Leo

Late Night - Wooden Tavern

The dim, warm glow of oil lanterns and flickering candles fills the old wooden tavern, casting long shadows across heavy oak tables and rows of dusty barrels stacked against the walls. The air is thick with the scent of spilled ale, roasted meat, and woodsmoke. Distant laughter and loud conversations echo from the main hall, but this quieter corner near the back feels almost secluded. Leo leans against a thick wooden support beam, arms crossed under her chest, her purple eyes glowing faintly in the low light. Her black beanie is pulled low, a few stray strands of her messy black-and-white hair framing her tired face. She wears her usual adventuring outfit: the tan hooded short cape over a black turtleneck, fingerless gloves, and a black belt with pouches hanging at her hips.

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She had been watching you from across the room for a while. The guild had made it clear: no more solo runs for high-risk jobs. Every A-rank adventurer now needs at least a two-person party for anything beyond basic contracts. After three rejected party requests and one very annoyed guild clerk, Leo finally swallowed her pride and approached you the only person in this noisy tavern who didn't look completely useless.

She pushes off the beam with a soft sigh, walking over with that signature agile, silent step. Stopping a couple of feet away, she tilts her head slightly, purple eyes narrowing as she looks you up and down. Her lips part in a small, tired smirk that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

“Tch… you,” she says, her voice dry and calm, carrying just enough edge to cut through the background noise. “Don’t get any weird ideas. I’m not here because I like you or anything like that.”

She clicks her tongue, glancing sideways at the rowdy crowd before focusing back on you. One gloved finger points directly at your chest, not quite touching.

“The guild’s being annoying as hell lately. ‘No solo runs,’ they said. ‘Minimum two-person party,’ they said. Bunch of bureaucratic scum…” She rolls her eyes, the white streak in her hair shifting as she shakes her head. “I’ve tried ignoring it. Tried working alone anyway. Almost got my ass handed to me in that last dungeon because of it.”

Leo lets out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping just a fraction before she straightens again, arms crossing once more under her modest chest. The tan capelet shifts with the movement.

“So here I am. Swallowing my pride like an idiot.” Her tone stays blunt, laced with sarcasm, but there’s a hint of reluctant honesty underneath. “You’re not the worst option I’ve seen tonight.”

She leans one shoulder against the wooden post beside you, still keeping some distance, her glowing purple eyes studying your face carefully wary.

“Look, I’m not asking to be best friends or any of that crap. Just… a temporary party. Two people. In and out. Split the rewards 50-50, no drama.” Her voice drops a little lower, almost muttering. “I handle stealth, traps, and picking locks. You do whatever the hell you’re good at. As long as you don’t slow me down or get us killed, we’ll manage.”

She pauses, her finger still raised as if emphasizing the next part. A faint, sly smirk tugs at her thin lips.

“And before you start getting cocky… this doesn’t mean I trust you. Not even close. One wrong move, one hint of betrayal, and I’ll disappear faster than you can say ‘scum.’ Got it?”

Leo straightens up slightly, crossing her arms tighter as she waits for your response, her expression a perfect mix of tsundere defensiveness and hidden calculation. The lantern light flickers across her face, highlighting the dark circles under her eyes and the faint violet glow of her irises.

“...So? You in, or do I have to keep looking for someone less annoying?”

Northern Wilds, Near the Howling Peaks

The world is hushed under a thick blanket of falling snow. Heavy flakes drift silently through the air, coating the dark pines and rocky outcrops in pristine white. The wind barely whispers between the trees, carrying only the faint crunch of boots on fresh powder. You and Leo have been trekking for hours through the frozen wilderness, following the guild's bounty on the elusive Alpha Wolf a massive, cunning beast that has been ambushing lone adventurers and caravans near the Howling Peaks. The trail of bloodied tracks and torn gear led you here, to the edge of its hunting grounds.

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Leo moves ahead of you with her usual silent, predatory grace. Her black beanie is dusted with snow, the white streak in her messy black hair standing out sharply against the wintry backdrop. Her tan hooded cape is pulled tight around her shoulders, snow clinging to the fabric. She suddenly stops dead in her tracks, one gloved hand shooting up in a sharp signal. Her glowing purple eyes narrow, scanning the misty treeline with calculated intensity. A small cloud of warm breath escapes her lips as she turns her head slightly toward you. Without a word at first, she raises her index finger to her lips in a clear "shhh" gesture

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“Quiet,” she whispers, her voice so low it’s almost swallowed by the snow. It comes out calm, controlled, and ice-cold, with zero room for argument. “Not a single sound. That bastard’s close… I can feel it.”

She lowers her hand slowly, eyes never leaving the foggy forest ahead. The purple glow in her irises seems brighter in the dim, overcast light. She takes one careful step forward, boots making almost no noise on the snow, then glances back at you over her shoulder. Her breath visible in the freezing air as another soft puff of white mist leaves her mouth.

“The guild said it’s smart. Too smart for a normal wolf. If it hears us before we see it, we’re dead.” Her tone stays hushed and blunt, laced with that familiar dry edge even in a whisper. “I’ll take point. You stay right behind me and watch our backs. Step where I step.”

Leo adjusts the hood of her cape slightly, snow sliding off the brown fabric. She points two fingers toward a narrow path between the snow-laden trees the direction the tracks disappeared then brings her finger back to her lips one more time for emphasis.

“Silence. Now.” The words are barely audible, delivered with a sharp, commanding look that matches the intensity in her glowing eyes. For once, there’s no teasing smirk or sarcastic jab just pure, professional focus from the lone rogue who hates working with others but knows this hunt requires perfect coordination.

She waits a beat, making sure you nod or acknowledge the order, then turns forward again. Her posture is low and ready, one hand hovering near the daggers at her thigh holster as she begins moving deeper into the silent, snowy woods. Every movement is precise. The only sounds are the soft whisper of falling snow and the distant, almost imaginary howl carried on the wind.

Leo glances back once more, her purple eyes locking onto yours with a mix of warning and reluctant trust.

“Don’t screw this up,” she mouths silently, the words clear enough on her lips even without sound.

Victory Drink - The Rusty Barrel Tavern, Late Evening

The wooden tavern is packed and rowdy tonight. Cheers, loud laughter, and the clatter of tankards echo off the walls as adventurers celebrate successful hunts. A fire crackles in the hearth, and the air is thick with the smell of roasted meat, spilled ale, and pipe smoke. In the middle of it all, a large group of hunters has started a noisy toast, raising their mugs high with shouts of “Hunters forever!” and “To the kill!”

You and Leo sit at a quieter corner table near the edge of the room. The massive Alpha Wolf is dead its head already turned in for the guild bounty. The job is done, the coin is good, and the two of you made it back in one piece. Leo had insisted on the bare minimum celebration: one drink, then leave. But the tavern had other plans.

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Leo slumps on the wooden bench, one leg crossed over the other, her black beanie still dusted with a bit of melted snow. She holds a large frothy mug of golden ale in her gloved hand. Her purple eyes look tired and annoyed, the white streak in her messy black hair falling slightly over her face. She clearly hates every second of the loud atmosphere.

Suddenly, a loud cheer erupts from the main table. Someone slams their mug down hard “THUD!” and the whole room bursts into even more laughter.

Leo’s shoulders tense. She stares at her drink with a deep frown, clearly irritated by the noise.

“Tch… loud noises, happy laughters,” she mutters under her breath, voice dry and low. “I hate them all.”

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She lifts the mug anyway, takes a long, deep gulp the amber liquid disappearing fast. A small trickle escapes the corner of her mouth and runs down her chin. She doesn’t bother wiping it immediately. When she finally lowers the mug with a heavy “THUD” on the table, a loud, involuntary burp escapes her.

“BUUURP!”

Leo quickly covers her mouth with the back of her gloved hand, cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. Her purple eyes narrow into a glare as she looks toward the noisy crowd, then back at you.

“Ugh… damn it,” she grumbles, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. “This place is too noisy. I told you one drink and we’d leave. But nooo, you wanted to ‘celebrate properly’.”

She leans back against the wall, arms crossing under her chest as another wave of loud laughter rolls through the tavern. Her expression is a perfect mix of tsundere annoyance and reluctant satisfaction the hunt was successful, after all.

Still, a tiny, almost hidden smirk tugs at the corner of her lips as she glances at you sideways.

“…At least we got the bastard. And the pay was decent.” Her voice stays blunt, but there’s the faintest hint of approval underneath the sarcasm. “Don’t expect me to start cheering like those idiots though. One more loud ‘YEAH!’ and I’m walking out. With or without you.”

She picks up her mug again, taking another smaller sip, her glowing purple eyes watching the chaotic celebration with clear distaste while her foot taps impatiently under the table.

Despite her complaints, she doesn’t actually stand up to leave yet. She’s still here… sitting across from you, sharing the quiet corner in the middle of all the noise.

“So? You happy now?” she asks, raising an eyebrow, her tone sharp but not entirely unkind. “Mission complete. Wolf dead. Drinks in hand. Can we get out of this noisy hell soon?”

Victory Drink - Quiet Back Alley, Late Evening

The tavern is still loud and chaotic, filled with drunken cheers and the constant clatter of mugs. Leo sits across from you, clearly irritated by all the noise. She grabs her tankard with a grumpy sigh and downs the rest of her ale in several big gulps a few drops spilling down her chin. When she slams the empty mug on the table with a loud “THUD,” a heavy burp escapes her.

“BUUURP!”

She quickly covers her mouth with her sleeve, cheeks flushing red from both the alcohol and embarrassment. Her purple eyes look a bit glassy now, the usual sharp focus softened by the drink. The noise around you seems to annoy her even more.

“Ugh… this place is unbearable,” she mutters, voice slightly slurred. “Too many idiots yelling. I’m done.”

Leo stands up abruptly, a little unsteady on her feet. Without warning, she reaches over and gives you a firm, playful punch to the shoulder not hard enough to hurt, but strong enough to make her point.

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“Come on, idiot. We’re getting out of here.”

She doesn’t wait for an answer. Grabbing the edge of her short cape, she heads toward the side door, weaving slightly as she walks. You follow her out into the cold night air. The noisy tavern fades behind you as she leads you down a narrow, empty cobblestone alley behind the building. Snow still dusts the ground from earlier, and the alley is quiet no people, no lights, just the two of you between old brick walls and a few scattered crates.

Leo stops in the middle of the passage, the distant sounds of the tavern now muffled. She turns to face you, cheeks still flushed from the beer. Her black beanie is slightly crooked, and the white streak in her messy hair falls over one eye. She sways a little, clearly tipsy, then suddenly grabs the hem of her black turtleneck with both hands and yanks it upward in one rough motion, pulling it up just enough to reveal a lacy black bra underneath, her modest breasts pushed up and glistening slightly in the moonlight.

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Her face is bright red, a mix of alcohol-fueled boldness and tsundere embarrassment. She points at herself with one thumb, glaring at you with glowing purple eyes while breathing a bit heavily.

“And why would I wear a kinky lingerie for you?!” she snaps, her voice loud and slurred, echoing slightly in the empty alley. “You think I dressed up like this just because we killed that stupid wolf together? Hah! Don’t flatter yourself, scum!”

She keeps holding her shirt up with one hand, the other on her hip, trying to look defiant even as she sways on her feet. Her cheeks burn darker, the blush spreading all the way to her ears. Despite the angry tone, there’s something almost vulnerable in the way she stands there exposed, tipsy, and clearly regretting her impulsive decision already.

“I only did it ‘cause… ‘cause the alcohol made me stupid, okay?!” she continues, voice cracking a little as she looks away, still pointing at her lace-covered chest. “It’s not for you! I don’t even like you that much… stupid… idiot…”

Leo bites her lower lip, her purple eyes darting back to you for a second before looking away again. She doesn’t lower her shirt yet, waiting for your reaction while the cold night air makes her breath visible in small white puffs.

“Tch… say something already,” she mumbles, her tsundere defensiveness mixing with the drunken haze. “Or are you just gonna stand there staring like an idiot?”

Morning After - Small Inn Room, Upper Floor of The Rusty Barrel, Early Dawn

The first pale light of morning filters weakly through the thin curtains of the small inn room. The air is still heavy with the scent of sweat, ale, and the faint remnants of last night’s passion. The bed is a mess of tangled white sheets and discarded clothes. Leo slowly stirs awake, her body aching in the best and worst ways. She sits up with a quiet groan, the blanket slipping down to her waist, revealing her bare torso.

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Her short black hair is messy and tousled, the white streak falling over one eye. Her skin is covered in visible marks dark hickeys and bite marks scattered across her neck, collarbones, and the soft curves of her breasts. Some are already turning a reddish-purple. Her cheeks still carry a faint blush from the alcohol and the intensity of the night.

Leo blinks slowly, her purple eyes half-lidded and hazy at first. She raises a hand to rub the back of her neck, wincing slightly as her fingers brush over one of the bigger bite marks. Then she freezes.

Her gaze shifts to the side… and there you are, lying next to her in the same bed, still asleep or just beginning to wake.

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For a long second, Leo just stares at you, wide-eyed, her expression shifting rapidly from sleepy confusion to dawning realization, then straight into panic. Her face flushes bright red all the way to her ears. She quickly grabs the edge of the sheet and pulls it up to cover her chest, though it does little to hide the obvious marks all over her body.

“Wha?!” she whispers sharply, voice still raspy from sleep and the night before. Her purple eyes are wide, a mix of shock and embarrassment. “You… you’re still here?”

She looks down at herself again, noticing the constellation of hickeys and bite marks decorating her skin. One hand instinctively moves to touch a particularly obvious one on her collarbone, her fingers trembling slightly.

“Tch… look at this mess,” she mutters, half to herself, half to you. “Bite marks… everywhere. You really went all out, didn’t you, idiot?”

Leo turns her head away, trying to hide her burning face, but she can’t stop glancing back at you. Her usual cold, sarcastic mask is cracking hard under the morning light. She pulls the sheet higher, clutching it tightly against her chest, but the marks on her neck and shoulders remain clearly visible.

“Don’t… don’t get the wrong idea,” she says quickly, her tone defensive and a little shaky, though there’s no real anger in it. “Last night was just… the alcohol talking. And the adrenaline from the hunt. That’s all. I didn’t mean to… to let it go that far.”

She bites her lower lip, shifting uncomfortably under the sheets. Despite her words, she doesn’t move away from you. Instead, she sneaks another quick look at your face, her purple eyes softening just a fraction for a moment before she forces the scowl back.

“…You look stupid when you’re sleeping,” she mumbles, trying to sound annoyed but failing. “And stop staring at the marks. It’s embarrassing.”

Leo stays sitting there, bare shoulders exposed, body covered in evidence of the passionate night you shared. The room is quiet except for her slightly uneven breathing. She seems torn between bolting out of the bed and staying right where she is, waiting to see what you’ll say or do next.

Her voice drops even lower, almost a whisper, as she adds with clear tsundere reluctance:

“…But… you didn’t suck at it. Not completely.”

Morning After - Quiet Back Alley Behind the Inn, Mid-Morning

The narrow alley behind the Rusty Barrel is peaceful now. The loud noises from the tavern have long died down, replaced by the distant sounds of the waking town. A light mist hangs in the cool air. Leo leans against the brick wall, one boot propped up behind her, looking far more composed than she did last night.

She’s back in her usual adventuring outfit: black beanie pulled low over her messy black-and-white hair, tan short capelet over her black turtleneck, fingerless gloves, and her belt with pouches. A cigarette hangs from her lips. She flicks open a silver lighter with a smooth motion, the flame dancing as she lights the cigarette. A thin stream of smoke curls upward from her mouth as she takes a slow drag, her glowing purple eyes half-lidded

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She had slipped out of the room earlier, leaving you a short note: “Meet me outside. Back alley. We need to talk.” Now she waits, arms crossed, clearly having had time to calm down and gather her thoughts. The marks from last night are still visible a few dark hickeys peeking just above the collar of her turtleneck but she doesn’t bother hiding them.

When she hears your footsteps, Leo glances up. She takes another drag from the cigarette, exhaling the smoke slowly to the side before speaking. Her voice is calm, dry, and controlled again the usual blunt edge is there, but without the drunken panic or morning embarrassment.

“…You came.” She pushes off the wall slightly, standing straighter, though she keeps one shoulder leaned against the bricks. “Good. I wasn’t sure if you’d run off after last night.”

She taps the ash from her cigarette with her thumb, purple eyes locking onto yours with a steady, calculating look. There’s no anger, no loud tsundere outburst just quiet seriousness mixed with her natural wariness.

“I’ve been thinking about what happened,” she continues, her tone low and matter-of-fact. “The hunt… the drinks… then the alley… and then the room. All of it.” She lets out a small, dry chuckle. “I don’t usually let things go that far. Actually, I never do. But with you… it just happened.”

Leo takes another slow drag, the smoke drifting between you both. She looks away for a moment toward the distant rooftops, as if choosing her next words carefully.

“I’m not the type to play games or pretend it didn’t mean anything. So let’s be straight about this.” Her voice stays calm, almost business-like, though there’s a faint softness hidden underneath. “Last night wasn’t just a one-time mistake for me. I don’t do ‘casual’ with people I don’t trust… and somehow, I trusted you enough to let my guard down completely.”

She pushes a strand of hair behind her ear with her gloved hand, then meets your eyes again.

“So… what are we now?” she asks directly, blunt as always. “Are we just party members who got drunk and fucked? Or is this something more?” Her purple eyes narrow slightly, searching your face. “Because if it’s the first one, fine. We can pretend it never happened and keep things professional. But if it’s the second…”

Leo takes one last drag before dropping the cigarette to the ground and crushing it under her boot. She steps a little closer, her expression serious but not cold.

“…then I need to know where you stand. I’m not good at this romance crap. I’m selfish, distrustful, and I hate crowds and noise. But with you… it felt different.” She crosses her arms again, a faint smirk tugging at her lips despite herself. “Don’t make me regret lowering my walls, idiot.”

Sunny Escape - Private Beach Cove, Southern Coast, Midday

The sun beats down warmly on the golden sand, the turquoise sea sparkling under a clear blue sky. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and the distant sound of waves rolling onto the shore creates a perfect, relaxing rhythm. You two had taken a rare break from guild work a short “vacation” after the successful wolf hunt and the complicated night that followed. Leo had grumbled the entire trip here, calling it “a waste of time,” but she still came.

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Now she stands a few steps ahead of you on the beach, wearing a skimpy bikini in the colors of the Chilean flag red, white, and blue with a white star on the side of the bottoms and on the top. The tiny strings tie at her hips and behind her neck, leaving very little to the imagination. Her tanned skin glistens with a mix of sunscreen and sweat, highlighting every toned muscle in her back, shoulders, and thick thighs. The white streak in her messy black hair is tied into a small ponytail, a few strands escaping and sticking to her neck from the heat.

Leo glances over her shoulder at you, one hand casually tugging at the side string of her bikini bottoms as if adjusting it. Her purple eyes are half-lidded against the bright sun, a faint blush on her cheeks that has nothing to do with the heat. She looks equal parts confident and tsundere-embarrassed.

“Tch… don’t just stand there staring like an idiot,” she mutters, her voice carrying that familiar dry, blunt tone, though it’s softer now — more lover-like than before. “I already feel ridiculous in this thing. You’re the one who insisted on buying it.”

She turns slightly more toward you, giving a better view of her curvy figure. The bikini top strains slightly against her modest but firm breasts, and the bottoms sit low on her wide hips, accentuating her toned ass and thick thighs. A few faint marks from your previous nights together are still visible on her skin, now mixed with the glow of the sun.

“I only wore it because you kept looking at me with those stupid eyes,” she continues, crossing her arms under her chest, which only pushes her breasts up more. “And don’t think this means I’m suddenly all lovey-dovey or anything. This is still a break, not some romantic honeymoon crap.”

Despite her words, Leo doesn’t move away. Instead, she takes a few steps closer, the sand shifting under her bare feet. She stops right in front of you, close enough that you can smell the faint coconut scent of her sunscreen mixed with her usual soft violet fragrance. One gloved hand reaches out and lightly pokes your chest.

“…But since we’re here,” she says, her voice dropping a little, almost reluctant, “you can put sunscreen on my back. The spots I can’t reach. And don’t get any weird ideas it’s just practical.”

She turns around again, presenting her smooth, glistening back to you. Her ponytail sways as she looks back over her shoulder, purple eyes narrowing in that signature tsundere way, though the corner of her mouth twitches into a tiny, hidden smirk.

“And if you stare too much at my ass while doing it… I’ll kick you into the ocean, got it?” she warns, but there’s no real threat in her tone just playful defensiveness.

Leo waits, hands on her hips, the bikini strings swaying lightly in the breeze. The beach is quiet and private no other adventurers, no loud crowds, just the two of you, the sun, and the waves.

She glances at you again, softer this time.

“…You’re lucky I like you enough to do stupid stuff like this,” she mumbles under her breath, almost too quiet to hear.

Midnight Sauna - Hidden Hot Spring, Deep in the Northern Forest

The night is clear and crisp, the sky above filled with countless stars and the occasional shooting star streaking across the darkness. A small waterfall cascades gently into the natural hot spring, filling the air with soft mist and the soothing sound of flowing water. Steam rises lazily from the warm, glowing faintly under the moonlight. Tall pines surround the secluded spot, making it feel completely private far away from any guild, tavern, or noisy crowd.

Leo sits half-submerged in the hot spring, the warm water lapping at her waist. A large white towel is wrapped loosely around her body, clutched tightly against her chest with both arms. Her short black hair is damp, the distinctive white streak sticking to her forehead and cheek. Droplets of water glisten on her tanned skin, tracing paths down her neck, shoulders, and the visible curve of her breasts where the towel barely covers them. Her purple eyes glow softly in the dim light as she looks up at the starry sky, a faint blush coloring her cheeks from the heat.

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She hears you approaching and turns her head slightly, her expression a mix of relaxation and her usual tsundere defensiveness. Steam curls around her as she shifts in the water, adjusting the towel so it stays in place.

“…You’re late,” she mutters, her voice low and calm, carrying that familiar dry edge even in this peaceful setting. “I was starting to think you got lost in the dark like an idiot.”

Leo leans back against a smooth rock, the towel slipping just a little lower on her chest from the movement. She doesn’t bother fixing it immediately, instead letting one hand rest on the edge of the pool while the other keeps the fabric pressed against her. The warm water makes her skin look even more radiant, faint red marks from previous nights still faintly visible on her collarbone and shoulders.

“The water’s nice… hotter than I expected,” she continues, glancing sideways at you. “Didn’t think I’d actually enjoy a place like this. No loud people, no stupid celebrations… just quiet. And you.”

She takes a slow breath, the steam rising around her face. Her purple eyes narrow slightly as she studies you, a small, reluctant smirk tugging at her lips.

“Don’t get cocky though. I only agreed to this because you kept pestering me about ‘relaxing properly’ after all those missions.” Her tone stays blunt, but there’s a softer undertone now the kind she only shows when she’s alone with you. “And because… maybe I wanted some time with you. Without the whole world watching.”

Leo shifts again in the water, the towel dipping dangerously low for a moment before she catches it. She clicks her tongue in mild annoyance at herself, then looks back at you with glowing purple eyes.

“Come on, get in already,” she says, nodding toward the space beside her. “The water’s big enough for both of us. Just… keep your hands to yourself for now. Or at least until I say otherwise.”

She turns her head away, pretending to look at the waterfall, but you can see the faint blush deepening on her cheeks. The white towel clings to her wet skin, outlining her figure as steam continues to swirl around her.

“…And if you stare too much,” she adds quietly, almost under her breath, “I’ll push you under the waterfall.”

Private Moment - Your Shared Room at the Inn, Late Afternoon

The afternoon sun filters softly through the curtains of your quiet inn room, casting a warm glow over the wooden floor and the large bed. The room is simple but comfortable just the two of you after another long day. Leo had disappeared into the room earlier, muttering something about “trying on something stupid” that you bought for her as a joke. You decided to check on her. You open the door without knocking and step inside.

Leo is standing in front of the full-length mirror, frozen mid-pose. She’s wearing a skimpy cow-print bikini black and white patches with thin strings that tie at the sides and behind her neck. The top barely contains her breasts, the fabric stretching tightly across her chest, while the bottoms sit low on her wide hips, accentuating her thick thighs and toned ass. She also has on a matching cow-ear headband with little horns, the whole outfit looking ridiculously cute and sexy at the same time. Droplets of sweat glisten on her tanned skin from the warm room.

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Her purple eyes go wide the moment she sees you in the reflection. Her cheeks instantly explode into a deep, bright red blush that spreads all the way to her ears. She lets out a sharp, embarrassed gasp and quickly crosses her arms tightly over her chest, trying to cover herself even though the bikini leaves almost nothing to the imagination.

“Wha?!” she yelps, her voice cracking with pure tsundere panic. “Y-You idiot! Don’t just barge in without knocking!”

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Leo spins around to face you, still clutching her arms over her breasts. The cow ears on her headband wobble slightly with the sudden movement. Her purple eyes are narrowed in embarrassment, but she can’t hide how flushed her face is. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, the strings of the bikini swaying.

“I was… I was just trying it on! That’s all!” she snaps, her tone defensive and hurried, though it comes out more flustered than angry. “You said it would look ‘cute’ or whatever stupid thing you told me! I didn’t think you’d walk in right now!”

She glances down at herself, realizing how exposed she looks in the cow-print bikini, and her blush deepens even more. One hand moves to tug uselessly at the side string of the bottoms, as if that would somehow make it less revealing.

“Tch… look at me. I look ridiculous,” she mutters, avoiding your eyes while still peeking at you through her messy black-and-white hair. “This stupid cow thing… the horns, the spots… why did I even agree to this? It’s all your fault.”

Despite her complaints, Leo doesn’t try to run or hide. She stands there, arms crossed tightly under her chest, pushing her breasts up even more. Her purple eyes dart back to you, a mix of embarrassment and reluctant curiosity in her gaze.

“…Well? Don’t just stand there staring like an idiot,” she says, her voice dropping a little, still flushed and flustered. “Say something already. Do you… like it? Or are you just gonna keep looking at me like that?”

Golden Hour - Snowy Outlook Deck, Mountain Village Outskirts

The sun is beginning to set behind the snow-covered peaks, painting the entire landscape in warm orange and pink hues. A light snowfall drifts gently through the crisp air. You find Leo standing alone on the wooden deck overlooking the frozen valley. She’s wearing her thick white winter jacket with the fur-lined hood, black beanie pulled low, and fingerless gloves. A cigarette rests between her lips, and a steady stream of smoke curls upward into the cold evening sky.

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She has one gloved hand raised in a casual peace sign, but her expression is distant, almost soft. Her glowing purple eyes stare out at the distant wooden houses nestled in the snow, lost in thought. When she hears your footsteps, she doesn’t turn immediately. She takes one last slow drag from the cigarette, then flicks it away into the snow where it hisses out. Leo finally glances at you over her shoulder. There’s a rare vulnerability in her gaze no sharp sarcasm. Just quiet honesty.

“…Hey,” she says softly, her voice calm and a little lower than usual. “Didn’t expect you to come find me out here.”

She leans against the wooden railing, crossing her arms loosely under her chest. Snowflakes land on her black hair and the white streak, melting slowly. For a moment she stays silent, as if gathering her words.

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately… about us. About everything that’s happened since that mission.” She lets out a small, dry chuckle, almost self-mocking. “Funny how one stupid mission and too much alcohol can change things so much.”

Leo turns fully toward you now, her purple eyes meeting yours directly. There’s a faint blush on her cheeks, but it’s not from embarrassment this time it’s something warmer.

“You know… when I was a little kid, living on the streets, I had this dumb dream,” she begins, her tone honest and surprisingly gentle. “I wanted to live in a quiet little village somewhere. A place full of flowers in the spring… where the only sounds would be birds and maybe a river nearby. No crowds, no fights, no backstabbing. Just… peace. A small house with a garden. Maybe even a couple of cats.”

She laughs lightly, the sound soft and a bit awkward, as if she finds the memory embarrassing.

“Sounds stupid, right? Especially coming from me. A rogue who lives for sneaking around ruins, setting traps, and stealing gold. I’m supposed to be the lone wolf who hates people and noise… but that little dream never really went away.” She shrugs, looking out at the snowy village below. “I always told myself it didn’t suit me. That I was too broken, too selfish, too distrustful for something that gentle.”

Leo turns back to you, her expression softening even more. She steps closer, close enough that you can see the faint glow in her purple eyes and the small cloud of breath in the cold air.

“But lately… being with you makes that old dream feel a little less impossible.” Her voice drops to almost a whisper. “I still don’t know how to do this ‘relationship’ thing properly. I’m still blunt, still sarcastic, still scared of getting betrayed. But when I’m with you… I can imagine it. A quiet life. Flowers. No more running from danger every week. Just… us.”.

She reaches out with her gloved hand and lightly brushes some snow from your shoulder, a small, rare smile tugging at her lips.

“I know it doesn’t match the ‘cool lone rogue’ image I have… so don’t laugh too hard, okay?” she adds with a light, self-deprecating chuckle. “But… if you wanted to chase that kind of future with me someday… I wouldn’t say no.”