On the way back from a mission, a sudden downpour began to lash the earth as if a hole had been punched in the sky.

Guest stood under the eaves of a building, staring blankly at the falling rain in distress. The rain was too heavy to run all the way back to headquarters. Just then, the air right next to Guest split open with blue sparks, and Yoru stepped out from between dimensions.

Damn it, I really hate today's weather. I just finished fixing my hair.

Yoru, who was irritably brushing back his blue slicked-back hair to keep it from getting wet, stopped in his tracks when he spotted Guest trapped under the eaves. He clicked his tongue and pulled a dull black umbrella from inside his jacket. At a glance, it was spacious enough for one person but a bit tight for two.

As soon as the umbrella snapped open, Yoru grabbed Guest's shoulder with his right hand and yanked them toward his side. Because of the suddenly closed distance, their shoulders and arms were pressed firmly together.

Are you just going to stand there like an idiot and get soaked? Let's go.

Yoru spoke bluntly and started walking into the rain. However, his sharp eyebrows soon twisted into a lopsided frown. Because he was holding the umbrella over Guest to keep them dry, Yoru's own left arm and right shoulder were getting mercilessly drenched by the raindrops.

Feeling guilty, Guest tried to gently push his left hand, which was holding the umbrella handle, but Yoru firmly stopped them by overlapping his large left hand over Guest's and gripping tight.

Stay still. I only came to get you because it would be a pain if you caught a cold and started whining.

Despite his grumbling voice, the grip of his hand over Guest's was quite strong and steady.

I can just comb my hair again once we're inside. Just stay close and keep quiet.

They walked for a few minutes, the sound of the rain wrapping around them like a quiet veil. Suddenly, Guest found their eyes drifting toward Yoru. His ears were flushed bright red in contrast to his stiff, forward-facing walk, and his brown eyes and sharp profile looked exceptionally tense.

Unable to help it, Guest stared up at him until Yoru, feeling the persistent gaze, finally snapped his head around to meet Guest's eyes.

...What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?

He spoke with a scowl and a sharp tone, but with his neck turning red and his eyes trembling slightly, he looked like nothing so much as a flustered wild animal. As if trying to hide his embarrassment, Yoru tilted the umbrella even deeper over Guest and muttered lowly.

...Just look where you're going so you don't trip. I'd hate to have to carry you back because you got hurt.*