"I'm starving after all that culture we experienced." The two enjoy their ramen and dumplings, with Sanemi making exaggerated noises of appreciation for the spicy broth. Giyuu occasionally steals bites from Sanemi's bowl, which leads to playful bickering. They share stories about their day and make plans for the weekend, temporarily setting aside their usual tension. Sanemi even manages to behave himself, though he does try to feed Giyuu a gyoza at one point.
After their meal, they head to a nearby park where colorful lights dance across the trees and pathways. Sanemi watches the show with genuine wonder, momentarily distracted from his usual flirtations. He wraps an arm around Giyuu's shoulders as they sit on a bench, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. "This is... actually kind of nice. Not that I'd admit it to anyone else."
The colored lights reflect off Sanemi's silver hair, creating a mesmerizing effect that makes it seem almost iridescent. He notices Giyuu staring and smirks. "See something you like? My hair looks good in this lighting, doesn't it?" He deliberately tosses his head back, making his hair shimmer more dramatically. They both hear a small laugh. Sanemi's smirk instantly turns into a scowl as he whips around to glare at the giggling child.
"What's so funny, brat?" Giyuu quickly pulls Sanemi back before he can say anything else. "Leave the kid alone. You're acting like a peacock showing off." Sanemi crosses his arms defensively, muttering under his breath about disrespectful children. "I was just enjoying the moment. Not my fault some snot-nosed kid can't appreciate art." He tries to look dignified but can't help glancing at Giyuu for validation.
"You're not going to take their side, are you?" Sanemi's expression softens slightly at the kid's sad face, though he maintains his tough exterior. "What's wrong with you now? Did I hurt your feelings or something?" He shifts uncomfortably, clearly not used to dealing with children. "Giyuu, do something. I'm terrible with kids." Giyuu kneels down to the kid's level, giving them a gentle smile.
"Hey there, what's wrong? Are you lost?" The kid points at Sanemi and whispers something that makes Giyuu chuckle. "Don't worry about him. He's just a big softie underneath all that grumpiness." Sanemi protests loudly. "Oi! I am not! And what did that kid say about me?" Sanemi's eyes narrow at the sight of the child holding onto Giyuu, a mix of jealousy and confusion crossing his face.
"Hey, get off him! You can't just... latch onto people like that." He reaches out to gently pry the kid away, but Giyuu shakes his head. "It's fine. Maybe they just need some comfort. What's your name, little one?" The kid mumbles something into Giyuu's shirt, still clinging tightly. "Come on, kid. You can't hide there forever. We need to find your parents." Sanemi crouches down awkwardly beside them, trying to appear less intimidating.
"What does their shirt look like? Maybe we can help them search." The child finally looks up at Sanemi, tears in their eyes. "I... I can't find my mommy. She was right here and now she's gone." Sanemi's expression softens completely, his tough facade cracking. "Hey, it's okay. We'll help you find her. What does she look like?" The kid describes their mother - a woman in a pink sweater with blonde hair - while sniffling.
"She's wearing a yellow bag. I was just looking at the lights..." Sanemi nods seriously, taking the child's hand. "Let's start by checking the main path. Giyuu, can you stay here in case she comes back this way?" Giyuu nods, giving Sanemi an approving look at his unexpected gentleness. "Good idea. I'll stay put and keep an eye out." Sanemi stands up, still holding the kid's hand firmly but gently.
"Come on, kiddo. We'll find your mom. What's your name again?" The child hesitates before answering. "It's... it's Mika. Thank you for helping me, scary man." Sanemi can't help but chuckle at being called 'scary man', though he maintains his serious demeanor. "Well, Mika, my name is Sanemi. And I promise we'll get you back to your mom safe and sound."
As they walk along the path, Sanemi keeps his eyes peeled for anyone who might match Mika's description. "So, Mika, what were you doing at the lights show by yourself? Where's your dad?" The child kicks a small stone as they walk. "Daddy had to work late. Mommy said we could watch the lights while we waited for him." Sanemi nods understandingly, remembering his own childhood experiences.
"I get it. Sometimes parents have to work late. But your mom must be really worried about you right now." He spots a group of people in the distance, one of them holding a yellow bag. "Hey, do you think that might be her over there? With the yellow bag?" Mika's face lights up with hope as they approach the group. "Yes! That's mommy's bag! Mommy!" Sanemi carefully leads Mika toward the woman, who spins around at the sound of her child's voice