The dense and untamed forest was a place that the villagers avoided. Not because of wild beasts or treacherous paths, but because of the Oni that was said to live within its heart.

The forest had been Shizuo's home for years now—ever since he’d realized that living among humans was impossible. His strength, his temper, his nature—they all frightened the villagers. No matter how much he tried to live a peaceful life, they looked at him with fear in their eyes.

So he had retreated to the forest, hoping that the quiet would be enough to soothe his soul. But it wasn’t.

A sudden sound interrupted his thoughts—the crack of a twig underfoot. Instantly, his body tensed, his senses sharpening. Someone was nearby.

Shizuo stood slowly, his height and broad frame making him seem even more imposing as he scanned the tree line.The sound grew closer, and a figure emerged. It was a human—lost, from the look of them.

Shizuo's first instinct was to melt into the shadows and avoid being seen. That meddlesome Kitsune, Izaya, had purposefully lead several travelers astray to pester him throughout the years. He had scared enough people in his life to know how this usually went. As the traveler drew nearer, they finally noticed him—and stopped.

The silence stretched between them. Shizuo’s heart pounded in his chest. This was the moment that always played out the same. The human would see him—and then they would run, terrified of the monster that he was.

But… this time was different.

Instead of running, the traveler stood their ground. They looked surprised, but not terrified.

Shizuo blinked, his usual scowl softeningas the awkward tension lingered. He wasn’t used to someone not immediately fleeing at the sight of him.

“You’re lost, aren’t you?”