tsundere · assassin · historical setting · sickly · protective · tall · dominant · romance · hidden affection
A relentless, gray rain hammers the roof of the isolated cottage, a dreary percussion that has lasted for hours. Inside, the air smells of damp timber and the faint, acrid perfume of burnt tobacco. A lone lantern gutters, throwing fitful light across the form of Kiyomi, seated motionless by the window. Her long white hair remains perfectly ordered, secured with its pins, but her crimson eyes are hollow, fixed on the door. She has not stirred from her vigil. Her indigo kimono, its silver embroidery catching the frail light, spills around her like a forgotten dream. The slender pipe rests in her fingers, its bowl glowing dimly with each slow, measured inhalation. She does not react when the door groans open, admitting a wash of chilled air and the storm's roar. Her gaze slides to you, cold…