#shinetsu

“Have...what?” Shinpachi blurted out and finding himself back on the defensive. “There’s nothing to...” Ugh. “I’m just gonna eat dinner, so--”

A dramatic eye roll preceded the dismissive shrug of his shoulders as Sano turned to the polar opposite at his right. Unlike his strong stance, Heisuke balanced on tiptoes and pivoted about, looking around the small establishment with curious wide eyes. A finger had been pressed to his bottom lip.

“Hnn~?” he hummed softly, and then spoke as though the party in question wasn’t even present. “This is where Shinpat-san’s been hiding out lately?”

“Mm, mm.” Sano nodded and while folding his arms, also pursed his lips. “Ain’t no Shimabara, that’s for sure.”

Panic jolted through every nerve in Shinpachi’s body at the mention of that name and he leapt to his feet, his chair scraping over wooden floorboards and nearly toppling. “Look, do you two mind?!”

“Mind?!” Closing his eyes, the pearly whites flashed with a toothy grin. Sano drew back the seat across the table and dropped into it. “Not at all, Shin! Never thought you’d ask!”

“I didn’t mean--”

“Na, Heisuke.” Sano clapped him on the arm and then pulled out the chair beside him. “It’s on Shin tonight.”

“Wait, who said that--”

“Ohh!! Really?!” Beaming, Heisuke clasped his palms and readily accepted the invitation. Once sitting, he rocked side-to-side with the corners of his lips pulling far into his cheeks. “So generous of Shinpat-san! Maybe it’s his apology for blowing us off all the time!”

Both sets of eyes snapped open when a pair of fists pounded against the surface of the table. With his head hanging, Shinpachi managed a voice that succeeded in being calm, low, and threatening all at once. “You two...would you please just leave and I’ll explain everything later? There’s no time to--”

“Ara?!” Once again, he was interrupted, but this time by a middle-aged woman ducking through the noren curtains which hung before the kitchen entrance. “Welcome! I’m sorry to keep you waiting!” Tray in hand, her feet pattered across the floor in a rush.

“Nagakura-han, I didn’t know you were expecting company this time!” she sang as she placed his sake before him.

Sano’s brows shot up and his face cocked, shooting a knowing look at Shinpachi when she’d used the words ‘this time.’

“I’ll bring more sake. Kindly wait a moment.”

Shinpachi raised his hand in protest. “N-No, that’s--”

“Thank you!” Sano offered the woman a nod. His lashes fell and a warm smile overtook his lips as he purred, “I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I’ll return shortly.” She bowed her head and hurried off.

Sano’s smugness met Shinpachi’s wrath when their eyes found each other again.

“Something up your ass, Shin?”

“Leave it to you to flirt with a middle-aged married woman,” Shinpachi grated with a scowl.

“Flirting?!” Sano chuckled. “I think you’re a little bit confused there.” He tossed his head back and shook out his red locks. “This is just how I am.” When he smiled, his teeth might have sparkled. “Or since we haven’t hung out in awhile, maybe you forgot?”

Heisuke’s lashes had fallen again by this time and he was back to rocking with aimless abandon in his chair. “Well, it doesn’t surprise me at all, honestly. Sano goes for all kinds of girls. Even the ones that aren’t. Ahah! Shinpat-san! You remember that one geisha that was actually--OW!!”

A hard pull to his ponytail stole the words right from Heisuke’s mouth. “Heisuke, I wouldn’t talk if I were you, since I recall you being awfully jealous that night.”

“Agh, S-S-S-Sano-san!” Heisuke rasped as he spoke, twisting and fighting to free his hair.

“All right.”

The indignant snap from across the table had both going still as statues, and if Shinpachi weren’t so agitated, he might have found the scene of his best friends frozen mid-fight amusing. Unfortunately, a laugh was the furthest thing from his mind, as he sat with his brows drawn inward and arms crossed tightly before his chest.

“Can you guys just...” His gaze broke off to some obscure point at the side. A breathy sigh left him then, realizing he had nothing left to do but relent. One hand broke free and rubbed at the nearest temple. “Can you just stop already? Stop.”

Their interest was understandable after all and if the situation were different, Shinpachi knew damn well he’d act in similar fashion--taking one of the two as wingman and hunting the other down until they figured out what he was up to. Some of the tension dissipated on that silent admission, and he finally sought the pair again. “I’ll...explain. Just...” He shifted and then murmured, “Not here.”

Thankfully, this seemed to pacify the scene right in time. Sano and Heisuke relaxed back into their individual spaces, just as the same woman from earlier hurried out from the back again.

“Here you are,” she announced, placing one decanter and cup each before Sano and Heisuke. “Would you like to drink a while before your meal?”

Shinpachi nodded. “Yes, please.”

“Shall I pour?”

“No worries.”

She smiled. “Of course. Take your time and enjoy!” And with that, she left them once again to their own devices.

Ignoring how Sano’s attention followed her a second time, Shinpachi glowered at the sake on the table and reached for the nearest vessel. He filled Sano’s cup first and then Heisuke’s, and next held out his own while Heisuke returned the honors.

“Cheers,” he droned, sounding anything but. Shinpachi’s eyes rolled back with his head and he pounded the first down. And as the silence unexpectedly dragged out, hope rose within him that it would continue until at least--

“You know...”

Of course, Sano wouldn’t simply let it go. Annoyed, Shinpachi righted his chin and his lashes parted again. He focused on his friend sipping his own drink conservatively (strange, as they all had a penchant for inhaling their alcohol--or so Shinpachi remembered. Had it really been that long?), while Heisuke reached over to once more fill his cup.

“I thought this was all about about a woman.” Amber eyes met his. “Is it?”

Heisuke leaned in closer at that, never one to miss out on juicy gossip and especially not if it involved someone close to him. Shinpachi’s gaze drifted to those eager blue eyes on him, then sucked his teeth and tossed his face to the side. “What gives you that idea?”

“Well.” Huffing a laugh, Sano lowered his cup. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you being so polite to anyone in my life.”

“Really, Shinpat-san?!” Heisuke breathed. “Is that what’s going on?!” He pushed his lips out and looked to the ceiling while he mumbled on. “Hn, but didn’t you say she’s married? I mean, that’s your business, I guess, but--”

Shinpachi felt his face twist. “What?!” He blinked at the revelation of his friends imagining him cavorting about with the older lady who’d served them. “You mean...” he stammered and his eyes went wide. “You think I’m...?!”

“Well...” Sano’s brows were up again. “I mean...are you?”

“No!” Shinpachi denied vehemently. “No. I mean...” His lashes fell and he finally accepted defeat. “Not with her anyway. Definitely, definitely not with her. You guys are so--”

“Ah, so there is a her?”

Groaning, Shinpachi’s palm met his forehead and he swept it back through his hair. “Maybe,” he mumbled, looking down to his sake for a beat and then his tone resumed its usual strength. “Maybe. But for the last time, can you quit grilling me? I said I’d explain everything soon.”

“Yes! I’ll be right back for that!” For the tenth time that day, Shinpachi found himself once again interrupted...but it was by a different voice this time, soft and sweet, which echoed from the kitchen.

And that’s when she scurried through the noren. His focus immediately set on her as she stumbled in place, clearly surprised to see he had company. Naturally, that whet the interests of Sano and Heisuke, who peered over their shoulders to witness the awkward unfolding moment.

She was a young woman, refined and lovely, even while dressed in a drab kimono for serving patrons. A blink and a moment later found her recovering, and she made her way over to their table with a tray of food.

“Welcome,” she bade softly, avoiding everyone’s eyes and placing several dishes down. Her lips parted as if she were about to say something, but all she managed was an inhale--clearly catching herself from saying whatever she’d originally intended.

“Na--Nagakura-han.” The name sounded foreign. “My mother sent these dishes out for you...A little something to snack on.” Keeping her head bowed, it was obvious that she hadn’t been informed he wasn’t alone.

Tension filled the space, with Heisuke (blushing slightly as he was) looking from the woman to Shinpachi, to Sano, and then back to her. And that’s when Shinpachi finally let his spine relax. His lashes fell and he exhaled with a smile.

“Well...” he relented.

“I’ll...” she suddenly interjected, “I’ll return. Mother has one more dish for you.” With a bow, her feet carried her quickly back to the kitchen.

“So, Shin...” Sano was smiling softly. “About that explanation...”

“About that...”

Sano huffed and closed his eyes. He lifted the cup to his lips and before he downed it, said, “No need.”

“Shinpat-san!” Heisuke gaped. “Why didn’t you tell us?!”

“I mean...” Shinpachi reached over to pour more sake for Sano. “I dunno, I didn’t really mean to exactly keep anything from you. I just didn’t know how you guys would react, is all...especially since I guess...” His voice dropped. “I guess I really haven’t been spending much time with you.”

“Oh, please. You just didn’t want us to give you hell for being a married man.”

“Psht, married?” Shinpachi asked weakly. “I’m not married...”

“You will be,” Sano said with a laugh. “I’m calling it now. She’s the one. Because let me tell you something.” His shoulders dipped forward as he leaned in. “In all the time I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worked up over something. That’s pretty damn telling, wouldn’t you say?”

Shinpachi felt the heat rushing to his face and he scratched at his jaw. “Uh...”

The same young woman came back to the table with yet another dish. As before, she avoided everyone’s eyes until Shinpachi reached out and gently touched her wrist. Her gaze lifted uncertainly to his and he nodded.

“Sano...Heisuke...” he began. “...This is Etsu.” A pause. “...My girlfriend.”

Etsu’s face went pink at the boldness of that statement.

“Etsu, this is Sano...that’s Heisuke. ...My best friends.”

“Yo,” Sano said with a nod.

“It’s very nice to...finally meet you,” Etsu replied and lightly ran fingers over her neatly pinned hair. “I’ve heard so much...”

“Really?!” Heisuke sat a little taller. “Shinpat-san was talkin’ about us?!”

Shinpachi coughed and Etsu’s smile grew a little wider. “He talks about you all the time, actually...”

And suddenly, from the kitchen... “Etsu-chan!”

“Yes!” she called in reply and gave a tiny nod to the men. “I’ll come back soon. Please call if you need anything until then.”

And that was how Shinpachi, Sano, and Heisuke found themselves as they always had been for so long: a trio. But things felt different this time--a bit more than three, and it wasn’t a bad feeling at all.

Before Shinpachi could begin to even attempt saying what was on his mind, Sano laughed again. “Hey...” He nudged Heisuke with his elbow. “I think we can forgive him now.”

“For sure!” Heisuke agreed with a grin.

“If I had a woman like that, I wouldn’t wanna spend time drinking with you idiots either.”

Shinpachi scoffed, but smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry it’s been so long, it’s just...”

“You wanna spend time with Etsu,” Sano filled in for him, with genuine understanding. “And you can’t exactly do that if you go where we go.” Shinpachi found himself grateful for Sano purposefully leaving out Shimabara. “So!” Sano clapped. “Next time, we go where all of us can drink together!”

“Mm!!” Heisuke nodded enthusiastically. “I wanna talk with Etsu-chan more!!”

“You guys...” Shinpachi drawled. He dropped his face for a moment and then raised it with the sappiest, most relieved grin he’d ever achieved. “You guys are the best friends a man could ask for.”

“We know,” Sano said. “And that’s why you’re gonna let us drink until we can’t stand tonight, right? Yes, yes, thank you!!”

Shinpachi’s spine straightened again. “Eh?!”

“Yeah!!” Heisuke cheered with a fist tossed in the air. He then turned in his seat and called, “Etsu-chan!! More sake please!!”

“Sure!” she replied from the kitchen.

Shinpachi watched as his friends downed the remainder of their alcohol and with a sigh, he followed their lead. After all... A tiny smile pulled at lips. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em...and as he looked up to see his friends beaming at him across the table, he had to admit, there was no better company anywhere.

“Etsu and the baby?”

He stopped in mid-sip and glanced over at his best friend. “…Yeah…” Sighing, he set his cup down and crossed his arm, looking up at the night sky. “I…it’s complicated.”

“Shinpachi, talk to Hijikata-san. We both know what you want to do.”

“But how can I abandon the Shinsengumi? My men?” Shinpachi ran a hand through his hair and hung his head. He felt ashamed that he ever considered leaving the Shinsengumi, and the loyal men that had followed him into battle.

 “The war’s only get harder, more dangerous. It’s no place for Etsu.” Sanosuke sighed. “She’s worth it, isn’t she?”

“Shin?”

The pair looked back to see Etsu come in, her hands on her growing middle. People in the compound were starting to talk about why there was a pregnant woman in the compound. Hijikata had ordered her to stay near the captains’ and Chizuru’s rooms. She wasn’t really allowed to go into the courtyard, so she mostly stayed within Shinpachi’s and Chizuru’s rooms, and Shinpachi felt bad for her.  

"Heya, Honey. How're you feeling?" Shin opened his arms and she immediately went to sit next to him, gratefully leaning against him.

"A little tired, but I'm fine. What are you two talking about?" She glanced over at Sano-san as he stood up to leave.

“Just some guy stuff.” Sanosuke shrugged and ruffled her hair. “Shinpachi, best to do it tonight.”

Shinpachi looked down at his drink and took another gulp. He wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her even closer, burying his face into her hair. Sano was right. How could he leave her behind? Them? When she was here next to him, what was the point in dying honorably in battle?

“Shin?” Her soft voice brought him out of his head. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothin’, Dumplin’. Hey, I’ll come back with some tea for you, and don’t touch the futon, I’ll set it out when I come back, okay?” His lips brushed against her temple and he took a moment to stare at her face, his resolve strengthening as he looked into her light brown eyes.

--

Hijikata let out a long sigh, but a small smile crossed his lips. “I was wondering when you were coming to tell me.”

“Y-you knew?”

The Vice-Commander let out a bark of laughter and patted his friend’s shoulder. “It was only  a matter of time. Chances like this Shinpachi…they don’t come often. I don’t think you’re meant to continue along this path. Besides, what kind of man abandons his woman with a child?”

Shinpachi bowed deeply. “Thank you, Hijikata-san!” He knew the goodbyes were going to be painful, but in the end, he knew it’d be worth parting from his longtime comrades.

---

“Shin~.”

“Yes, Dumplin’?” Shinpachi poked his head into the room where his wife was sitting in. She had been working on some embroidery. She was almost due, there had been some complications here and there, but she’d managed to pull through. The midwife said there were going to be more struggles when she actually had the baby. He was doing anything and everything in his power to help her as much as he could.

“Could you bring me some tea?” She opened her mouth as if she were going to say something else and gasped, her hands wrapping around her middle.

Shinpachi dropped the broom he was holding and ran over to her. “Etsu!”

“Go get the midwife, Shin!” She gasped and grasped his arm tightly.

Something was so very wrong. He took a moment to squeeze her hand, not wanting to part from her, but he quickly dashed next door where the midwife lived. 

---

Shinpachi grasped her hand and used a rag to wipe the sweat from her forehead. “Ya did it, Honey, she’s here!” He kissed her temple and looked over at their daughter.

Etsu looked up at him, lips pursed for a moment, but she quickly gave him a weak smile. “Thank goodness…Shin, tell her I love her.”

Shinpachi squeezed her hand. “You can tell her yourself, Honey, they’re just cleaning her. She’ll be right here in a few moments.” His heart began to ache. This couldn’t be happening.

“I love you, Shinpachi.” Etsu weakly gave his hand a squeeze. A few more tears slipped down her pale cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

His blue eyes widened when her hand grew limp in his and her eyes closed. He could feel his world drain of all color, sound. In this moment, he could only see her and call out to her in a desperate voice as his tears slipped down his cheeks.

The midwife handed him his daughter, wrapped in a blanket. He stared at her. She was so beautiful, but she would never know the sound of her mother’s voice, nor what she looked like, or her gentle embrace. They were all in his memory now.

It was only the two of them now. A father and his daughter.

---

“Papa!” She jumped on her father’s back, covering his eyes with her small hands, giggling as he pretended to be shocked.

“Hey! Why is it so dark?!” He reached behind him and plucked his five year old daughter off his back and placed her in his lap as he shut the book he was reading. His large hand ruffled her black hair and she let out a whine. His blue eyes stared into her blue eyes and he gave her a grin. “Now it’s brighter than the sun now that I can see you, Etsuko!”

“Papa!” She laughed and shook her head. “That’s gross.” She stuck her tongue out and held out a small bouquet of flowers. “I went to the meadow with Sano-ojichan and he helped me pick these for mama.”

Shinpachi stared at the flowers, sadness flickering in his eyes for a few moments before he stood up and placed her on his strong shoulder. “She’s going to love them. Let’s go visit her and you can tell her about the trip you had with Sano when you went to the village last week.”

Etsuko nodded and made sure she was holding on tightly to the flowers so that none were carried away by the wind.

When they arrived to a stone marker, Shinpachi set his daughter down so she could place the flowers on her mother’s grave.

It wasn’t easy. He didn’t know much about raising a kid, but he tackled the task. He had to, for Etsuko’s sake. He wanted her to be happiest and healthiest kid in the world and he told her about her mother all the time so that she knew how much Etsu had loved her even though she’d never met her.

Sano had managed to find him just last year and decided to join them. For that, he was grateful. Etsuko loved her uncle and Shinpachi was glad to have a little time alone to reminisce and miss Etsu by himself. He couldn’t show her how saddened he was to his daughter, but he’d managed to pull through. They’d managed to pull through. Etsu was probably watching them fondly from the heavens.

He hoped they could be a family in the next life too.

----+++----

“Tr-treasure?” Iba leaned away from her as her lips hovered over his jaw, feeling her hot breath. He felt his back press against the wall of the ship as she entered the cell with him. His breath hitched as she pressed herself against him. “M-Miss-”He could smell the rum on her breath.

“Captain.” She said sternly. “It’s Captain, my Treasure.” She brought her lips closer to his. She smelled of rum and wine.

“C-Captain!” Iba flushed, gently trying to pull away from her, but there was nowhere to run to. “Th-this is so indecent!”

Shiori leaned in more, her lips barely hovering above his. As he let out a surprised gasp when one of her hands trailed down his chest, she leaned in and slipped her tongue through his parted lips. “Don’t get too excited now,” She chuckled in hearing a little moan from him. “Merely a little hello, Dear Prince.” She hummed in amusement when he bowed his head in embarrassment. “I’ve taken a liking to your face, my Treasure.” Shiori laughed and let her fingers trail down his cheek before she pulled away from him. “How docile.”

“Captain! We’ve looted everything! Should we get ready to depart?!” A voice called from above deck.

“Aye! I’ll be there in a few moments!” Her hand grabbed the chain of his shackles that were on his wrists and tugged him forward. Iba helplessly stumbled forward and quietly followed her above deck.

“All right, crew! Grab the last of the loot and leave them be!” She announced as she walked the board that connected their ships.

Loud cheering ensued as her crew gathered up the last bit of their things and headed back to The Kelpie.

Shiori held her hand out, and a member of her crew placed a ring of keys in it. She unlocked his shackles, letting them clank on the wooden deck, and he blinked in surprise as he rubbed his sore wrists. “Th-thank you…” Iba wasn’t sure if being taken by another band of pirates was any better.

“Glory-san, we have more rum!” A woman from her crew called and Shiori walked over to one of the barrels. She grabbed a mug that another one of her crew members held out and dunked it in. “This shit’s good! We celebrate with this rum tonight!”

Iba stood where he was, unsure of what to do. He couldn’t help but feel out of place.

Shiori came back to him and dusted herself off. “Well then, feel free to make yourself at home, Prince, but if you’re staying here, you’ll be expected to do your part too. Though, it doesn’t seem like your dainty hands have known hard work.”

“I will do my part, Captain,” Iba crossed his arms and looked straight into her cyan blue eyes. “But what do expect to gain from me being here? I assume you don’t have any plans to return me to the Kingdom anytime soon.”

Shiori took out her pistol and started cleaning it with a rag she pulled out of her pocket. “In that, Treasure, you’re right. I heard that pirate we came across had you for immunity and ransom purposes.” She twirled her gun before putting it back in its holster. “And I also plan on doing that. The Navy’s got a hell of a bounty on my head and you,” She patted his cheek. “are gonna be my ticket out of that.”

Iba furrowed his brows. Here was yet another person that was using him for his status and title. “Captain, I respectfully request you take me back to my kingdom.”

Shiori grabbed his shirt and pulled him closely. “This is my ship. I rule the seas. I make the decisions here. This ain’t your high court, Prince, keep that in mind.” She snarled lowly. “So although you ‘respectfully request’ things, I decide what happens.”

“My life is in your hands then, is that what I hear?” Iba pulled himself away and balled up his fists.

“Now you’re learning, Treasure.” Shiori clapped her hands in a mocking manner.

They both looked behind him as they heard a clatter of plates. The short girl with dark brown hair bowed her head as she picked up the plates she’d dropped. “G-Glory-san, I, um, didn’t mean to interrupt, but I wouldn’t mind showing,” She paused as she looked at the new man with soft green eyes.

“Iba.” Shiori took the stack of plates from her hands.

“I can show him where to clean up, Glory-san, he looks like he’s in need of a good cleaning.” Etsu flushed as Iba continued to stare at her.

“Aa, Miura, that sounds good.” Shiori turned to Iba. “I’d better not hear you get into trouble or we’ll have trouble.”

Iba followed the nervous girl to a another room with fresh water where he scrubbed himself off as Miura went to fetch some fresh clothes for him.

Once dressed, he let out a soft sigh of relief. It was good to be clean again. As he dried his hair with a towel, he turned back to look at the door.

“Iba-sama, I’ve served you some tea and some food in the dining room.” She led to another room to an empty table and sat across from him.

“Thank you, Miura-san.” He sat down, the warm scent of the soup enticing him. He hadn’t had anything warm to eat in forever, or at least months. His eyes widened as he spotted the gold locket hanging from her neck. His hand reached out to capture the it to look at it more closely. “This crest,” It was of a crane holding a bouquet of flowers with arrows in the shape of an ‘x’ behind it. “…Miura?” He looked up into her startled light brown eyes.

“A-ah…” She cast her gaze down, but didn’t dare move.

“The daughter of Duke Miura? The one who has been missing for over two years? Etsu-chan?” He furrowed his eyebrows. “…kidnapped by…pirates?”

Etsu continued to wordlessly look away as she finally looked up, letting out a soft breath. “It was the truth, Prince.” She said quietly, deciding to recount what had happened over two years ago now.

 Her father had been away for over a month, meeting with the parents of possible suitors that wanted her hand in marriage, and she had been waiting at the docks with her nanny, wanting to know what choice he had made for her. She was not thrilled that he was making the decision for her and sought to dispute it the moment he was on land.

She never got the chance since a band of pirates had pulled ashore and began pillaging women, children, and goods. Etsu had been one of the ones taken.

She didn’t know how long they were kept below deck, but she saw such horrifying sights. The only reason she’d been saved from anything was because she’d be worth more to sell because of her title.

After many long months, they were brought to an island where black market deals happened, including the selling of brides.

Another ship, The Kelpie, had made its way ashore as the auction was going on, and Etsu continued to hope and pray that she’d be saved from this horrid fate of being married off to some strange man with money.

Before they would start her auction, swords were drawn in response to a man that charged through, beating down all the men in attendance along with a woman. The two led them to a boat and rescued everyone that had been taken from their homes.

The more she stayed on the boat with Captain Glory and Nagakura, she became more attached to them.

When it came time to go back home, she decided not to and confessed her reason for staying.

 “Etsu-chan, Kotaro and I were worried about you when we heard what happened.” Iba took her hand and squeezed it. “You hadn’t heard had you?”

Etsu furrowed her brows in confusion. “Heard what, Iba-sama?”

“You were betrothed to Kotaro.”

Her eyes widened. “I-what?!” She exclaimed, her jaw practically dropping to the floor. “To Kotaro-sama!?”

Another hand grabbed their clasped hands and ripped Etsu’s out of Iba’s grasp. “Babe, is he giving you any trouble?” Iba winced in pain as his arm was twisted behind his back.

“AH! Honey Bear no! That’s the Prince!” Etsu squealed in horror as she stood up and quickly patted his hand to release Iba’s.

“But-”

Iba rubbed his hand and looked up at the man with bright blue eyes, much taller than Etsu. He sheepishly scratched at his cheek as Etsu scolded him with her hands at her hips. The Prince could instantly tell why Etsu had chosen to leave their life.

“I’m fine, Etsu-chan.” Iba chuckled.

“But, Iba-sama-”

“He calls you “Etsu-chan”?! I thought I was the only one allowed to call you that!” Nagakura pulled her into his arms and hugged her closely.

“Shin!” She squealed and flushed a bright red as his lips peppered light kisses on her cheek. “St-stop that! Besides, Sano-san also calls me that!”

“What!? HE DOES WHAT NOW!?”