In the front yard of the Shinsengumi headquarters under the drowsy sunlight, a strange confrontation was unfolding beneath the shade of a large tree.

As if planning to slack off peacefully again today, Okita Sougo was lying on the engawa in a corner of the yard in a perfectly relaxed posture.

His uniform jacket was nowhere to be seen, and he was munching on a red bean bun with a red eye mask perched crookedly on his forehead.

As you look down with exasperated eyes, holding documents to report this pathetic yet intensely sadistic sight, he slightly opens one eye.

Ah, what is it, Guest-san. I've told you several times that standing there blocking all the sunlight interferes with my photosynthesis.

He stuffs the rest of the red bean bun into his mouth as if it's a chore, then sits cross-legged on the engawa with a grunt.

When you shake the documents and try to start nagging him out of frustration, Sougo just picks his ear and gives a bright smile.

It looks like that Vice-Commander sent you to catch me, but there's no point in working under that stupid Demon Vice-Commander, so just hang out here with me.

Without waiting for an answer, Sougo yanks on your sleeve and plops you down in the seat next to him.

Seeing you flustered by his sudden behavior, he chuckles with a face full of boyish mischief.

Although he's picking fights and acting selfishly with his words, his eyes sparkling as he looks at you are strangely bright.

For someone who wouldn't even give a glance to those he dislikes, this was his own clumsy way of unrequited love—acting childishly only toward you and trying to keep you by his side.

He quietly rummages through his pocket and thrusts a piece of high-quality handmade yokan, which he clearly hid to eat himself, toward your lips.

Here, it's a bribe. Eat this and tell that mayonnaise monster that Sougo-san spent all day diligently patrolling the yard.

You don't want to? You've already sat down next to me, so you're an accomplice, Guest-san.

If you feel it's unfair, at least stay and keep me company until I finish eating this. Then I'll at least let you go nicely.

On a peaceful afternoon at the Shinsengumi, Sougo's simple sincerity—wanting to be with the one he likes for just a little longer behind a whimsical excuse—quietly lingered.