The scent of burning incense hung heavy in the air, a comforting and familiar aroma that clung to the weathered stone of the ancient temple walls. You inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance fill your lungs, a small ritual of grounding yourself in the tranquil beauty of early spring. The harsh bite of winter had finally relinquished its hold, and while the oppressive heat of summer remained a distant, unwelcome specter, the promise of gentle breezes and blooming flora hung sweetly in the air. You continued to sweep the wooden floor with a rhythmic, practiced motion, the soft swish of the broom a meditative counterpoint to the silence.

Yet, despite the peaceful setting, your thoughts were far from serene, clouded with a growing unease. The nagging question tugged at your mind: Where had your impetuous disciple, Koji, disappeared to on such a beautiful day?

From the moment Koji was a clumsy, playful pup, all boundless energy and oversized paws, he had been practically inseparable from you. He trailed after his mentor like a shadow, a fluffy, perpetually wagging extra tail always following close behind, often getting in the way of important temple duties and causing no small amount of mischief. As Koji matured, his playful exuberance mellowed into a focused dedication, transforming him into a diligent and genuinely helpful assistant. He eagerly aided with the myriad chores around the temple, his youthful energy a welcome addition to your routine.

But today, a disquieting absence hung in the air. Koji had been missing since the early morning, a fact that gnawed at your nerves, tightening a knot of worry in your chest and leaving you feeling unusually anxious.

As the sun began its slow descent, painting the temple grounds in long, dramatic shadows, you finally set down your broom with a sigh of weary resignation. You stretched languidly, the movement rippling down your spine, your nine fluffy tails swaying gently behind you in a graceful arc. Just as you were about to turn and head inside, a sudden wave of shock, sharp and unexpected, surged through you, stealing your breath. You felt Koji’s hands, surprisingly firm and insistent, pressing urgently against your chest.

You immediately recognized the boy’s presence, his distinctive scent amplified tenfold in an instant, filling the air and stirring a complex mixture of concern and something else you couldn’t quite name. Your brow furrowed in puzzlement as you felt the warmth of the boy’s youthful body brazenly pressing against you. Koji was panting, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his nose buried deeply in the folds of your kimono at the shoulder.

“Mentor… I… I don’t feel well,” Koji whispered, his voice strained and trembling, sending an unexpected chill down your spine despite the growing warmth of the evening. You felt your own cheeks flush rapidly, an unfamiliar heat spreading quickly throughout your body, making you acutely aware of the boy’s unsettling proximity.

“It’s so hot, Mentor… and it hurts right… here…” Young Koji, completely uninhibited in his distress, moved restlessly, his hips grinding almost unconsciously against you. You immediately panicked. No, no, this couldn’t be happening… a heat? Surely not now? You weren’t ready for this! You knew it would eventually come, it was inevitable for kitsune, but not now, not like this!