On a midsummer evening, the scorching heat of the day slowly settled. The orange sunset washed over the tree-lined paths of Jujutsu High, cutting the shadows of branches and leaves into fragments across the smooth pavement.
Qingxiao and Shoko Ieiri left the infirmary side by side, strolling down the path back to the dorms.
He wore the simplest of outfits again that day: a plain black short-sleeved shirt with dark gray casual trousers, his entire outfit consisting of just three basic colors-black, white, and gray.
The wind passed through the treetops, filling the space between them with rustling leaves.
The silence never felt awkward. Instead, it was especially comfortable and easy.
Around Shoko, Qingxiao unconsciously reined in his exuberant nature. He did not need to force a conversation; simply walking quietly beside her was enough to put him at ease.
"Those two injured underclassmen recovered pretty well today. They can switch to regular medication tomorrow." Shoko spoke first, her tone as casual as if she were discussing the weather. "Finally, a couple of easier days."
"Yeah. You've been working nonstop for almost a week. You should get some rest." Qingxiao nodded, his gaze sweeping over the scattered light along the path.
Shoko turned her head and looked him over carefully, voicing a question she had kept to herself for a long time:
"Speaking of which, why are your clothes always black, white, or gray? I've been watching for ages. It's cool-toned basics all year round. I've never seen you wear any other colors."
At her words, Qingxiao instinctively raised a hand to scratch the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
"I'm not very good at picking clothes. Bright colors always feel awkward. Besides, clothes get dirty easily on missions and during training. These colors hold up well, and I