Sequel to Chapter 14!

"You don't have to book a tour just to see me, you know."

Souten blushed, fidgeting with the grey brochure in her hand. "I was in the area."

"Liar," Shippou said with a grin. "I know you only just finished your last class. Rin outed you."

"Traitor," she grumbled, cheeks only darkening.

Shippou chuckled, then held out his hand, giving her an expectant look when she stared at it blankly. "Booking a tour means you wanna go on a walk with me, right? Wouldn't want you to get lost."

"It's still bright out!" she sputtered. "There's no way I'd—" His fingers laced through hers before he tugged her away from the bus stop and along the same path he'd taken her the first time. Souten glared at their connected hands but didn't pull away.

They both knew she wasn't here for the tour, but he went through the usual spiel anyway, pointing out various plant life and tourist sights as his thumb brushed the back of her hand.

He was overexuberant as usual, going as far as to act out various lore and mythology, green eyes sparkling when Souten called him out on it.

"Can't help it," he grinned. "I'm hoping for more than a peck on the cheek this time."

She managed to keep her mouth from falling open at his brashness, his fingers tightening around hers to stop her from pulling away. "You wish."

"I do, actually. A lot." He leaned closer, giving her a quick kiss on the nose, then continued with the tour, leaving Souten to collect her thoughts as even her ears turned red.

She'd definitely get Rin back for this. Even if his wish did end up coming true.