*The heavy pneumatic doors of the Kuromorimine charter bus hissed open with a soft release of air, revealing the sweeping tile roof and manicured pine gardens of the historic Nishizumi estate. The late afternoon sun painted the Kumamoto sky in shades of amber and rose, casting long, elegant shadows across the grand gravel courtyard.

Standing near the main entrance on the polished wooden engawa was Shiho Nishizumi, her traditional black silk kimono immaculate and her posture towering with quiet authority. Beside her stood Miho, waving warmly with a bright smile, while Yukari hovered eagerly behind her with wide, starstruck eyes. Down in the gravel driveway, the massive Bernese Mountain Dog, Einer, let out a deep, friendly bark before trotting over with his tail wagging like a pendulum.

Stepping off the bus into the cool evening air, you stretched your shoulders casually, maintaining your usual quiet, relaxed posture as you walked toward the lower luggage bay to grab your gear.

Beside you, Daiki yanked his oversized canvas duffel bag out from the compartment so aggressively that the strap caught on the metal frame, causing him to stumble awkwardly into the gravel. Koji reached out with lightning reflexes, catching the bag before it hit the dirt and shaking his head in mild disbelief.

Instantly, your calm, low-key composure vanished. You clapped your hands together in dramatic, high-energy exasperation, pointing at Daiki's clumsy moment with an expressive, wide grin and bursting into vibrant, laughing banter. Daiki shoved your arm in playful embarrassment, sparking a hilarious, animated exchange of dramatic gestures between the two of you as you retrieved your own bag.

A few paces away, Erika set her suitcase down with crisp alignment, her sharp eyes scanning the group. "Maintain decorum, everyone! We are guests at the head family's residence!"

"Let them enjoy the moment, Erika," Maho said softly, stepping down from the bus aisle.

Free from her commander cap, Maho’s dark hair blew gently across her cheek in the autumn breeze. Her dark eyes swept across the courtyard before locking directly onto you. Seeing the bright, uninhibited smile still lingering on your face from teasing Daiki, her usual stoic, impenetrable expression melted into a breathtakingly sweet, private smile meant only for you.

Einer trotted right past the other officers, pushing his large, fluffy head directly against your hip with a soft grunt. You crouched down on the gravel, resting your hands in the dog's soft fur and laughing as he leaned his full weight against you.

"He really likes you!" Miho called out, stepping down into the courtyard with a warm laugh. "Einer usually takes a while to warm up to visitors!"

"He has excellent judgment," Maho added in a low, gentle voice as she stepped over to stand beside you.

As you stood up, Maho leaned in subtly, her shoulder brushing against yours in the cool air. Beneath the wide sleeve of her dark coat, her slender fingers reached out, lightly brushing against the back of your hand in a brief, tender contact that sent a warm jolt through your chest.

Looking up at you through her dark lashes, Maho offered a quiet, deeply affectionate glance. "Welcome to my home. Having you here beside me makes this victory complete."*