"I'm surprised that you wanted to just hang out with me of all people," Rod put his hands up in defense, "I'm not saying that I don't like to hang out with you and all."

"It's alright," I laughed slightly, "I figured since you're free today, I'd hang out with you. Since Allen's working today, Alex decided to take Alison with her around town. She's hanging out with Tina today."

"Speaking of which, shouldn't you be with Soseki instead of me? I wouldn't want your boyfriend to get mad at me."

"Soseki knows that you are with Tina," I countered, "Besides, if he doesn't like it, he can complain to me. We haven't been dating for that long, so he doesn't have any control of who I hang out with." I felt a bit bad at that. I haven't really visited Soseki ever since he asked me out. I haven't been avoiding the retired journalist, but he did sleep very late into the day. And I was usually busy with my farm chores. Plus being one of Alison's babysitters.

"It's best to be sure," Rod shrugged, "But the company is very nice. Hey, maybe we can get him to hang with us too."

"If he'd be able to leave his house today. Sure why not."

With Rod following me the whole way there, I made my way to my new boyfriend's house. I saw the clock on his wall through the window. It was almost eleven, but the lights were off. I guess he must be asleep. I told Rod this.

"Still asleep?" he tilted his head, "Maybe he isn't feeling too good."

"I suppose," I let out a small sigh. I did want to hang out with him as well. I considered him a friend, but he wasn't as close to me as the pack. I wanted to get closer to him, since we were a couple now. I could almost hear the rumors now. I shook my head slightly. Word sure did get around town really quickly. Did people in town think that Soseki and I were a thing just for show? To make myself look better?

"You look a bit down," Rod put his hand on my shoulder, "Maybe we should take a walk in the woods. And I kinda want to do that. You know what. I haven't since the full moon."

"Didn't Allen recommend not to when you don't have to?"

"I just feel the need to. It's instinct, Hazuki. Like something inside of me wants to burst."

"I can't say no to that," I shrugged, "But I'll keep an eye out."

"Thank you," He beamed at me really quickly before returning to a serious expression, "Hey Hazuki. Do you ever get envious of us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you jealous that you can't shift? To be able to home a beautiful wolf?" These words came out in a whisper. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. I haven't been asked this at all.

"Not really," I shrugged again, "There's nothing wrong with being human. Being one would be cool, but I don't really wish for it that badly. I'd hate having to change my schedule just because of a curse.


"See you later Hazuki," Rod waved to me on his way home from the top of the mountain, "And please don't tell Allen."

"I won't," I brushed him off, "It wouldn't really benefit me. Just don't do anything to get caught." I watched him walk home, a light spring in his step. I had to admire that kind of happiness. Rod was one of the brightest villagers in town. And definitely the kindest. It made me feel a bit bad for lying earlier. I was a bit envious. The pack had something connecting all of them together. I was friends with them, but didn't have that bond. I felt a little glum, so I wanted to take the forest back to town. It was still a nice day, so it made it more enjoyable. But what I saw in the forest made me freeze.

A yellow blur passed through the trees and into the mine. I know that it was none of my business and I should leave it alone. I should just act like I saw nothing and go home. But my curiosity got the better of me and soon I found myself outside of the mines directly. I let out a deep breath before entering. I recognized the creature that had sped into there. It was the wolf from that day with Alison. But in a flash the wolf was gone.

And Neil was directly in its place. My eyes widened at the realization. I should have known. That's why it had felt so familiar to me, as if I had met it before. And why it was in my dreams. Neil was the yellow wolf. The blonde must have heard my steps, because he turned around and glared.

"Hazuki? What the hell are you doing in here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"So you followed me in here? Well I guess since you saw, I can't lie to you."

"You're a werewolf. Like the others."

"I was cursed," Neil huffed, "But I'm nothing like the others. I'm not just following that asshole's orders."

"What do you mean?"

"Are you an idiot? That damn stylist."

"What did Allen do to you?"

"He stole Alex," the animal seller glared at me, "Do you have any idea how I must feel? To have that rubbed in my face whenever I see that stupid child?"

"Hey," I retorted, "You might be upset at her parents, but Alison had nothing to do with it."

"As long as she's his child, she has something to do with it."

"That isn't really her fault you know. Maybe if you had confessed before Allen, then maybe she would have ended up with you instead."

"You don't think I've tried? But she lead me on. Making me fall for her and then choosing that asshole." He turned away from me, gripping his hands tightly, "It sickens me. And I'm still cursed thanks to her. She was suppose to break the curse. I could have been freed. But she had to be a fucking idiot."

"She had her reason-"

"I don't want to hear it!" he snapped at me, red eyes narrowed, "I don't care what she thought. She was the only one who could. And now I'm going to be like this forever. Goddess! Go away Hazuki. I'm not in the mood to talk anymore."

"Neil-"

Before I could finish, he was already on four paw, teeth curled in a snarl. He let out a howl before running out of the mines, leaving me alone. With just the image of the hurt in his eyes flashing through my mind. I didn't realize that he was suffering like this. My heart sank in my stomach as I stared at the entrance.