Twas the night before the big date and Shuuichi was getting restless. Monday and Tuesday nights were fine so long as he had something to either calm him down or distract him. Prayers, meditation, and bible study were in effect to get Shuuichi's mind right.

Then came the doubts. What if Touya was right? What if Shuuichi had fallen for Kiyoni's trap? What if he doesn't make it through the night? What if Kiyoni wasn't who she said she was? If this date were to fail, no one in the church would let it go and that included Father Shinobu should he find out. Shuuichi couldn't leave things to chance. He had to be sure so he sent a text:

"Kiyoni, it's me. Shuuichi."

"Oh, hey!"

"Still looking forward to tomorrow."

"So am I [grinning emoji]."

"Can I be honest?"

"Eh...you're a child of God."

"Shouldn't honesty be a requirement?"

"Fair. Kiyoni, I need you to be honest with me."

"Given what you are...are you going to kill me?"

"[Laughing emoji] on the first date? I may be a succubus but even I don't do that. When I said that I have an interest in you, I meant it. I really wanna see what you're about. If you're giving me free will, I'm sure you expect the same from me. However, I won't lie and say that I'm not having fantasies about you already."

"[Flustered emoji] I...idk what to say to that [awkward emoji]."

"It's the truth but I won't scare you. I promise [fingers crossed emoji] tomorrow is going to be strictly innocent. All about general, positive vibes. Okay?"

"Sure. I can appreciate that. Thanks. One more thing."

"[?]"

"Would it be alright if I... follow you...on social media?"

The question was followed by an awkward looking gif.

Kiyoni smiled at what she saw. Nothing wrong with gaining new followers:

"Which one?"

"Your lighthearted ones."

"Sure"

Kiyoni sent Shuuichi the links to her Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok accounts. Since Shuuichi has an Instagram account, Kiyoni sent him her link to that as well:

"I didn't ask for that one."

"I know. Considering how late it is, call it a [gift emoji]. Pleasant dreams, Shuuichi [wink and a kiss emoji]. See you tomorrow night."

Shuuichi pouted as he blushed while reading that last text. He knew Kiyoni's Instagram account was on the mature side. However, he had an Instagram account so...what was wrong with taking a peek?

Facebook was incredibly tame. Shuuichi learned of Kiyoni's birthday, zodiac sign, where she was born, and some of the things she's into. Her pictures, memes, and shared videos showed her love of dance from ballet to hip hop, times she spent at music festivals and concerts, and the times she spent in school and at home.

That raises some questions.

Shuuichi enjoyed looking at every photo, paying close attention to her body language and smile.

She has a nice smile.

A friend request was sent without a second thought.

Then came option number two. Instagram. Should he look? Should he leave it alone?

"Ohhh…! I'm sure it's not that bad." He looked.

Sure enough, Kiyoni's Instagram account was spicy. Photos and videos of her in sexy bikinis and lingerie were abundant. Shuuichi even managed to find Kiyoni in her yokai form complete with violet skin, black wings, black horns, and a tail.

So your performance was in that form. First, you had my curiosity. Now, you have my attention.

A series of videos paraded Kiyoni in tempting costumes given to her by her followers and fans from seductively-smart schoolgirls to buxom baseball players and flirtatious cheerleaders. Another video raised eyebrows among other things as it featured Kiyoni dressed as a provocative nun. A plunging neckline-dress that reached the middle of her thighs, knee-high boots, and fishnet stockings were all appealing to Shuuichi.

"Our father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name," Kiyoni spoke in an innocently seductive tone while on her knees in prayer, "Oh, Father, forgive me for I have sinned. This is my...first time making a confession."

Shuuichi cocked an eyebrow, "First time, huh?"

"Father...I've been plagued with such a strong, powerful sin...I can't...I can no longer fight it."

"Go on...my child…What sin would that be?"

Kiyoni turned up the ante, caressing herself from her shoulders downward, paying attention to her bust line, "It's the sin of lust, Father. It's so strong, I just...can't control myself. Every time I give in, I just...I want to touch myself...over and over and over again. But it's gotten worse. My touch is not enough. Father, I... I…"

Shuuichi dove deeper and deeper into Kiyoni's performance, "Yes, yes. Tell me. What troubles you?"

"I…" the video ended just as Kiyoni was going to come clean.

"FOR THE LOVE OF GO-OW!" Reality hits Shuuichi harder than the phone that fell on his face. "Okay, Touya may have a point. She might seduce me," he sighed, "Just pray for strength, just pray for strength, just pray for-" Upon sitting up, Shuuichi noticed the "mound" created underneath the covers. Cue some bedtime prayers of his own, "Our father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name…"

Meanwhile, within the sanctuary of the church, Touya honored his end of the deal by saying his prayers and Hail Mary's for his friend and brother in Christ in front the golden cross and some lit candles. Upon the sound of opening doors, Touya pressed the pause button on his plans, "Who's there?"

"Relax, brother Touya," announced a figure from within the shadows, "It's only me."

"Father Shinobu. Good evening. I was just…"

"As I've said, it's fine," Shinobu assured as he kneeled next to Touya, "Please, don't mind me."

"Actually, Father, I was just finishing up," Touya continued, "Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus…"

Shinobu studied Touya and his commitment to the faith. Pride developed within Shinobu for he took part in Touya's upbringing. He was so proud of the young man that a nefarious smirk glided across his face as he said, "I am the alpha and the Omega. The beginning and end." As if in a trance, Touya woke up in a new state of mind. His eyes glowed as icy blue as his hair and his mindset was on mission mode. "Come, Touya," Shinobu instructed, "We have work to do."

"Yes, Father," Touya followed, creating a fresh sword made out of ice. He, along with Shinobu, joined a few others waiting outside the church for what seemed to be a night of work. And Shinobu led the charge.

The next morning, Tokyo awakened to some bloody news. "Our top story this morning," a news reporter detailed, "up to ten bodies were found outside of the city last night. Police received multiple calls of corpses lying along the docks of the Sumida River with some discovered within Shin Tsukishima park. Police are not giving any details on the deceased but it has been confirmed that the dead are all members of the yokai community. Said community has been warned to remain vigilant as they walk the streets at night. Metropolitan police are scheduled to meet with yokai counselors, Raizen, Mukuro, and Yomi concerning this issue later today."

Inside her apartment, Kiyoni watched it all while sipping on some fresh morning tea, "Damn. Now we have random yokai serial killers on the run. That's just fantastic." On her phone, two text messages appeared in her notifications with one of them being from Shuuichi. Kiyoni saved that one for the other which came from Juri:

"Ready for tonight?"

"Ready as I'll ever be"

"It's not like this is my first, first date."

"Yeah but this is different. Considering…"

"Bitch, don't remind me [side eye emoji]. I'm still mad at you all for that."

"Sorry [innocent emoji]. Will you be stopping by before you go?"

"Maybe. I have until after rush hour."

"Cool. We'll see you if you do. If not, have fun ! [Hug emoji]"

"Yeah... thanks."

Kiyoni placed her phone down to look outside the window. Draped in her cookie monster onesie and matching bonnet, some of her own doubts crept through her mind.

What if he's too boring for me? What if I'm too much for him? Should I tone it down? I don't want to overwhelm him. What if he uses the time to lecture me about Christianity? That's the last thing I want to hear. What if tonight is the start of his crusade to convert me? What if that's his true intention behind tonight? I'm gonna text him.

"For the last time, I am not going to convert you. That's your choice and your choice alone. We Christians have normal lives outside of the church. You'll see. If you're not going to seduce me, then I won't try to convert you. It's as simple as that. However, I'll bring some of my sermon with me if it'll make you feel any better [smirk and winking emojis]."

"No need. I have plenty of that left, thank you. What time should we meet?"

"19:00, Shibuya. Wear something comfortable. We'll be out for a while."

"Got it. See you then."

That took care of one task. Now onto the other. "Father Shinobu," Shuuichi peeked through the door, "May I have a word with you?"

Shinobu had just finished polishing and putting away something out of sight from Shuuichi to focus on the latter, "Yes. What is it?"

"I'd like to talk to you about tonight."

"Bible study? What about it?"

"Is it possible we could move it up for today? Say...two hours earlier?"

Quizzically, Shinobu sat down at his desk, "And why are you making that request? Do you have plans tonight?"

"Actually…" Shuuichi responded awkwardly, "I do. I promised Miss Kiyoni I'd hang out with her tonight."

"Miss Kiyoni, eh? Seems she's coming around."

"Yes, she is. She finds my…ministry appealing."

"Good work. The more souls we recruit, the stronger God's army becomes. The world will be illuminated in God's light one lamp at a time. Do you agree?"

"Yes, Father. I'd like to start that with her."

"Very well. Send out the notification emails. We'll have bible study earlier than usual for today."

Shuuichi gratefully bowed to Shinobu, "Thank you, Father. I will get right on it." Score one for Minamino. With bible study out of the way, there will be absolutely nothing to distract him during his date.

"Oh...Deacon Shuuichi?"

"Yes?"

"I feel I must warn you. After last night, there may be a threat developing in the city."

"The yokai attacks. So I've heard. Don't worry. I'll make sure Kiyoni and I are safe."

"May peace be with you then."

"To you as well." As Shuuichi left, Shinobu pondered his own plans. With his brightest and most promising student out and about, said plans may change for Shinobu's benefit.

The day came and went and so did bible study. Shuuichi was so excited about tonight that he actually attended the service in street clothes to cut some preparation time. As he bolted through the door, Touya caught up with him, "Brother Shuuichi!"

Crap! "Yes, what is it, brother Touya?"

"You seem to be in a hurry. Got somewhere to be?"

"I do," Shuuichi smirked, "A date."

"A date? Oh, yeah! That date. I almost forgot about that."

"Yes. That date. Well, I can't be late. See you later."

"Yeah...see ya." Even though Touya wanted to report Shuuichi's actions to Shinobu, he couldn't as it would dishonor the friendship Touya had with Shuuichi. Didn't stop him from worrying though.

Back in her apartment, Kiyoni danced as she got ready for a night out. Juri watched via a video call for extra encouragement. "Okay," Kiyoni announced, "What do we think of this?" Presented is an orange, turtleneck maxi dress fit for winter with black knee high boots.

"Mm," Juri pondered, "I don't know about the shoes. If you're going to be going from train station to train station, that means a lot of walking is involved."

"You're right. My feet will be crying for mercy in no time." Outfit number two is a long-sleeved, black, brown, and white-striped top with black, high rise jeans.

"What are we thinking?"

"Shoes?"

"Mm...these?" A pair of black air force ones.

"Are you looking to fight," Juri joked.

"Dammit! Just what the hell can I wear?!"

"Sounds like you're nervous, Kiyoni."

"Am I that transparent?"

"At times. I thought you said this wasn't your first, first date."

"It's not...well…"

"Well…"

Kiyoni collapsed on her bed, "This is... different. It feels different."

"Maybe it's because there's no sex involved."

"Is that why?"

"Could be."

"...Could be."

No time for reflection. Kiyoni had to find an outfit and find one quickly. Outfit number three: a long-sleeved black and white-striped top, dark wash jeans, simple tennis shoes, and accessories such as a suede belt and hoop earrings.

"What do we think? Yes?"

Two thumbs, way, way up came from Juri, "Perfect. It's comfortable and fitting for the weather. Now, the hair."

"I'm taking my hair down. As thick as it is, there will be no need for earmuffs. Thanks Juri."

Aiko had entered the chat, "Is that Kiyoni? Hey, girl! Off to your big date?"

"Not like you care but yes. Tonight's the night."

"I can't wait until he sees that body of yours. He'll feel so out of place, he may want to die a virgin." Aiko didn't know that Kiyoni knew about the bet and the latter intended to keep it that way. Makes gloating that much more enjoyable.

"Laugh all you want, bitch. At least I'm gonna have some fun tonight."

"So you say. Enjoy yourself, Ikeda."

"Yeah, yeah. I hope your pussy winds up dry and your clients come in with limp dicks."

"Have fun, Kiyoni," Juri ended the call.

All that was left to do was fix Kiyoni's hair and makeup and say a quick prayer to Hathor for a pleasant date. May love be in Kiyoni's favor...even if she is out of touch with it.

At the train station in Shibuya, Shuuichi looked over a map of all of the transit routes within the city and suburbs trying to piece together the perfect trip.

Hm. We could stop by Shinjuku then head over to Ikebukuro but Roppongi is pretty fun.

A text from Kiyoni came through, "I'm here. Where are you?"

To tease Kiyoni, Shuuichi responded, "I'm not hard to miss. I'm the only one with red hair."

"Smartass [side eye emoji]." In no time, Kiyoni found Shuuichi, "There you are."

"And there you are. Wow, you look nice."

Other than her outfit of choice, Kiyoni wore an off-white designer coat and black gloves, "Well, you said to be comfortable. You look comfortable."

A dark blue, Mickey Mouse hoodie, a pair of gray jeans, tennis shoes, and a puffy orange coat were Shuuichi's ensemble for the night, "Thanks."

Kiyoni peered at the map, "So...are we going anywhere in particular?"

"I... can't say for sure. I tried to plan things out but as vast as this is…"

"Okay. Why don't we wing it then?"

"Wing it?"

"Yeah. Let's pick a random line and go from there. More adventurous that way."

"Actually...that doesn't sound like a bad idea. You choose the first line."

Kiyoni stepped up to the plate. With her eyes closed, she randomly picked a starting line, "There. Hanzomon line."

"Hanzomon line it is."

And so it started. With the first train ride going from Shibuya to Aoyama. An affluent area of the city that could easily be compared to the neighborhoods of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Times Square/Manhattan of New York City, and The Magnificent Mile of North Michigan Avenue of Chicago. Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Uniqlo, Prada, and many others took over this high-class area.

"I take it you've been here before," Shuuichi hinted as Kiyoni tugged on his arm.

"Mm. Once or twice."

"Sounds like more than twice."

"Okay, okay. I had a...couple of clients bring me here. What girl doesn't want to be spoiled every now and then? Oh, can we walk through here, please?"

"Next stop."

Shuuichi picked that one, traveling from Aoyama to Shinjuku via the Hanzomon and Shinjuku lines.

Kiyoni was curious, "Why Shinjuku?"

"Why not Shinjuku? I told you. I didn't propose this idea just to explore the city. I'm really in it for the ride. Next stop, we'll pick up something to eat."

Kiyoni agreed, "I am hungry."

From Shinjuku to Ikebukuro via the Fukutoshin line. Along the way, Shuuichi questioned Kiyoni about the things he noticed on her social media profile. "I'm not a ballerina or anything," Kiyoni admitted, "I took, like, two classes when I was a kid and quit as soon as I twisted my ankle. I respect the dance, though."

"Uh huh. And you're a summer baby?"

"Born June 17th at exactly 06:17am. Mom said that was a lucky day."

"Why is that?"

"Because I was born. Duh."

Shuuichi giggled, "Fair."

"Seriously, my mom manifested her wishes that day. According to doctors, I was about two weeks later than predicted and they were getting worried. She prayed to Taweret and Auset for my birth. Pop, here I am."

"Nice. So...your parents…?"

"What about them?"

"Well, I...eh…"

Kiyoni sighed, "You're not the first to ask. My mom is black and my dad is Japanese. They got divorced after I graduated high school."

"My condolences. How did they meet?"

"My mom was in the military and was stationed here. My hematologist dad ran blood tests on all the incoming soldiers from America and that's how they met. She's from Chicago and moved back there after the divorce. We keep in contact every now and then."

"And your father?"

"In Nagoya, where I was born. We... haven't spoken to each other in a while."

"Because of-"

"Don't push it."

"Sorry."

"What about you? What about your family?"

Shuuichi breathed as he settled in his seat, "For as long as I can remember...the church and everyone in it has been my family."

"Adopted?"

"Maybe. The memories of my childhood are fuzzy. Whatever pops up in my head could either be real or a mental trick."

"That sucks."

"Tell me about it."

"Well, what about school?"

"I did well in school, was among the brightest in the class throughout junior high and high school."

"So you were a kiss-ass."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't get me wrong. Behavior-wise, I was a saint. Grades...meh. Though, I like to believe that some of my teachers were a bit...discriminate."

"I hear that's common with…"

"Yeah, I know."

"So...if you were well-behaved in school, what led you to…?"

"I would rather not speak on that right now. We gotta be about three dates in for that."

Shuuichi laughed again, "Three?"

"Yes. Three. I'm not about to give you my life's story on the first date. Are you crazy? Do you not know how dates work?"

"Sadly, no. I'm a...a bit of a rookie in that department."

"So, you never had a girlfriend?"

"...Kinda."

"Kinda?"

"Well, there was a girl I knew who claimed me as her boyfriend. I just went along with it so as to not hurt her feelings. I regret that decision."

"Yeah. I could see why." So he is a virgin. Juri was right.

Kiyoni paid attention to Shuuichi's mannerisms as he spoke. He seemed uncomfortable when talking about his non-existent love life. That's typical for a guy like him. However, it was the behavior concerning his childhood that stood out as he appeared to be unsure, confused, and upset about it.

As Kiyoni spoke about her youthful days, it looked like Shuuichi was a bit jealous. At least Kiyoni had a childhood to speak of. Meanwhile, Shuuichi wanted to make a connection. A connection of Kiyoni's past to her present. How could someone who was so innocent and normal become a creature of lust? Were succubi born or were they made?

Ikebukuro. The sunshine city complex. A hotspot for students and salarymen. A great place to find some good deals and pick up hot items without breaking the bank which was precisely Shuuichi's idea and opposite of wherever Kiyoni wanted to go to in Aoyama. Also, it was a good break from the trains. Well, sort of. Despite the post-rush hour timeframe, as one of Tokyo's busiest stations, it was still quite crowded.

"What do you have a taste for," Shuuichi queried.

"I could go to McDonald's."

"Prefers designer things but makes time for the golden arches."

"I never said I prefer designer things."

"Could've fooled me."

"Hey. What's wrong with designer things?"

"Nothing, nothing. Just don't expect me to risk living in the poorhouse just to pay for a piece of jewelry or cloth just because it has a specific name on it. I would rather have God on my side than something like Gucci."

"Riiiight. This is coming from someone with an android."

"Galaxy Note 8 if you're wondering ."

Kiyoni's jaw dropped. She has the iPhone 9 but has her heart set on the iPhone X. Not only that but Shuuichi was team android. Team android?

This particular location of the international food chain was surrounded by multiple levels of scaffolding due to construction on the upper levels of the building. An office fight between a few yokai was the cause. Since it was positioned on the lower-level corner of a major building, the dining area took place on the building's second floor. The pair were hardly through the door by the time they got in line.

Shuuichi peeked at the menu, "Mm. Can't go wrong with the Big Mac. How about you?"

True to the brand's fashion, classic favorites such as the Big Mac, double cheeseburger, and chicken nuggets were featured at this location. Others included the teriyaki burger, the egg cheeseburger, and the filet-O-shrimp sandwich.

"I can't eat that," Kiyoni stated.

"Why? It makes you sick?"

"No. It has beef in it. I can't eat beef...or I'm taking a break from beef."

"Is that so? Is it a religious thing?"

"Something like that. See, beef is made from cattle which are the sacred animals of Hathor, the goddess of love. To consume beef is to consume or ingest the goddess into one's body. Unless I'm looking for love, I'm staying away from beef."

"That's fascinating. That's entirely new and kind of ironic to me considering how you scoffed at the idea of Communion. So, when was the last time you...ate beef?"

Since Kiyoni stood in line in front of Shuuichi, she looked behind and answered, "Too soon to answer."

"Third date?"

"...Third date."

Noted. Shuuichi looked at the menu again, replacing his original idea for a non-beef meal. It surprised Kiyoni when he ordered a teriyaki chicken meal out of respect for her religion. It seemed Shuuichi understood the laws of Ma'at better than Kiyoni did...and she was raised on them.

Back on the trains, the two kept the conversation going discussing everything from sports to fashion to their respective religions. Both sides really did have some things in common. Sacred days, sacred practices, sacred beliefs. It got to a point where Shuuichi wondered why Kemetism isn't as popular around the world as Christianity. Kiyoni wanted to save that answer for another time as it would throw off the vibe. Shuuichi wondered just how many questions he would have before the second date if there was to be a second date.

Taking the Marunouchi line, the two sat in silence observing the surrounding areas which mainly involved looking at residential neighborhoods with a few businesses in between. Shuuichi took any chance he could to peek at Kiyoni, analyzing her from head to toe. She was indeed pretty, beautiful. However, given the understandable amount of questions she dodged, an air of mystery surrounded her as well.

There was one question he'd hoped she would answer, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Excuse me?"

"Are you enjoying yourself? I'm not boring you, am I?"

"No. Not at all. I'm enjoying myself just fine. What's the next stop?"

"...You choose." Shuuichi grinned, confident in Kiyoni's frame of mind.

Marunouchi line, station seventeen. Tokyo. Kiyoni's choice. "I'm not ending this night without a trip to the tower," she declared as she led the way like the child she once was.

Shuuichi walked and watched from close behind and chuckled at Kiyoni's enthusiasm. In his mind, Touya was wrong. Completely wrong. Kiyoni was never out to seduce Shuuichi. He's still able to move, to breathe, to keep his chastity intact. Kiyoni's thoughts were proven wrong as well. Not once did Shuuichi give a long, drawn-out speech about why his church is the place to go, was calm and collected throughout most of the night, and was easy to talk to. There may be hope for these two yet.

It was time to wrap up the night and Kiyoni looked at another map to plan her trip home. "Where's home for you," Shuuichi wondered.

"I don't think you should know that yet."

"As much as I respect your answer, I'm afraid I must know."

"Why?"

"Didn't you hear? There's a serial killer on the loose. Ten yokai were found dead last night."

Kiyoni relented, "Yeah...I heard."

"I can't, in good conscience, allow you to go home alone. I wouldn't be able to sleep well if I did allow that and…"

"And what?"

"And…something was to happen to you."

"Do you even know how to fight?"

"I may not have any special powers or abilities but I can, at least, hold off an opponent while you run for safety."

"That...kinda sounds like you would, literally, die for me."

"Your safety is my concern. That's all."

"Back to Shibuya, we go." And so, the couple did, reaching the late hours by the time they arrived at the apartment building where Kiyoni stayed.

"Here we are."

Kiyoni's apartment building is a three-story condo/apartment complex fit for single and family living. She lives on the second floor where the view from it is actually a shortcut to the nearest train station.

"Not bad. Not bad at all."

"Well, considering what I pay for rent…"

Here comes the uncomfortable part. Shuuichi rocked back and forth on his feet holding his hands behind his back, "So…"

Kiyoni shared the vibe, slightly turning from side to side, "So…"

"Uh…"

"I...thank you...for tonight. I had a good time-"

"Yeah! Yeah, I...I did…too."

"...So…?"

"...So…?"

Both exclaim, "Second date? You too?! Wait…!"

Kiyoni laughed, "Well, yeah. I could...I could go for that."

Shuuichi did the same, "Yeah...same."

"Eh...call me? Text me?"

"Yeah, I'll... I'll do that."

Kiyoni took a couple of steps before surprising Shuuichi with something sweet. A kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Shuuichi."

"G-good...night." Shuuichi couldn't believe how the night ended; couldn't believe how the night went out. It was an amazing first date and he couldn't wait to set up the next one or have Kiyoni set it up just to be fair. Meanwhile, once Kiyoni was inside her apartment, she removed her shoes, dropped her coat on the floor, and collapsed on the bed in total darkness with nothing but the street lights illuminating the place. Everything about tonight was different. The activities, the conversations, the body language. The body language! Not once did she or Shuuichi do or say anything suggestive or sexual. That totally threw Kiyoni off. However, that's not going to stop her from leading Shuuichi to her bed for that sweet, libidinous energy.