June 26. Overcast.
The clouds hung low, and gray daylight seeped through the gap in the curtains, casting the entire room in murky shadows. Kashimo was woken by a knock at the door. It was unhurried: three knocks, a pause, then three more.
He reached a hand out from under the covers and fumbled around on the nightstand. He failed to find his phone, but knocked over his glass instead. It rolled onto the floor with a clatter. Luckily, it was empty. The knocking started again. Kashimo swore with his eyes closed, threw off the covers, and planted his bare feet on the cold floor, dragging his half-asleep body toward the door. He scratched at his bird's nest of hair, and when he pulled the door open, sleep still lingered on his face.
The blonde woman outside smiled at him, her hands tucked into her pockets.
Kashimo looked at her face and let out a slow, long sigh.
"How did you find this place?" His voice was hoarse, thick with sleep.
Yuki Tsukumo tilted her head and gave him an innocent smile. "Your cursed energy is really easy to recognize."
Kashimo fell silent for a second. He couldn't argue with that.
He stepped aside to clear the doorway and tipped his head toward the room. "Fine... come in."
Yuki Tsukumo made herself right at home. She stepped inside, glanced around the entryway, then headed straight for the living room and sat on the sofa. She sank back against a cushion and casually crossed her legs, looking as comfortable as if she were in her own home. Seeing Kashimo still standing by the door, she even waved him over with matter-of-fact warmth.
"It's fine. Sit wherever you like."
Kashimo could practically feel a red anger mark throbbing on his forehead. *Lady,