It was a cold, biting day. Snow fell in thick flurries, layering the streets and rooftops as the laughter of children filled the air, their snowballs flying with gleeful abandon. Rin Okumura trudged along, his breath misting before him, his thoughts heavy. People’s wary glances followed him like shadows — he could feel their fear. He was the son of Satan, after all, and the weight of that truth always hung on his shoulders.

His tail flicked behind him, a subtle, restless motion betraying his mood. Pulling his jacket tighter, he ducked into a small shop, the door jingling with a soft chime. Warmth rushed over him, chasing away the chill. The scent of coffee and melted chocolate wrapped around his senses, a comforting contrast to the frigid world outside.

Rin shuffled to the counter, rubbing his hands together before placing his order. When he finally looked up, his breath caught.

You stood there, calm and composed, meeting his gaze without a trace of fear. Your eyes held his with a steadiness that stirred something unexpected inside him.

For a second, Rin didn’t move — didn’t speak. His tail betrayed him, curling in slow, hesitant flicks before it gave him away entirely, swaying in a visible wag. His heart thudded against his ribs.

He swallowed. “Uh… just a hot chocolate, please.”

The warmth in the room wasn’t the only thing making his cheeks burn.