I decided to stay in the forest with Alex and Allen. Since I was going to be stuck as a wolf, I couldn't do anything else. I didn't want to scare the villagers by entering the way I was. Rod being close to us made it a bit better. With him in here as well, I wouldn't end up being a third wheel. But I could see that the orange-furred male was starting to bore of waiting near the entrance. He paced back and forth a bit with a low whine.
Man, this is so boring! Can't I stop now? Hazuki's fine.
Rod, Allen growled at him, annoyed, Do you want to get spotted? The townsfolk will catch on to us if you don't. I'm not risking anything.
I think Rod's right, Alex shook her head, We can hide if we hear anything. I don't know about you, Hazuki. You're as white as snow!
I don't stick out as much as you two, I nodded to the couple, Look like a couple of tomatoes over there.
I'm going to the mountains. Come on Alex.
Allen gave her cheek a lick and turned to me. I understood the look in his eyes. He wanted to be alone with her. Respecting his wishes, I went to stand near Rod. He bowed his head to me as soon as they vanished from sight.
So you are one? Allen told me about his suspicions.
I figured that out, I was still a bit annoyed that he spied, but had good intentions so I'll let it slide for now. I guess as Alpha, he would have to watch out for the town. And any new wolves. I respected him for that. But it reminded me of my problems and I let out a small growl.
Rod wasn't prepared for that, because he jumped back a bit, Whoa! I'm sorry! Did I say something to piss you off?
I let out a sigh, feeling guilty for giving Rod a fright, It's not you. It's me. Guy problems.
Was it Neil? his blue eyes were soft, He came to my house the other day and explained everything.
Oh, I looked away, my stomach sinking low, I'm going to take a walk. I guess you will try to sneak back home?
Hazuki-
It's fine. Good day, Rod.
I ignored his call and raced into the mines, hoping that no one from town would be inside. Luckily there were no humans inside. But that bundle of fur was unmistakable. He wasn't even facing me and I could tell that it was Neil. My heart beat a little bit harder at the sight of him. He turned around at the sound of my pawsteps. To my surprise, his eyes narrowed. I could feel the heat from his glare.
What do you want? Wait. . . Hazuki?
Yeah, I'm one too, I huffed a bit ironically.
I knew that. I saw Alex and that asshole come to your side. I wanted to as well, but got snapped at. Said I already caused you enough trouble.
It wasn't your fault, I lowered my gaze, But you have had to suffer because of it.
Hazuki. He shook his head softly, It's fine. I've suffered before so I don't mind. The things you do for love huh?
Love? Neil. . .
Just to let you know now, Hazuki. I wouldn't do this for anyone else. Not even Alex. I guess I didn't like her as much as you. I gave up as soon as she choice him. But I don't think I can do the same for you. Ugh, forget I said anything!
Neil-
He raced out of the mines before I could finish my sentence and I let the words die into the air. Guess he wasn't truly going to give up. That little bit of hope stung, but made my head feel a bit better.
I just remembered Soseki. I wasn't able to talk to him today, so he had no idea where I was. I just hoped that he wouldn't do anything too drastic. Ignoring the feeling in my gut, I decided to go out of the mine and find Alex and Allen.
"It's a good day for a picnic," Soseki took a bite of one of the sandwiches that I prepared before continuing, "After we eat, we should go down to the river and fish. Hopefully nothing bad happens to either of us again."
"We might be cursed," I shrugged, just happy to be human again. I knew that I shouldn't, but I couldn't get Neil to leave my mind. I was starting to regret my choice a bit. Soseki wasn't cursed like me so I'd never be able to show him the wolf side of me. That made me feel even worse.
"You might have a point. Hazuki? Are you ok?"
"Huh?"
"You seem lost in thought again. That's the third time that this has happened today."
"Oh is it?" I rubbed the back of my head, "I'm sorry."
"It's alright," he padded my head softly, but stopped at a voice. It felt like my heart had just been trapped in a cage at the familiar tone.
"Hazuki, I have something to tell you."
