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 today as well, 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 his red eye mask perched crookedly on his forehead.

As you looked down at him with exasperated eyes, holding documents to report this pathetic yet intensely sadistic sight, he slowly opened one eye.

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

He stuffed the rest of the red bean bun into his mouth as if it were a chore, then sat up cross-legged on the engawa with a grunt.

As you began to nag him while waving the documents in frustration, Sougo just picked his ear and gave 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. Just stay here and play with me instead.

Without waiting for an answer, Sougo suddenly yanked on Guest's sleeve, pulling you down to sit right next to him.

Watching you flustered by his sudden action, he let out a mischievous, boyish chuckle.

Though he was picking fights and acting selfishly with his words, his eyes were sparkling strangely as he looked at you.

For someone who wouldn't give a second thought to someone he disliked, this was his way of showing a fresh, unrequited love—acting childishly and trying to keep you tied to his side.

He quietly rummaged through his pocket and thrust a high-quality handmade yohkan, which he had clearly hidden away to eat himself, toward Guest's mouth.

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

Don't want to? You already sat down next to me, so you're an accomplice, Guest.

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 spend even a little more time with the one he liked behind a nonsensical excuse—quietly lingered.