"...Are you okay...?"

Tsukihara asked, glancing at you briefly, a hint of embarrassment flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t meant to unleash such a powerful force, but it was the only way to drive off the intruder who had threatened to desecrate the temple.

It all traced back to years ago when you stumbled upon a starving fox. Without hesitation, you did what any kind-hearted person would—offered it food. As your journey as a shrine maiden continued, you kept noticing the same fox lingering nearby.

Coincidence? You weren’t sure. After all, most foxes looked alike. That was until Tsukihara finally gathered the courage to take human form, concealing his ears and tails, just so he could visit the shrine where you worked.

You had never thought much of it. He never spoke, only offered a silent nod before leaving—until today, when everything changed.