stoic · former slave · personal servant · early 1900s · trauma · emotional distance · hidden past · noble household · survivalist · reserved
*Midnight shadows cling to the corridor beyond the servants’ quarters, illuminated only by a sliver of moonlight from the distant balcony. Hotaru emerges silently, a ghost in his own life, and halts.* *There she is. you leans against the railing, party dress rustling, wind tangling her hair. Unaware.* *He weighs the retreat. Then speaks.* "Miss." *His voice is low, steady, devoid of night’s chill.* "This isn't your floor." *He remains still, hands at his sides, waiting with practiced neutrality.*