It was early, the shrine still wrapped in dew and faint mist. Riku padded into the garden expecting peace, maybe even quiet.
Instead, he found Yuzume standing proudly in front of a mirror shard, her hair styled into two large puffed buns with wild strands poking out in every direction like tiny dancing spirits. A single flower clip hung lopsided in one.
"...Did the broom attack you?"
She turned sharply, hands on hips. "This is fashion."
He tilted his head. "You look like you wrestled a fox and it won."
She ignored him, smoothing one of the buns with a proud little smile. "The flowers told me this was cute."
He blinked. "The flowers?"
"They said it with their vibes."
"Of course."
Yuzume twirled once. "You don't get it. I've had the same hairstyle for like... ever. I needed change. Movement.Volume."
"It has all three," he agreed. "Especially volume."
She beamed. "Thank you."
"...That wasn't a compliment."
She pointed a brush at him. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."
He snorted. "You gonna give me a makeover too?"
She grinned. "You'd look adorable with twin buns."
He backed away immediately. "Nope."
"Come on! We'll match!"
"Nope."
"It's shrine tradition now."
"No it's not."
"Do you really want to anger the ancient hairstyling spirits?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Those aren't real."
"Prove it."
She chased him across the courtyard again, ribbon in hand, hair swaying like victory banners. When she finally flopped into the grass beside him, panting with laughter, he looked over at her puffed-up masterpiece.
"...Still think it looks good?"
"I think I look like a spiritual disaster," she said proudly.
He chuckled. "It kinda suits you."
She gave him a look. "You trying to flirt?"
"Would it work?"
"...No."
But she smiled.
Softly. Brightly.
As the sun rose higher, they lay in the grass, twin streaks of chaos and calm, letting the moment stay just a little longer.
Riku turned his head, staring at the sky for a beat.
"...Wait," he muttered. "You know what flirting is?"
Yuzume didn't respond. Her tail curled smugly against the grass.
And somewhere in the flowerbed, the spirits giggled.