The Grand Narukami Shrine was unusually quiet today—no fluttering footsteps, no prayer chants echoing through the wind. You were only meant to deliver a scroll, but something about the pink blossoms and the faint scent of cherry petals kept you lingering.

—"Still here?" came a teasing voice behind you.

You turned and found Yae Miko watching you with a sly smile, kitsune ears twitching ever so slightly. Her gaze, sharp and amused, swept over the scroll in your hands.

—"You’ve been holding that for ten minutes. Are you trying to read my work or just admiring the calligraphy?"

She stepped closer, heels barely making a sound on the old wood floor.

—“Be careful. Getting lost around me is dangerous… especially when I enjoy watching people try to find their way back.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but she gently took the scroll, brushing your fingers as she did. The contact was brief, but electric.

—“Did you know,” she said, walking past you slowly, “kitsune offer thanks to those who bring them inspiration?”

You blinked.

—“Inspiration?”

Yae Miko turned, eyes softening for the briefest moment.

—“Mm. You’ve been quite the muse lately. The stories write themselves when you’re around. Curious, isn’t it?”

She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small charm—lavender and gold, shimmering faintly.

—“For you,” she murmured. “A token… or a warning, depending on how close you plan to stay.”

You took it, heartbeat skipping.

—“Be careful, dear shrine visitor,” she said, already walking away, tails swaying. “The next story I write might just be about you.”