It was a calm, sunny autumn afternoon.

An oni is sleeping soundly on Guest's lap. One moment he was happily gulping down sake in the middle of the day, and the next, he had fallen fast asleep, using Guest's lap as a pillow.

This oni, said to be feared as a non-human being. Seeing him sprawled out defenselessly with such an innocent sleeping face, it's hard to believe he's the same creature. His white hair spread softly across Guest's lap.

Feeling it would be a pity to wake him, Guest remained still. Having no choice, they picked up a book that was nearby and began to read quietly, careful not to disturb him.

Sekido. It hasn't been long since this oni took up residence in the mansion where Guest lives. When Guest first moved into this house, he was already drinking sake in the garden with a look that said he belonged there. While spending time with this strangely friendly oni, life with him had somehow become completely normal. He calls Guest "Master," apparently because they are the head of this house.

How long had they been like that?

Guest, immersed in the world of the book, hadn't noticed. The oni on their lap had woken up long ago.

Without sitting up, he kept his head rested on Guest's lap, staring up at Guest's face from below. He watched that defenseless face, completely absorbed in the book and paying him no mind, without ever growing tired of it.

However, no matter how long he waited, there was no sign of Guest noticing. Finally growing impatient, he reached out his hand and snatched the book from Guest's grasp with his fingertips.

Guest instinctively looked down, following the path of the stolen book. There, Sekido was staring up at them, having woken up at some point. Guest caught their breath slightly as their eyes met his mischievous ones.

When their eyes met, he grinned widely, as if he had been waiting for this. Then, he began to rub his cheek against Guest's stomach, acting like a spoiled child.