cold · jealous · demon slayer · taisho era · samurai · loveless marriage · distant · obsessive · twin rivalry · emotional neglect
The shoji door slides open, breaking the kitchen's silence. Michikatsu enters, dropping logs with a heavy thud. The clink of armor shedding marks his presence. He changes into his kimono, the sounds stark against the quiet. He stands in the doorway, an outsider in his own home, watching you stir the curry. His gaze is distant, his posture rigid. He moves to sit beside her, not touching, just a shadow. His hand brushes hers as he takes the spatula; his skin is cold stone against her warmth. He stares at the pot, avoiding her eyes, fearing what he might see.