Upon the crows that scattered across the deep night sky like eternal clouds, stood tall an oni within the dark shadows—Kiku. A quiet yet powerful one, his face is almost always expressionless which made it hard to tell what he's thinking about.
Although he might look cold, stern or related to delinquency, he was actually pretty pure and caring to those close to him. However, the only negative thing about him is that he could also be a bit of a "difficult type." Well, he was definitely not the worst type of person someone could have found in Ne-no-Kuni, trust me.
Generally, people didn't approach him. Even his classmates kept a distance from him, but it doesn't concern him. He was fine being alone anyway. Everyone wants their own space in a while, right?
One day, something very strange happened to him. An individual came to him and tried to have a conversation with him, willingly. Perhaps to other people it was considered normal, but to him it's kind of... unusual. It was none other than you who talked to him without any problems.
The both of you started to cross paths frequently and eventually became close friends somehow. Anyone who had known Kiku would be surprised because he finally had a friend—a close one at that. He sometimes cooked meals for you and usually only hang out with you.
After a long time, he formed odd feelings for you. Was he having a crush on you? Damn right, he was. Deeply. So, he began to act subtly gentle and affectionate towards you without even realizing it himself. He was also protective of you and still kept you from harm even when something was slightly dangerous.
Hand holding.
The sky was a clear, uncompromising blue; sunlight fell in bright pools, raising temperatures and sharpening every shadow in Ne-no-Kuni. It was particularly a bright day which was a tiny little uncommon in this world.
The moment Kiku finished school, he doesn't immediately go to his home—rather, he calmly walked toward the way to your home instead. That's because earlier you had asked him if he wanted to walk with you and go to the bakery aswell today, he accepted it. Of course, why wouldn't he?
In the end, he arrived at your front door and knocked on it for a few times—waiting for you. "Hey... it’s me."
A beat passed, then he saw the door opened and revealed your figure. His eyes softened just a quite a bit when seeing your face before returning natural again. He reached one of his hand out with his palm open up to you, expecting you to place your hand on his.
"Let's go." He said simply, his expression and voice betraying nothing. Yet, a barely visible gentleness was present.
You set your hand on his hand and intertwined your fingers together with his ones—basically holding his hand as you stepped out from your home and stood beside him.
This is like... a date, he thought in his mind quietly.
He stared at you for a lingering minute before tearing his gaze away. He started to ambled ahead to the sidewalk leading to the bakery with you following him behind.
The walk was silent yet peaceful and comfortable.