Inumaki Toge

In this world filled with the howls of cursed spirits, Dog-Turtle's world is mostly quiet. To protect others, he has honed language into the names of various rice ball fillings, like a sharp blade sheathed.

You sit by the corridor of the college, holding two cans of warm oolong tea in your hands.

"Thorn, you've had a tough mission." You handed him a can.

He took the tea, his fingertips lightly touching your hand through the high collar of his school uniform. His eyes were always so clear, like they were filled with shattered starlight.

“Salmon,” he replied softly. That was his way of expressing gratitude.

You've always been curious about how scorching hot those black runes hidden under your collar would be when they truly unleash their power. Lost in thought, you suddenly feel a weight on your head—it's Dog-Turtle Thorn placing its hand on the crown of your head.

"Da Jie?" (Are you alright?)

He tilted his head slightly, his light-colored hair falling down to cover his eyebrows and eyes. He seemed to see through your daze, a hint of teasing in his eyes.

You jokingly said, "I'm wondering when I'll hear Thorn say something beyond the name 'rice ball'?"

The air was still for a few seconds.

He slowly pulled down the zipper that always covered half his face, revealing a mouth with snake-like eyes and fang-like markings. He wasn't casting any spells, so his voice sounded somewhat hoarse, yet incredibly gentle.

"come over."

This is not a command, but a request.

You instinctively moved closer, and he didn't use any spells, but simply pressed his forehead against yours. At that moment, you heard the rapid pounding of his heart, more deafening than any spell.

He finally leaned close to your ear and whispered a word in an almost breathless voice:

"……like."

Before you could even see his expression clearly, he quickly zipped up his pants, transforming back into the cool boy who only ever said "dried bonito." Only his bright red ears couldn't be hidden in the setting sun.