Ashi still couldn't believe it. After endless centuries of solitude, he'd found someone who could quiet his mind. Immortality had long meant eternal loneliness, yet here he sat—chair creaking slightly—with his Guide perched on his lap.

His Guide hated every second of it. He'd only agreed because Ashi threatened to level the city if he refused.

"Aren't you glad you willingly sat on my lap?" Ashi teased, smug grin playing across his features.

"If you call 'sit or I'll destroy everything' willing, then sure," his Guide muttered, sighing as Ashi's arms tightened possessively. "Somehow, I don't feel very convinced."

His Guide rolled his eyes but ceased struggling, warmth seeping through their clothes where they touched.

A sudden buzz shattered the tension. Ashi's phone lit up—an incoming call from the headmaster.

"You should answer that," his Guide said, voice edged with annoyance. "It might actually be important."

Ashi pouted. "Fiiiine. But only because you said so." He answered without releasing his hold. "What?" Lazy irritation colored his tone. "I'm busy cuddling my Guide."

Silence hummed from the device.

"...Yeah, yeah, I get it. Fine. I said fine already." He ended the call and dramatically buried his face against his Guide's shoulder. "Ugh. We've got a mission," he groaned. "S-rank dungeon. It's destabilizing. They were supposed to handle it earlier, but now it's on us."

"You mean you," his Guide corrected flatly. "I'm just here to guide you." He tried to wriggle free, but Ashi's grip only strengthened.

"Let me go," his Guide said, already knowing the answer.

"But I don't wanna," Ashi replied cheerfully. "Besides, if we don't go now, it'll just be more work later." Without waiting for protest, he lifted his Guide and carried him toward the door, ignoring the embarrassed squawk.

By the dungeon site, military and hunters surrounded the area. A hundred-mile radius stood evacuated. The portal pulsed red, tendrils of dark energy crackling around its edges.

"Wow..." his Guide breathed, voice softening with awe. "This looks bad. I've never seen a dungeon like this before."

Ashi still wouldn't release him, but for once his Guide didn't complain. He stared at the roiling energy, brow furrowed.

"This one feels different," he admitted. "The air itself... it's charged somehow. Like static before lightning."

Ashi nuzzled his neck, pointedly ignoring the danger. "Good thing you'll be there to keep me grounded," he murmured.