Chapter 17
Kagome hid a giggle behind her hand.
Months ago, when Renge had made her first appearance in the host club, Kagome hadn't liked her. It was not because she perceived her as a zealous fangirl but because she was needlessly reckless, but now it all made sense.
Renge was a youkai!
Kagome only knew because after feeling a foreign youki, and a quick surveillance of her surroundings, she had come across Renge with the ears and tail of a Tanuki.
Now Kagome still wasn't a fan of Renge, but she could now understand why she was so careless and reckless- it was because she was a youkai and a sheltered one at that. Renge didn't pick up on social queues or understand personal boundaries and, from the looks of it, relied on artifacts to keep her aura unnoticeable and human-like.
But knowing what she did now, Kagome was finding it hard not to find the girl endearing. Her reactions were so animated and childlike. There was an innocence about her that was completely unexpected.
"What?! You've never drunk it before?" The twins exclaimed before shaking their heads in disappointment.
"I-I don't know," Renge admitted nervously.
Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged amused glances. "It's like the favorite drink for everyone in the Host Club right now," Hikaru explained. "So, as the manager, you have to drink it, too."
Renge nodded with uncertainty written all over her face, still not sure what they were talking about. "Ah, it's that, right? You know, the ones where the coffee beans have already been ground -"
But the Hitachiin twins interrupted her with a loud "Bzzt!" causing her to jump in surprise.
"Eek!" she squealed.
"That's ground coffee. This is completely different," Hikaru said, shaking his head. "I don't think there's a trace of coffee beans in instant coffee. You just boil the powder with hot water and drink it like that. Truly an amazing creation-"
"-because, even though it's coffee, it's not strong at all," Kaoru finished with a grin. "So it's basically just like coffee, but not as robust."
"And yet strangely satisfying." Hikaru hummed.
Kagome chuckled to herself before piping up, "Now that you mention it, we just ran out." Before the twins could even ask, she shot them a smile. "I'll be back with some more in a bit."
The twins grinned. "Have a safe trip!"
Kagome offered a smile, though she was quick to walk past them, anything to avoid the look in Kaoru's glowing eyes.
~o.O~O.o~
*Ding!*
Sesshomaru: We should talk. I just got back from my trip.
Kagome paused, reading over the text. She'd been meaning to reach out for a while but wasn't sure how- it seemed he did it for her.
Doing her best to balance her shopping bags and phone, Kagome sent a quick reply, but as she went to put her phone away, she slipped. "Ah!"
Out of nowhere, a young lady catches Kagome in her arms. Kagome's face grew flush. There was something about this woman and the way she looked at her that made her heart flutter.
"It would be a shame if any harm came to you, miss." The young lady caresses Kagome's face.
"Thank you?"
"Benio Amakusa, it's a pleasure, my dear." Kagome looks up at Benio as she runs her hands through her hair. As Kagome regained her balance, she couldn't help but stare at Benio. Her warm chestnut hair was short, her bangs brushed against her cheekbones, and her deep brown eyes were warm and inviting. There was something mysterious and intriguing about her, something that drew Kagome in.
"I'm Kagome Higurashi," she said, offering a smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Kagome." Benio's voice was melodic and smooth. "Are you okay?"
Kagome nodded, feeling slightly dazed. "Yes, thank you. I'm just a bit clumsy sometimes."
Benio chuckled. "Don't worry; it happens to the best of us. Do you need any help with those shopping bags?"
Kagome gratefully accepted, and the two of them walked toward the end of the hall. It was a short but silent walk that did little to prepare Kagome for what she would see upon returning to the club room.
Two other girls in the same uniform as Benio were waiting at the door when Kagome and Benio made it to what once had been a music room.
"Chizuru, Hinako!" Benio called out to them with a cheery sing-song voice.
The girls beamed, but before they could say anything, the doors opened suddenly with a flourish of kitsune youki and a bright light.
In awe of the sudden transformation of the Host Club room, Kagome couldn't help but feel like she had stumbled into a magical world. The rose petals falling from the ceiling were still floating in the air, their scent mingling with the heady aroma of magic swirling around the room.
Looking around, Kagome could see that each Host Club member was dressed in an outfit that suited their personality perfectly. Kyoya, the sharp-witted and intelligent member, was clad in sleek dark-silver armor and a royal purple tunic, his sharp eyes glinting in the room's light. Tamaki, the flamboyant and outgoing member, was dressed in a bright blue tunic with golden accents, his suddenly long blond hair falling around his face in wild waves.
Next was Mori and Mitsukuni. Mori's armor was simpler and more practical, made of a matte black metal with only a few small embellishments. Mitsukuni's armor was a mix of adorable and fierce, with small pink accents on the edges of his plates with a magenta tunic. Haruhi looked uncomfortable in their purple robes with gold accents, making them look more like a wizard than a knight like the others.
Finally, there were the mischievous twins Hikaru and Kaoru. They were dressed in matching green outfits that looked like they had been stolen from Robin Hood's band of merry men. Their grins were wide and infectious, and Kagome couldn't help but feel herself smiling back at them.
"Welcome!" the Host Club members chimed in unison, their voices ringing out like a chorus of bells. "We hope you enjoy your stay in our magical world."
Tamaki stepped forward, flipping his long mane of hair. He reminded Kagome of a prince from a movie about an ogre. "My, my. Ladies from other schools, huh? Perhaps we may have frightened our first-time guests?"
Kagome looked at the girls. The first had an elegant and posed beauty about them with pale honey-blonde hair, while the other had a refined mischievous charm that was feline-like. They were dressed in a slim-waisted maroon jumper, topped by a 3/4 sleeved white-and-maroon nautical blouse adorned by an elaborate ivory bow. The uniform was completed by ivory knee-socks and heels.
Tamaki continued until he was in front of the two ladies, dropping to one knee with a hand to his chest and the other towards them. "Welcome, princesses. Ahh, even if the world would end, I want to be the knight who protects you with his life."
Chizuru and Hinako exchanged knowing looks. It wasn't the first time they had encountered someone like Tamaki, who thought he was the hero of his own story.
Chizuru snickered at Tamaki's proclamation, her eyes narrowing. "Protect us with your life? Don't you think that's a bit arrogant of you? Do you think women want to be coddled and protected like helpless princesses?"
Hinako nodded in agreement. "You can't blame them, Suzuran-neesama. Men are lowly life forms that think about nothing save for their own reputation. It's frustrating to see men think of us as objects to be protected or won over. They're just trying to boost their egos and make themselves feel more valuable."
Tamaki's smile faltered for a moment, his cheeks flushed as he desperately searched for the right words. "I-I didn't mean to offend you, princesses. I just want to show my devotion to you."
"Devotion, you say?" Benio mussed, a grin pulling at her pink-tinted lips. "Well then, let me show you what true devotion looks like."
In one swift motion, she had emptied the shopping bags from her and Kagome's hands before dipping Kagome at the waist and gazing deep into her eyes. "I will always stand by your side," Benio promised, her eyes sparkling affectionately. "I will never leave you alone. If we fight, it will be together, and if we are to fail, let it be together. Even if I were to die, I promise you that I will never leave your side. My life belongs to you, my love, for eternity." Her voice tailed off into a soft whisper, gently ghosting across her skin as she raised Kagome's hand to her lips and pressed a gentle kiss against her skin.
Kagome gasped. A spark ran along her skin, a mix of foreign and familiar. It was reiryoku or at least something similar.
Benio smirked, eyes twinkling.
Chizuru and Hinako exchanged glances once more, silently agreeing that they preferred this kind of devotion - one where both parties were equals and fought together, not one where a man saw himself as the protector and savior of a woman.
"Words like that," Chizuru said, breaking the momentary silence. "Ones that show a partnership, mutual respect, and love, rather than just the desire to play hero. Those are the words we desire."
Tamaki let out a shriek, the sound echoing around the room. Kaoru joined in, his eyes wide with shock.
But Hinako merely pouted. "Benibara-sama, you're late," she chided gently.
Chizuru rolled her eyes, a fond smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "What are we going to do with you?" She teased before turning her attention to Kagome. "And where did you find such a charming lady?"
"I met Kagome outside. She had some problems with her bags." Her arm fell across Kagome's shoulders. "She may be dressed like a boy, but I know the truth." She taps Kagome's chin, pulling her face upwards with her finger and thumb. "She's one of us." A chill rippled down Kagome's back.
"Truly!?" Hinoko exclaimed, throwing her arms around Kagome's shoulders, rubbing their chees together. "Wow, your skin is so soft, Kagome-sama!"
"Oh my, your right!" Chizuru rubbed her cheek against Kagome's other cheek. "It's so soft, but the tingle! I think she's going to be a little diamond in the rough!"
Each touch had Kagome shivering. It felt like warm pulses of electricity. Equal parts familiar and foreign, she had only had a few interactions with others with reiryoku: Kikyo, Keade, and that dark miko Tsubaki. These girls' powers were weaker and brighter than her own but not without a kick, enough to give a nasty burn to anyone of her club members.
"So this is the infamous Host Club." Benio quipped, her eyes sliding over the host club members. "Though it looks like I stumbled upon something frightful instead."
"That's enough!" Tamaki shouted, cheeks red. His eyes narrowed as he charged toward the group. "Hold it! Stop touching my Kagome without my permission!"
But before he could lay a hand on Kagome, Benio stepped in, punching him away. Tamaki screamed as he tumbled to the floor.
"Don't touch her, you brute!" Benio shouted, a sneer marring her delicate features.
Tamaki whined, cradling his singed cheek. "She punched me! She's so violent!"
Mitsukuni tried to console him. "Tama-chan, be strong!"
"They are even more inferior than rumors say," Benio declared, crossing her arms confidently.
Kyouya watched, intrigued by the display before him. "That uniform... You, girls, are from Lobelia Girls' Academy, right?"
"Indeed," Benio replied, her tone dripping with confidence.
Now Kagome wasn't opposed to theatrics. She had been in several plays through elementary and middle school. She watched in awe as the three girls performed their extravagant introduction. The theatrics and synchronized singing left her feeling dizzy, but she couldn't deny how impressive it was.
As they each introduced themselves with their respective flowers and aliases, Kagome couldn't help but wonder what kind of school St. Lobelia Academy was. Were all the students this dramatic?
Lobelia~!
Lobelia~!
Lobelia~!
Benio had a lily in her mouth as she spoke, posed in a mysterious fashion. "St. Lobelia Academy, high school 2nd year, Benio Amakusa."
Lady of the Crimson Rose, AKA Benibara!
Lobelia~!
The girl with the honey-blonde hair stepped forward with a fan decorated in lilies. "2nd-year student, Chizuru Maihara!"
Lady of the Lily-of-the-Valley, AKA Suzuran!
Lobelia~!
Last was the youngest, holding a lily tenderly to her chest. "1st year student, Hinako Tsuwabuki!"
Lady of the Daisy, AKA Hinagiku!
Lobelia~!
Benio then took up the lead, bravado in her voice and confidence in her stance. "We are the members of the St. Lobelia Academy's White Lily League. Also known as-!"
The other girls joined, just as animated as Benio. "The Zuka Club!"
Kagome couldn't help but chuckle at the name. It was so fitting for these three girls with their larger-than-life personalities. But despite their over-the-top theatrics, there was something charming about them that made Kagome curious to know more.
As the Zuka Club members turned to her with wide grins, Kagome knew that her "peaceful" days at Ouran Academy were officially over. Their gaze was possessive and demanding, and it sent chills down her back.
Behind her, the twins erupted in laughter.
"Oh man, what a stupid name! The Zuka Club!?" Hikaru was wheezing, holding his stomach. "My stomach hurts!"
Kaoru joined him. "The Zuka Club!? That's priceless!"
"Never underestimate the Zuka Club!" Renge's voice echoed through the group. A sudden jolt shook the ground, and the sound of machinery filled the air. Emerging from a newly-formed hole in the floor, she sat upon a plush chair and spoke confidently, "I may not know much about instant coffee, but when it comes to girl schools, I am the epitome of 'moe.' At St. Lobelia Girls' Academy, the Zuka Club is a prestigious society of maidens who champion women's empowerment. With a history spanning thirty years, it is a society run by maidens, for maidens. Among their activities are the maiden tea party, maiden discussions, and their crown jewel, a musical show performed by the elite members of the club."
"I'm quite impressed, Renge," Kyoya mused. It was rare that he praised anyone. Renge's cheeks grew hot, and she shied away from him. "You sure have a vast world of knowledge."
"Well, I've always admired St. Lobelia. I just couldn't go to school there!" Her machinery kicked back up with soft squeals, and the platform she was on slowly lowered back from where it came. "What would I do without any boys?!"
Kagome shook her head. 'Of course, she would say that.'
Chizuru cooed, batting her large eyes. "A maiden's beauty... Yes, it's more than just skin-deep. It's a radiance that shone from within, a pure energy that could light up a room and warm even the coldest heart."
Hinako stood tall and resolute, her eyes sparkling with fiery determination as she addressed the room. "Because we're women," she began, her voice strong and unwavering. "We're just women. But that doesn't make us any less than men. And we've had quite enough of all your oppressive male contempt for womankind."
And then there was Benio, who seemed lost in her own world of dreams and desires. Her words take on a decidedly romantic tone, and Chizuru and Hinako leaned in, hanging on her every sultry word. "Our pride comes from having meaningful relationships based on equality," she purred. "Relationships with those who share our gender, and with whom we can connect on a deeper level because of it. Even romantic love is possible between two women if it is built on mutual respect and understanding."
Chizuru swooned, "Oh, you, Benio."
And Hinako whimpered, "Benibara-sama…"
Everyone seemed to have lost interest, using the distraction as an excuse to take off their outfits- their uniforms just underneath.
"What's going on?" Kagome asked.
"We decided to switch things up for a theme day," Hikaru stated, prying off the bard attire he had been wearing. "It's been a hit with the ladies so far."
Kagome rolled her eyes but couldn't help but feel amused by the silliness of it all.
Hikaru pulled out his handheld gaming console, clearly over the interaction with the Zuka Club.
Suddenly, she felt a presence by her side, and before she knew it, Kaoru had snaked an arm around her shoulders. Her heart raced at the close proximity, the scent of his cologne overwhelming her senses. "Why don't you gals scram already?" He whispered in her ear, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hinako cuddled into Benio's side, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I find it hard to believe that you silly boys have nothing to say about our sublime female love." she teased, eyes twinkling with amusement.
Haruhi looked confused, her head cocked to the side as she tried to understand the dynamics of the Host Club's sexual preferences. "I don't think they would," she offered. "From everything I've learned from being in the club, the twins especially, cater to the 'boy-love' fans. Sexuality here is pretty flexible in the Host Club."
"Haruhi," Tamaki whined, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "Don't say such things! It makes us sound weird."
Haruhi smiled. "But you are weird, Tamaki-senpai." This had Tamaki blushing, his face a mix of annoyed and pleased.
"You should feel sorry for them, Hinagiku," Chizuru crooned from where she was cuddled into Benio's other side. "Their patented host skills don't work on us. Now they're all flustered and don't know what to do with themselves."
Benio detangled herself from the two girls, shaking her head with a triumphant smirk. "True, I must say I'm glad we decided to perform here. It was fun to sneak a peek at the notorious Ouran Host Club."
Mitsukuni looks up at Takashi with large eyes. "Are we notorious?"
Takashi paused, having been playing with his costume prop, a broad sword. "Yeah."
Mitsukuni cheered.
"Seems there are two maidens in need of rescuing." Benio stepped forward, looking between Kagome and Haruhi. "And to think they're dragging these sweet girls down with them."
Before Kagome could even question that statement, Benio grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled. Kagome slipped from Kaoru's half-embrace and fell right into Benio's chest, her cheeks immediately growing bright with blush.
Kaoru growled a low frightening sound that made Kagome subconsciously jolt into Benio's forced to embrace.
"The host club's president may be pretty. But he shouldn't be using his looks to create a fictitious romance! Attempting to fool the heart of a pure young maiden is demeaning! Your so-called 'club activities' are nothing more than debasing macho fantasies! I promise you, we will bring you guys down. The Ouran Host Club will be abolished!"
"All hail Zuka Club!" All three Zuka members rejoiced in unison.
Benio glared at the group with a sense of authority and determination. "And now that we know what's going on, we can't allow these maidens to remain here. We'll prepare her paperwork and have her transferred to Lobelia at once. And we'll welcome her into the Zuka Club!"
Kagome tried to pry herself away from Benio's hold. The other woman's hands were too low for her liking. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding somewhere."
"And what might that be?" Benio wasn't going to let go of Kagome so easily, her hand slipping from Kagome's waist to her hand. "As far as I can see, these louts deserve any transgression, I feel."
"Maybe." Kagome huffed in amusement. Of course, these girls would be prejudiced against demons. "But I don't need saving." Her eyes narrowed, making it clear that she would not give in so easily.
Hinako leaned forward, excitement and pleading evident in her eyes. "Then dump these losers and come with us! You belong with your own kind."
Chizuru explained further, trying to sway Kagome to their side. "Together, we can grow, learn, and do all the things you can't here." She strained.
It wasn't hard to understand what they meant, but Kagome wasn't as narrow-minded. She may be a miko, but that didn't mean she was opposed to youkai simply because they were different. She had spent too long loving and fighting alongside them to view them as her enemy like these girls.
Benio held up a hand, stopping everyone from continuing their attempts to convince Kagome. "We should stop here. These maidens have had quite the day. We'll give you some time to think about it. We'll come back for your answer tomorrow." They left without another word, the door shutting behind them and Kagome watching after them.
Kagome watched as the group left, unsure of what she was going to do. She may not like the idea of saying with her own kind- but Lobelia wasn't a bad school. She knew that she didn't want to leave her friends, but there was something intriguing about the Zuka Club and their offer. She had some serious thinking to do.
"Your not seriously thinking of taking them up on their offer?" Kaoru snapped, pulling her attention away from the door and to him. His brows knotted, and his nostrils flared.
"And if I am?" Kagome snapped.
Hurt colored his face, and his eyes glowed hotly. He grabbed her hand, fingers interlacing with hers. There was something desperate in his eyes and the way his grip tightened around her hand. "Kagome, don't do this. You can't leave us," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.
She knew what he meant. You can't leave me.
They hadn't had the chance to speak about them or that kiss. She was afraid. She wasn't ready to face those feelings.
Kagome sighed, pulling her hand out of his grasp. "I need time to think, Kaoru."
He flinched, seeming to understand the double meaning in her words.
"So you'll leave the host club, leave Ouran, leave us?" Kaoru sagged. He did mean the club; he meant them as a couple. He needed an answer, one she wasn't able to give.
Kagome stood there awkwardly, her heart heavy and her eyes downcast. She felt a knot forming in her throat as she spoke up, her voice shaky with emotion. "I mean, I was blackmailed into this club," she said bitterly, her gaze shifting from face to face. "It's not like any of you view me as a true friend; I'm just a toy."
She saw the hurt on Kaoru's face, but it was better to keep a distance between them. "All this club has done is hurt and use me," she continued, her voice growing more bitter by the second. She felt everyone flinch, their gazes glued to her.
When she met Mitsukuni's gaze, her heart skipped a beat. He was different from the others. He understood her. "You don't mean that," he said softly, his eyes searching hers.
She immediately looked away, shaking her head. Of course, she didn't mean it. This wasn't like her. She was lashing out instead of talking it out. "I need to go," she muttered, grabbing her things and pulling out her phone.
He answered on the first ring, rich and smooth, with a deep and controlled tone that seemed to wash over her like warm honey. It was comforting and familiar. Just the sound of his voice had her shoulders sagging; even if she felt guilty, this small amount of his presence was enough to relax her. "I wasn't expecting to hear back from you so-"
She cut him off. "Can you come to get me?"
There was a pause.
"Is something wrong?"
Her heart ached, and her eyes prickled with tears.
"I miss you." Her voice wavered, a soft whisper barely picked up by the phone's microphone.
Silence fell over the line as Kagome waited anxiously for his response. She knew how foolish it must sound to ask him to come and get her simply because she missed him. It was ridiculous, really. But she couldn't help it. Her emotions were high. Everything about the Host Club had her feelings running rampant. Even if things were awkward, with Sesshomaru, it was different. He was the one person who had always seen her for who she truly was. Even now, after hundreds of years, he knew her. And he had no expectations of her. Her emotions were running high, and she needed him to anchor her.
Finally, he spoke. "I can have a car there in fifteen."
She let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank you," she whispered before ending the call.
Looking back, she paused, heart dropping. Kaoru was looking at her with heartbreak in his eyes- something she had been desperate to avoid.
She walked away. The silence was deafening as it rang in her ears. She wasn't sure if the walk from the club room to the gate was fifteen minutes, but when she got there, he was waiting for her.
She ran to him.
As she collapsed into him, Sesshomaru's arms instinctively wrapped around her. She felt safe and secure in his embrace, his strong arms providing a sense of protection that she desperately needed. His chest was warm against her cheek, and she could feel his steady heartbeat, which calmed her nerves and made her feel at ease. She breathed in the scent of his cologne, a comforting smell that was familiar to her. Sesshomaru held her gently but with a firm grip as if he would never let her go.
~o.O~O.o~
Mitsukuni watched from the window with wide eyes. Who was Kagome to have the InuTaisho at her beck and call?
"What's going on, Kaoru?" Kyoya asked the question everyone was thinking. The sudden shift in conversation had caught everyone off guard, and he couldn't help but wonder what was happening between Kagome and Kaoru.
Kaoru let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair. He sagged into the couch, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I kissed Kagome," he muttered.
"What?!" Tamaki screeched, his eyes bulging out of his head. "My baby has been defiled by that shady twin!"
"When did this happen?" Hikaru chimed in, clearly as baffled as everyone else in the room.
"Back at the beach," Kaoru answered, rubbing his neck.
Haruhi, who had been standing back observing the situation, stepped forward. "Was that before or after the beach incident?"
"After…" Kaoru whispered, his eyes fixed on the ground.
"My baby! I'm so sorry Daddy couldn't protect you!" Tamaki cried, his voice echoing off the ceiling.
Mitsukuni's heart ached, but he couldn't help feeling angry at Kaoru. "No wonder K'gome-chan acted like that!" he shouted, slamming his hand on the coffee table. "K'gome-chan was assaulted, and then what? You cornered her in her room?!"
Kaoru looked down at the ground guiltily.
"Of course, she'd feel overwhelmed!" Haruhi chimed in, her frustration boiling over. "You've put all this pressure on her, and on top of that, you haven't allowed her enough time to process what's happened to her."
The tension in the room was palpable, everyone feeling the gravity of the situation that had just unfolded. Kagome had been through so much in such a short amount of time, and Kaoru had only added to her troubles. It was then that Lobelia had stepped in and offered Kagome a way out. A chance to escape from all the drama and the chaos.
Tamaki, however, was not having it. He had always been fiercely protective of Kagome ever since she had been vulnerable with him about the sudden passing of people close to her. And the thought of her leaving was too much to bear. "How dare you, Kaoru!" Tamaki shouted, his anger simmering just below the surface. "My Kagome is already emotionally fragile, and then you take advantage of her!"
Kaoru flinched, guilt coloring his face.
Mitsukuni tugged at Haruhi's sleeve. "Do you think K'gome-chan is going to leave?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
Haruhi took a deep breath and shook her head gently, her hand patting Mitsukuni's head reassuringly. "I don't think so," she said softly. "Kagome isn't one to abandon her friends." She then walked off to take care of the usual chores, likely looking for a distraction. "She just needs some space."
Tamaki sighed heavily, his hand cradling his forehead as he tried to calm down. "Honestly, what were you thinking, Kaoru?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
Kaoru wrung his hands anxiously, the guilt written plainly on his face. "My instincts..." he muttered, his voice barely audible.
The others in the room paused, taking a moment to process what Kaoru had said. As demons, they lived in a delicate balance between instinct and reason, constantly aware that one wrong move could expose their kind to humans. Instincts, in particular, were an ancient primal force born to every demon, guiding their actions and behavior. And when faced with challenges or threats, they could succumb to their more primal selves, giving them raw and wild power at the cost of their rationale.
But there were some instincts that were near impossible to ignore, sometimes overruling one's logical side, driving them towards impulsive decisions and occasionally reckless behavior. They were prone to act on impulse, without regard for the consequences, leading them to make mistakes and sometimes hurt those around them.
"I think I get it, Kou-chan," Mitsukuni offered him a soft smile. "There's just something about K'gome-chan that makes you want to be close to her." He explained softly.
Kaoru couldn't help but let out Aa relieved sigh, glad that at least someone understood what he was going through. Mitsukuni's words made perfect sense. Kagome had an energy that drew him in, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't ignore the call of his instincts. It wasn't just physical attraction either. Kaoru found himself wanting to protect her, to be by her side, and it was a feeling that only grew stronger with each passing day.
But he knew he had to be careful. One wrong move, one impulsive decision, and everything could come crashing down. Kaoru had heard of it happening, demons who gave in to their primal urges, only to end up suffering the consequences.
"I'll try my best to keep my instincts in check," Kaoru promised, meeting Mitsukuni's gaze. "But it's not going to be easy."
Mitsukuni nodded understandingly, placing a comforting hand on Kaoru's shoulder. "I know. But you're not alone, Kou-chan. We're all in this together."
And with those words of encouragement, Kaoru felt a sense of relief wash over him. It was going to be a challenge, but he knew he could face it head-on with his friends by his side. He just had to keep reminding himself that his instincts were only a part of him and not the whole. He could be both rational and instinctual, finding a balance between the two.
He just hoped that he could salvage whatever relationship he had with Kagome.
wolfYLady: I know I said I wasn't going to be writing excessively long chapters, but this one kinda got away from me. There will also be more of the Zuka club in the future.