Chapter 33: Chance Encounter
Tohru smiled brightly, her whole face glowing with cheerful energy, the tiny fang peeking from her lips adding to her mischievous charm. Her long golden hair bounced with her every movement, and her tail swayed slightly behind her as she spoke. "Kanna really likes you, you know."
Huh?
Likes me?
Kouya blinked in disbelief and slowly lowered his gaze.
The blue-eyed young dragon, Kanna, stood there quietly, tilting her small head upward. Her large sky-colored eyes reflected the soft glow of the late afternoon light. She was completely still, staring at him with such focus that it almost felt like she was trying to read his thoughts.
After double and triple checking, Kouya confirmed that there wasn't even a single hint of affection in that gaze. None. Not even the faintest blush. Just blank curiosity and a sprinkle of childlike innocence.
"To be honest," said Tohru, folding her arms, "Kanna doesn't get close to strangers easily." Her tone carried a mix of pride and curiosity as her dragon horns gleamed faintly under the light. "She only approaches those she truly acknowledges. These days, aside from me and Miss Kobayashi, you're the only human she's ever taken an interest in."
Kouya rubbed his neck awkwardly. Sorry, but even if you say that like it's an honor, I can't feel the slightest bit proud about it.
"Alright then," Tohru said, brushing her hands together. "Let's head back. The stew's still simmering—I can't leave it unattended for too long."
"..."
Kobayashi's apartment was small but cozy, a clear reflection of its owner. A single couch sat facing a small wooden table, and a TV cabinet rested against the far wall. The top shelf held the television, while the lower ones were stacked with colorful books, most of which looked untouched for months. A few decorative trinkets and coffee mugs added a touch of warmth.
The TV was on, showing a popular food program. The rhythmic clatter of cooking utensils and the cheerful voice of the host filled the air, blending with the soft bubbling sound from the kitchen, where something simmered over a low flame. The savory aroma of stew drifted through the air, wrapping the room in comforting warmth.
Clearly, the maid dragon's cooking had improved again.
"Kouya, take a seat," Tohru said, gesturing toward the couch.
Kouya nodded, brushing some stray crumbs aside before sitting down. The cushions were soft—too soft—and sank slightly under his weight.
Kanna, silent as always, followed and sat beside him. Her small frame barely dented the cushion, giving the impression she might sink in completely if she moved too much. She looked like a porcelain doll misplaced in a human-sized world.
The cooking show on TV flashed scenes of colorful desserts and sizzling pans, but Kanna's attention didn't linger. Within seconds, she turned her head away, propping her chin on her hands and staring at Kouya again.
"Stare——"
Hey, seriously, what's that look for!?
You're a dragon! A descendant of ancient beings! Show some dignity! Don't look at me with those sparkly 'feed me' eyes like a pet waiting for snacks!
Kouya groaned quietly, giving up. He opened the box of cakes he had bought earlier that day. Since his financial situation had improved, he'd gone all out—six types of desserts lined up neatly inside the box: chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, lemon cheesecake tarts, strawberry rolls, matcha puffs, and tiramisu squares. The sweet aroma hit him instantly.
"Want a spoon?" he asked, lifting his eyebrows.
Kanna gave a silent shake of her head. Without warning, she opened her mouth and bit down on a lemon-glazed cake, swallowing it in one gulp.
Kouya froze. "...That's not how you eat cake."
What a waste! You're supposed to taste it, savor the texture, appreciate the balance of sweetness and acidity! Not just shove the whole thing down like some bottomless dragon pit!
Kanna licked the cream off her fingers delicately and said in her usual flat tone, "Sour and sweet."
"Use better adjectives!" Kouya muttered under his breath. "Something like 'refreshing tang' or 'delicate citrus notes.' Anything!"
The sound of keys jingled at the door around 7:30 p.m. Kouya's cousin, Miss Kobayashi, stepped inside, her hair slightly disheveled, her face showing the fatigue of a long day at work.
Before she could even raise her hand to knock, the door swung open with a click. Tohru was already there, eyes shining like stars.
"Miss Kobayashi! You've worked so hard! Welcome home!"
Her tone was so enthusiastic it practically vibrated. Behind her, her long dragon tail wagged so violently it nearly swept a slipper off the floor. If not for her horns, Kouya would've mistaken her for an excited golden retriever.
"I'm home," Kobayashi replied with a small, tired smile. Then she glanced toward the couch. "Oh, Kouya, you're here too."
As she spoke, Tohru bent down to fetch slippers. Her maid uniform shifted slightly with the movement, her ample chest bouncing subtly, while she beamed proudly. "Dinner's ready! Just waiting for you, Miss Kobayashi!"
"Thanks, Tohru."
"It's nothing at all! Being able to serve you fills me with happiness! Ehehe~"
That laugh again! Why does it sound like something straight out of a sketchy dating sim!?
Soon enough, dinner was served.
Perhaps due to the embarrassment from her last drunken episode, Kobayashi didn't touch alcohol tonight, replacing it with orange juice instead. The meal itself was simple but hearty—meat stew, salad, and steamed vegetables. The atmosphere felt peaceful, even homey.
During dinner, Kobayashi explained briefly, "This is Tohru's little sister, Kanna. She's staying here for the time being. That's all."
Kouya shrugged. Whatever keeps the household in order.
Still, it was obvious how close his cousin had grown to these dragons. Watching the three of them interact was oddly heartwarming.
The apartment wasn't very big, and with four people gathered at the table, space felt even tighter. Elbows occasionally brushed. Someone's tail knocked against a chair leg. But somehow, that made it cozier.
"Looks like we'll have to move soon," Kobayashi said with a sigh, sipping her juice.
Moving, of course, wasn't a simple task. It meant thinking about location, security, access to work, and costs—all those annoyingly practical details adults had to deal with.
"Need any help?" Kouya asked.
"No, it's alright," she said with a small smile. "It's mostly clothes and daily items. Once we pack, a moving company can handle the rest."
Kouya nodded in agreement. He knew better than to get involved with boxes full of women's clothing.
"Still," he said, "if you ever need help, just say the word."
"My, my," Kobayashi teased gently. "You've really grown up. Your mom used to tell me she was worried you'd spend all day inside gaming and never find a girlfriend."
She grinned, eyes narrowing playfully. "But now? Handsome, kind, and going to a girls' school? You must be drowning in attention, huh?"
Ah, if only you knew, dear cousin. I'm already famous—for all the wrong reasons.
Dinner ended in a soft hum of contentment. The sound of rain tapping faintly against the window added to the calm.
Sitting beside Kobayashi, Tohru, and Kanna, Kouya felt something unfamiliar tug at his chest. Warmth. Belonging. Maybe sharing a meal wasn't so bad after all.
After some small talk, he decided it was time to go.
Kobayashi offered to let him stay the night, but he declined politely. "I've got things to do tomorrow."
Just as he stepped outside, thunder rolled in the distance, and fat raindrops splattered against the ground.
"It's raining for real, huh," Kobayashi said, pressing a palm to her forehead. "The forecast was right after all."
"Miss Kobayashi! Leave it to me!" Tohru lifted her arm confidently. "A single breath of dragon fire can fix—"
Bonk.
"Ow! That hurt!" she yelped, crouching in the corner, doodling circles on the wall.
Expressionless, Kobayashi retracted her hand. "Kouya, maybe wait until the rain lightens up?"
"No need," Kouya said with a small smile. "Just lend me an umbrella. Looks like this one's going to last a while."
Kobayashi sighed, then fetched one for him. "Be careful. Walk slowly. Call me when you get home."
"Got it," Kouya said, taking the umbrella.
He stepped outside. The umbrella opened with a soft snap, shielding him from the downpour. The sound of the rain hitting the canopy blended with the distant hum of traffic.
He took a deep breath. The cool, rain-washed air filled his lungs. Being cared for—it felt… nice.
The streets glistened under the streetlights. Water pooled on the asphalt, reflecting the neon signs of nearby shops. Pedestrians hurried by, their umbrellas forming a colorful patchwork that dotted the gray scenery.
Kouya walked at a leisurely pace, letting the rhythmic sound of the rain steady his thoughts. Drops slid down the edges of his umbrella, the world blurring into a soft misty haze.
As he turned into a narrow side street, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Under the awning of a closed storefront, a familiar silhouette stood quietly, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her hair clung to her shoulders, damp from the wind. She looked cold, fragile—and very alone.