodded. “Then I shall remain nearby. In case more items attempt to defy you.”

Meanwhile, Sai and Nansen were in the makeup section. Sai was inspecting compact powders with different shades, while Nansen was... playing with the cardboard display of lip gloss tubes.

"I need your help to choose between these two," Sai said, holding up two concealer palettes that were very similar in colour.

Nansen sniffed them. "Nyaaaaa... This one smells like a pleasant fruity scent. The other... smells like the inside of a dusty drawer."

"Then I'll choose the first one. Thanks."

Once Sai decided, they wandered over to Hana and Omokage just in time to find Hana buried in a pile of lace trims and tiny buttons.

"Is the Resupply Mission going well?" Sai asked, amused.

"I didn't need tiny strawberry-shaped buttons," Hana admitted, "But I do want them."

"We all make sacrifices in war,” Omokage said solemnly, accepting the buttons into the tote.

Nansen was now perched, literally perched, on the edge of the display window, watching the scenery outside. "There is a sparrow. It mocks me," he whispered.

Sai touched his arm gently. "We'll get dango after this."

He purred softly at her touch. "Yes. Dango will ease this bitterness."

Omokage stared at the colorful vending machine outside the Honmaru's garden gate, his long fingers hesitating over the buttons. He already memorized Hana's favorite drinks--lemon soda and sakura milk tea--but which one would make her happier today?

"...Milk tea," he murmured to himself. "She smiles more when it's milk tea."

With a clank and a thunk, the can dropped into the tray. He picked it up gently like it was some sacred offering and held it to his chest as he headed back inside the Honmaru.

Hana was sitting on the veranda, surrounded by ribbon scraps and lace. Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as she hand-stitched an pastel button onto a blouse. A small pin cushion shaped like cloud rested on her lap. She was so focused, she didn't notice the quiet footsteps behind her at first.

Omokage stood a few paces away, watching her. And watching. And watching. 

The feeling of being watched was hard to ignore after a while. After several long minutes, Hana finally glanced up. "Yes?"

"I brought you this," he said, extending the sakura milk tea with both hands. "I thought… you'd enjoy it."

"Oh! Thank you, Omokage. That's sweet." She smiled and reached for the drink, her fingers touching his fingers slightly.

Omokage stared at his hand like it had been blessed. "You smiled. Good."

Hana chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, well, I smile at a lot of things."

"Do you smile at people you don't like?"

"I mean... no. Not usually. Wait, what?" Hana was confused by his question.

Omokage looked down at his feet. "I've been informed by Master Sai, that you do not return my feelings."

Hana blinked. That caught her off guard. "Your… feelings???"

"I thought it was obvious," he said, completely serious. "I bring you things. I stare at you often. I follow you to the market. One time, I brushed a stray thread from your sleeve and you didn't flinch. That is practically a confession, isn't it?"

Hana's face turned bright pink. "You... follow me to the market?!"

"Yes. From a respectful distance. You have not noticed me. Which means I am either very stealthy, or very forgettable. Possibly both."

"Omokage…" She set the can down beside her. "Sit down."

He obeyed immediately, a little too stiffly, like he was taking an order. He stared at the floor in silence, unsure if he had just ruined everything. But then, Hana leaned slightly against his shoulder.

"You're not forgettable. You're definitely weird! But... that's not a bad thing," she said shyly. "I've been told I'm weird, too. So... that makes us a bit of the same, doesn't it?"

Omokage blinked.

And smiled.

"...Success."

"I don't even know what you mean by that..." Hana sighed, "but you can help me pick which buttons match best with this shirt."

"As you wish, Master Hana."

 I started gardening, happy April. Planted some zinnia from seed. Hope that things go well.

*Restless Mikazuki (Scene with Hizen shortly after they obtained another Kashuu)*

...

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a dreamy glow over the courtyard. Mikazuki sat on the veranda, enjoying the night air against his skin. He swirled the sake in his cup before taking a sip. Beside him, Hizen leaned back and downed his whole cup of sake in one gulp. 

Despite the quiet beauty of the night, Mikazuki was unable to smile his usual smile. He spoke to Hizen with a serious expression. "Master Lena," he murmured, "is quite friendly."

Hizen blinked at him before replying, "You say that like it's a bad thing."

“I mean to say that she does not reject the attention of others." Mikazuki didn't sound as lively as he normally did, but he tried his best to explain. "I cannot tell if she simply does not notice, or if she does not care how I feel."

Hizen sighed. “You’re one to talk. You don’t exactly make your feelings obvious either.”

“Perhaps not,” Mikazuki admitted. “Still, it would be nice to see her turn someone else away. Even just once.”

“Master Aki’s kind of the same. She acts casual and friendly with everyone, and sometimes I get the same feeling as you do.” Hizen put his cup down with a clink. “Tch. What am I even saying? If you want something, you go after it, right?”

“That is one way to do things," Mikazuki agreed.

“If you’re feeling that restless, why don’t you just pay Master Lena a visit?" Hizen suggested. "See her reaction for yourself."

Mikazuki lifted his cup to his lips. “Mm… A tempting idea.” He took a sip, savoring the taste of the sake before setting the cup down. “Perhaps I shall.”

Hizen smirked. “Just don’t get caught looking like some lovestruck fool.”

Mikazuki swayed slightly as he rose to his feet, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through his veins. He straightened his sleeves to neaten his appearance before turning to Hizen.

“I believe I shall go now,” he announced, somewhat clumsily.

Hizen reached for the sake bottle before replying, “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t embarrass yourself.”

---

Mikazuki felt excitement and amusement as he stepped into the dimly lit corridors of the Honmaru. The night was quiet, the only sounds being the faint chirping of crickets, and the soft padding of his own footsteps. 

As he approached Lena's room, he hesitated just for a moment. Would she be awake? Would she be annoyed by his sudden visit? The corners of his lips curled up in a smile--he would soon find out. For some reason, this was more exciting to him than any mission.

He called out in a gentle tone. “Lena, are you awake?”

Mikazuki leaned against the frame, waiting for a response, his heart unexpectedly beating faster. He heard the rustling of bedsheets. It was unclear whether Lena was waking up or simply turning in her sleep, but Mikazuki wasn’t planning to wait any longer. With a quick motion, he slid open the door and stepped inside. 

His vision was slightly hazy from the sake, but without hesitation he reached forward, arms outstretched, seeking the familiar warmth of Lena's body. His fingers brushed against the soft fabric of the futon before he found her. 

A small, sleepy gasp escaped her lips as she felt Mikazuki's arms suddenly wrap around her, pulling her into a sitting position. 

“Mikazuki…?” Lena’s voice sounded confused. No one else ever entered her room this late in the night. 

“Mmm,” he replied, resting his chin on top of her head. “I wanted to see you.”

“You smell like sake…” she commented. The scent of alcohol was on his breath.

“Do I?” He chuckled, his grip tightening just a bit, as if to anchor himself to her. “Perhaps that is why I am feeling bold tonight.”

His hands pressed against the thin fabric of her clothing, as if memorizing the shape of her body. He could feel her body heat and the rhythm of her heartbeat.

“You feel nice…” Mikazuki smiled to himself, closing his eyes. The sake had clearly loosened his restraint.

Lena reached for his wrists, trying to hold them still. “You’re drunk,” she whispered, trying to sound as stern as possible.

“Only a little,” he admitted. “But that's not why I came.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

His eyes flickered open to meet hers, their faces illuminated by the faint moonlight through the shoji screens.

“I want you to show me,” he murmured, burying his face into her hair, "that I am special to you.”

Lena wasn’t naive, she understood his meaning. Mikazuki was never forceful, never outright demanding, but tonight he was seeking something from her. And for once, he wasn’t hiding it behind a smile.

Lena sighed, her fingers still resting against Mikazuki’s wrists. 

“...Okay. How can I show you?” she asked softly, giving into his intentions.

Without hesitation, Mikazuki pushed her down onto the futon. Lena gasped as he pinned her onto her back. She stared up at him with wide eyes. His fingers slipped under the fabric of her robes, slowly caressing her skin, upwards on her thighs. At that moment, Lena wasn’t sure if she wanted to stop him, or if she wanted to let him continue to prove how special he wished to be. 

A smile was on his lips as he watched her reaction. “You’re trembling,” he said quietly. “Are you cold… or is it something else?”

He tilted her chin up with his finger and pressed his lips against hers in a kiss. His tongue teased its way into her mouth slowly, as if savoring her taste. He took his time, drawing her into the moment, letting her feel just how much he wanted her.

One of his hands remained on her inner thigh, his fingertips pressing into her skin, while the other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her close. When he finally pulled away, his lips barely parted from hers, he let out a soft groan of satisfaction.

Mikazuki’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he studied Lena’s blushing face. He slowly pulled her clothes off her body, exposing her bare skin. He lowered his head, pressing more kisses along her jawline, trailing lower until his lips brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck. The heat of his breath made her shiver. 

“You taste good,” he whispered against her skin, his voice smooth like silk. "I want to make you feel good."

“Mikazuki…” Lena gripped onto his robes tightly. She was unable to do anything more than gaze up at him with a pleading expression.

He was pleased by the way she said his name and by the shy look on her face. His fingers pressed more firmly now, exploring, testing, finding the places between her legs that made her sigh and tremble beneath him. With every stroke of his fingers, he took her deeper into the pleasurable sensations. His mouth found hers again and he licked up her lower lip before kissing her deeply.

The pleasure built gradually, an intoxicating mixture of his touch and his kisses. She clung to him, feeling the tension building inside her, higher, tighter--until finally, her body gave way to the pleasure he was so skillfully giving her. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she melted beneath him, her body trembling in the aftermath.

Mikazuki kissed her forehead and he chuckled, pleased with the outcome. “Ah… that was lovely.” 

He smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from her face.

“Do you want me to stay?” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.

Lena nodded, still in a daze. "Yes."

Mikazuki held Lena against his chest as they lay back together on the futon. Lena's body was still sensitive, but she didn’t resist the way he held her so possessively. It was as if he wanted to make sure she wouldn't slip away from him. 

“Mikazuki, you're holding me so tightly, I can barely move,” she said. "I'm not going anywhere, you know?"

Mikazuki pressed his cheek against the top of her head. “I never want to let you go.”

Lena felt his fingers lightly tracing along her back. The rise and fall of his breathing began to even out, his body relaxing little by little.

“Lena,” he murmured, before drifting off to sleep. "Let us always be together..."

Even in sleep, he held onto her as if afraid she'd disappear. Lena remained still in his arms, listening to his breathing slow. 

She sighed, resting her head against his chest. “…Goodnight, Mikazuki.”

Lena's Family

氷川リナ

Hikawa Lena

氷川渉

Hikawa Wataru

Lena's younger brother who became an idol. He enjoys singing and performing musicals on stage, and started modelling since he was a child. They only recently connected, as Lena was unaware she had any siblings before he visited their Honmaru one summer.

宗近霞

Munechika Kasumi

宗近凱斗

Munechika Kaito

A polite boy with refined manners, reflecting his upbringing as Lena's first son. He enjoys the arts, painting, and games. His preferred weapon of choice is a spear.  

宗近海里

Munechika Kairi

宗近剣二

Munechika Kenji

Lena's youngest son. He has short dark hair that curves up into two 'ears' on top of his head, and slightly longer bangs on one side. He is a quiet boy who is very shy and doesn't talk unless he is spoken to. Out of all the children in his family, he is the most clingy, preferring to stay by his mother's side than play with his friends. 

---

Lena's team:

-Jiji 

-Yagen

-Hyuuga(?)

-Honebami

-Kashuu

-Tomita (?)

Nori's team:

-Onimaru

-Inaba

-Hanjin

-Heishishourinken

-Kyougoku(?)

-