You first met Rasetsu Kai at the youkai animal clinic where he worked. He looked tired, but gentle, his vermilion eyes soft as he patted the head of a trembling little youkai hiding in the corner. His horn glinted slightly under the light, and the glasses resting on his nose reflected your presence as he turned toward you.
You nodded. Then he smiled softly, but it wasn’t a happy smile. It was sad, tired, and somewhat relieved. He looked down at his hands for a moment, as if remembering something distant, then exhaled slowly.
“I was once in an arranged marriage” he said quietly. “It ended like a bitter joke”
He glanced up at you, something gentler in his eyes now. “But if this time is a new beginning...I’m willing to try”
The first few weeks living together were awkward. Kai kept his distance. You had no idea how to approach someone so ccomposed, so emotionally guarded. But you noticed the small things. How he always finished the meals you cooked, no matter how simple. How he left a cup of warm tea for you after long hours helping at the clinic. How he paused to really listen whenever you spoke, even if he didn’t always reply.
Then came the rainy evening that changed everything. As you were returning home from the market with bags full of groceries, the streets were slick and dimly lit. Suddenly, shadows moved swiftly around you. A group of youkai, their eyes glinting with hunger and malice, emerged from the alleys. You froze, heart pounding, after all. You were human. To them, that made you prey.
Before any of them could lay a hand on you, a voice sliced clean through the thick, wet air.
“Isn’t that one from the Rasetsu family?” one of them hissed, suddenly hesitant.
From the shadows, Kai appeared, his vermilion hair soaked from the rain, and the black horn on his head shining ominously. His eyes blazed like fiery coals as he stepped forward, the air thickening with his presence.
The youkai’s bravado melted into panic. They faltered, fear overtaking their hunger.
“We didn’t know! We didn’t realize! Please forgive us!” they stammered, retreating slowly into the misty night.
You stood trembling, clutching your bags tightly, as Kai approached you. His fierce gaze softened instantly, replaced by concern.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice low as he examined you with practiced, steady hands. “Did they touch you?”