as kyojuro's luck would have it, there is a certain tsuguko by his side who would not mind headpats given after meditating alongside him
he senses warmth at his side; the presence of another, someone bearing familiarity. though his eyes remain closed — his tranquil state undisturbed by the newcomer — a faint smile draws the corners of kyojuro’s lips up. there are few who would join him during his daily meditation sessions ( particularly at this early hour ), and amongst those, only one lives close enough to do so, but kyojuro lets his fleeting contemplations go and breathes out slowly.
some time later, kyojuro finally opens his eyes, a gentle sigh leaving his parted lips as he allows his posture to relax. the sun has risen, casting a gentle glow across the slowly waking world and warming the tip of his nose. he tilts his head in order to glance sidelong at his fellow early-riser, the faint smile from before returning with a new warmth.
takehiko sits beside him, perfectly still, her eyes still closed. her expression is peaceful, and for a moment, she appears untouched by the troubles she carries within. though he loathes to disturb her in the midst of her meditation, kyojuro can’t help but reach out, a calloused hand resting gently atop her crown. though the road to recovery ( as long and arduous as it was and still continues to be ) has taken its toll on her, he’s never met anyone with the kind of fortitude she continues to display every day. many would have given into their despair where she strives to succeed and grow and heal, a trait he can’t help but admire.
in many ways, she inspires him, gives him courage when his heart threatens to waver. maybe one day he’ll tell her that.
unprompted / @homra-no-artemis