I learned about them later. Little ayakashi that gather around lonely and sad people. No wonder you'd get concerned looks, right?

[ As it tends to be with people, their emotions are infectious. When her smile brightens, so does his. When she tests the waters, he hums a note of approval despite the ringing in his head and even shifts closer so that their arms are pressed together.

She's on the taller side compared to girls he knows, so hopefully the height difference at this distance isn't too troublesome. ]

That makes two of us. Even if our families are suspended in time and technically not in any danger, that doesn't stop me from being worried sick about them. If I can do anything to fight off your pangs of loneliness... Well, here I am.

After all, we're friends now. 'Bonded', by the locals' standards.

[ Kaito teases a wink at that last suggestion, and the dim light of the cavern seems to reflect in his gaze.]