The main den buzzed with the lively chatter and laughter of the pack, the atmosphere warm and inviting. The firepit in the center cast a flickering glow over the gathered wolves, their faces illuminated with camaraderie and contentment. Kouga and Kagome sat a little away from the main group, their plates filled with freshly roasted meat and vegetables, the comforting aroma mingling with the scent of the fire.

Kouga glanced at Kagome, noticing the thoughtful expression on her face. He set down his plate, his curiosity piqued. "Kagome, is something on your mind?"

Kagome looked up, her eyes meeting his. She took a deep breath, feeling the need to share something that had been weighing on her heart. "I've been thinking about InuYasha a lot lately."

Kouga's expression tightened slightly, but he nodded for her to continue. "What about him?"

Kagome sighed, poking at her food with her chopsticks. "It's been over a year since he left the village. He didn't even say send word that he was okay. Just… disappeared."

Kouga's brow furrowed, his voice gentle but firm. "And how do you feel about that?"

Kagome paused, searching for the right words. "Before he left, I only ever saw him as a friend. I cared about him deeply, but not in the way everyone seemed to think. I wanted him to be happy, to find his place in the world. But now… now I just feel abandoned. Like he didn't care enough to stay or even let us know where he went."

Kouga reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "You didn't deserve that, Kagome. You deserved better than someone who would leave without a word."

She smiled gratefully at his support, squeezing his hand in return. "I know. It's just… hard. I wish him well, I really do. I hope he finds whatever it is he's looking for. But it still hurts to think that he could leave so easily."

Kouga's eyes softened, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're stronger than you know, Kagome. And you're not alone. You have a home here with us, with me."

Kagome felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She looked around at the pack, the sense of belonging and acceptance overwhelming her. "Thank you, Kouga. It means a lot to me."

Kouga leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You deserve to be happy, Kagome. And I'll do everything I can to make sure you are."

She smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I appreciate that, Kouga. More than you know."

As they continued their meal, the rest of the pack carried on with their conversations, oblivious to the deeper moment shared between Kouga and Kagome. The fire crackled softly, the warmth of the flames mirroring the growing bond between them. In that moment, Kagome felt a sense of peace and clarity. She was ready to move forward, to embrace the future with Kouga and the pack by her side.