Chapter 16: The Charity Gala Part 3

Shippo and Kanna walked side by side down the hallway, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. Kanna walked with her head tilted slightly, clearly still thinking about the conversation she'd overheard between Sesshoumaru and Kagome. Her pale hands were clasped in front of her, her face serious, though her mind was clearly spinning.

Shippo, on the other hand, had his mind set on surveilling the entire event, convinced there was something fishy going on with Sesshoumaru. His eyes darted over his shoulder every few seconds, trying to look casual but failing miserably at being subtle. He might as well have been wearing a cape for the way he strutted down the hallway like a secret agent.

"Do you think they were hiding something?" Kanna asked, her voice small, her eyes blinking up at Shippo with a touch of curiosity.

Shippo immediately stopped in his tracks, squinting at her like she was an accomplice in a mystery they were about to solve. "I don't know, Kanna. But whatever it is, I'm watching your brother," he said with a tone that sounded way too serious for a kid his age.

Kanna furrowed her brows, her gaze unwavering as she looked up at him. "Sesshoumaru always looks like that," she said, her voice calm and careful. "He's... good."

Shippo huffed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "Yeah, well, I don't trust him." He shot her a glance and began walking faster, clearly trying to appear like he was on an important mission. "Kagome's nice to everyone. Too nice. Some people don't deserve it."

Kanna tilted her head thoughtfully, staying quiet for a moment before speaking again. "But maybe he's just helping her...?" she suggested, her tone gentle, but also with a hint of curiosity.

Shippo groaned, running a hand through his hair like it was giving him a headache. "Helping her? Yeah, right." He continued walking, clearly annoyed but also oddly invested in this whole mystery. "Help her with what? Being all big and tall with his mysterious face? I don't buy it."

Kanna stayed silent for a moment, walking beside him. She thought about it in that quiet way she had. "I know my brother. He never helps just anyone."

Shippo blinked at her, surprised by how sure she sounded. "But Kagome's my sister! I'm the one who's supposed to be helping her!" he exclaimed, his voice unreasonably defensive for a child.

Kanna looked up at him with the smallest, knowing smile. "Are you jealous?" she asked, her voice soft but dripping with innocent curiosity.

Shippo froze in place, his face instantly turning red. "W-what? Me? Jealous? No way! I'm just... I'm just making sure nothing weird happens, okay?" He crossed his arms and puffed out his chest, trying to look tough, even though his cheeks were as red as a tomato.

Kanna blinked up at him, not phased in the slightest. "You sure? You look jealous."

Shippo spluttered, trying to find the words, but none seemed to come out right. "I'm not jealous! I'm just protecting Kagome, okay? I'm her brother. I need to keep an eye on things! That's what I do!"

Kanna tilted her head again, her expression unreadable, but the glimmer in her eye told a different story. "Okay, let's go find the washrooms... the nannies will be wondering where we are."

Shippo's eyes widened in alarm, suddenly remembering the grown-ups were probably looking for them.

The auction had begun.

Near the grand double doors, Sango and Miroku stood side by side, casually leaning against the wall. Both looking far too calm for two people who had just orchestrated a small act of mischief—locking Kagome and Sesshoumaru outside.

Sango glanced at Miroku out of the corner of her eye. "So, remind me again why we locked them out there?"

Miroku's lips curve into a sly grin. "To give them some quality time together, of course. You've seen the way they look at each other. This is practically a public service."

Sango crossed her arms, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet," Miroku says smoothly, "you're standing here with me. That says something, doesn't it?"

Before Sango could reply, Miroku pulled out a phone, glancing at it. Then, with a casual air, he held it out to her. "Speaking of public service, why don't you put Kagome's number into this? It's Sesshoumaru's phone."

Sango blinked, staring at him in disbelief. "How in the world did you get your hands on it?"

Miroku straightened his tie, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "I have my ways."

"Your ways probably involved trickery," Sango said dryly, narrowing her eyes at him. "What did you do? Steal it when he wasn't looking?"

"Steal is such a harsh word," Miroku replies with mock offense. "Let's call it... borrowing."

Sango pinched the bridge of her nose, suppressing the urge to laugh at his antics. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are," Miroku quipped, echoing his earlier line. "Come on, Sango. Don't you want to see Kagome happy?"

Sango sighed, her resolve wavering. "I don't even know if Kagome wants to be set up like this…"

"Oh, I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Miroku says, all confidence. "And even if she does, they're stuck outside together. The seeds of romance are already planted."

Sango rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath.

"Oh, trust me," Miroku said with an air of confidence. "She won't mind. And Sesshoumaru? He's probably already thanking me in his head. He just won't admit it."

Sango shook her head again, muttering under her breath. "If this backfires, I'm telling Kagome it was all your idea."

Miroku grinned, holding the phone out a little closer. "Fair enough. So, about that number?"

After a moment of hesitation, Sango finally snatched the phone from his hand. "You owe me big time for this."

Miroku leaned against the wall, his smile widening. "Oh, I know. And I promise you, Sango, this is the beginning of something beautiful."

Sango raised her brow. "You are ridiculous, also we are not dating. At least make your excuses believable next time. I heard every word you said to Sesshoumaru and his brother."

Miroku winced slightly, then straightened up, quickly recovering his grin. "Ah, so you caught that? Well, can you really blame me for trying? I mean, look at me."

Sango snorted, crossing her arms. "Oh, I'm looking. And all I see is someone who's about two seconds away from Sesshoumaru hunting him down for swiping his phone."

Miroku grinned wider. "Oh, please. Sesshoumaru might seem scary, but deep down, he admires my ingenuity."

"Right," Sango deadpanned. "I'm sure that's exactly what he's thinking while he's probably plotting your demise."

Miroku waved her off, his tone light. "He'd have to catch me first. I'm faster than I look, you know."

"Uh-huh," Sango said, her smirk widening. "Just remember that when you're running for your life in those slippery dress shoes."

Miroku chuckled, leaning in just a bit closer. "You're feisty. I like it."

"Feisty?" Sango repeated, arching a brow. "I prefer realistic. Someone has to keep you in check."

Miroku pressed a hand to his chest again, as though deeply moved. "And you do it so well. Truly, Sango, you complete me."

Sango rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the laugh that escaped. "Keep dreaming, Miroku."

"Oh, I do," he said, his tone playful but with just a hint of sincerity. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual. "And you're in every single one."

Sango burst out laughing, shaking her head as she leaned against the wall beside him. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Miroku winked. "Only for you."

Sango shook her head again, her grin firmly in place. "You're lucky you're funny, or I'd have already handed you over to Sesshoumaru myself."

"Funny?" Miroku gasped, feigning outrage. "Sango, my dear, I'm not just funny. I'm charming, intelligent, and undeniably handsome."

"Sure," Sango said with mock seriousness. "You're the whole package. And yet here you are, single and annoying me."

Miroku clutched his chest again, staggering back a step as if wounded. "You wound me, Sango. Truly. But I'm patient. One day, you'll see the light."

Sango smirked, giving him a light shove toward the door. "And one day, you'll see Sesshoumaru coming for you. Run fast, lover boy."

Miroku grinned as he straightened up, mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Don't worry, Sango. I'll run—straight into your heart."

Sango groaned, laughing despite herself, as the auction carried on behind them, their playful bickering continuing into the night.

Inuyasha stood off to the side of the elegant auction room, his eyes fixed on the dramatic bidding war unfolding over a famous soccer ball—signed by none other than Japan's top soccer players. His heart raced as the bid skyrocketed.

1,000,000 yen... 1.2 million... 1.5 million...

With each increase, Inuyasha's daydreams grew bolder. He imagined himself running down the field in a world-famous match, the crowd roaring as he kicked the ball into the net. In the distance, a giant billboard flashed: "Inuyasha Taisho: Soccer Legend."

Beep beep! Inuyasha's phone buzzed in his pocket. He whipped it out and grinned, already knowing who it was.

Kouga: "Are you watching the soccer ball? It's about to hit 2 million. If I had that kind of money, I'd be bidding on it myself."

Sota: "Maybe you should bid on it, then donate it to your soccer team. Be the hero they need."

Inuyasha chuckled. "Ha! Yeah right. If I were bidding on it, I'd be fighting for it like a true player!"

Kouga: "Just make sure you don't blow your money on something stupid, like a rare perfume."

Inuyasha snorted. That was exactly what his mom had just done.

Meanwhile, at the auction, Inukimi raised her hand elegantly, her eyes locked onto a glass vial sitting under a spotlight. The auctioneer called out the bid for the rare perfume—priceless and, apparently, perfect for her nephew.

"Going once, going twice... Sold to the lovely Inukimi Taisho, for 3 million yen!" The crowd clapped as Inukimi smiled graciously and leaned over to whisper to Toga.

"It's for Miroku. His birthday is next month," she said, with a knowing glance.

Toga, though, wasn't having such a smooth time. He and Naraku were locked in a fierce bidding war for a vintage watch. The stakes were high. Naraku smirked and leaned in, raising his paddle as the auctioneer called out another price. Toga gritted his teeth, trying to stay calm.

"Sold to Mr. Yamamoto," the auctioneer announced. "A fine collection, I must say."

Naraku and Toga glared at the winner, who had outbid them both. "This is ridiculous," they both grumbled.

Across the room, Kagura, in full hostess mode, was gliding around ensuring everyone was having a great time.

Kagome's fingers, still wrapped around Sesshoumaru's arm, lingered just a moment longer than necessary. She cleared her throat softly, her heart suddenly racing for reasons she couldn't quite place.

Sesshoumaru's posture remained as poised as ever, but his usual calm demeanor seemed to waver just slightly under the weight of her touch. For a fleeting moment, the air between them felt charged, like a quiet electric hum that neither of them could ignore.

Kagome quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. She gave an awkward laugh, trying to break the tension. "Sorry for that."

Sesshoumaru's gaze shifted back to her face, and he blinked in surprise, his own cheeks betraying the slightest hint of color. "It's... fine," he replied, his voice a little quieter than usual.

Kagome smiled nervously, still unsure of what to make of the moment. "I suppose we should... get back inside."

Sesshoumaru nodded, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. It seems we've been away long enough."

They arrived at the ballroom, the soft hum of the gala music seeping through the cracks. Both of them reaching for the handle, their hands brushing lightly again. This time, neither of them pulled away immediately.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes flicked to Kagome's face, and she felt a small flutter in her chest. She looked up at him, her heart racing. But then, something caught her eye. A sign next to the door read: "Auction in Progress – Do Not Enter."

Kagome's expression shifted as she gestured to the sign with a sigh. "The sign," she said, withdrawing her hand. Sesshoumaru followed her gaze, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Well, that's just wonderful," Kagome muttered, glancing at her phone, which was flashing a low-battery warning. She sighed and shoved it back into her dress pocket. "Locked out of my parents' gala, of all things. Perfect."

Sesshoumaru, standing beside her, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease. He folded his arms, his voice smooth with amusement. "It seems your little nap has led to this predicament."

Kagome shot him a side-eyed glance, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You're so helpful, Sesshoumaru."

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "It's not my fault you couldn't stay awake long enough to check the schedule."

Kagome laughed, shaking her head. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Sesshoumaru's gaze flicked to her, the faintest glimmer of amusement in his golden eyes. "It was merely an observation."

Kagome leaned back against the wall, sighing again. "And no staff in sight, of course. Guess we're stuck."

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod, his tone neutral. "For now." He glanced at her again, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering in his mind. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Who is the person you are reporting?"

Kagome fiddled with her book, her fingers tracing the cover absentmindedly. "That's... still under review," she said carefully, avoiding his gaze. "I can't say more than that."

He tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes narrowing. "But you know who it is."

Kagome hesitated, then met his gaze briefly. "Yes," she admitted, her tone firm, "but I'd be breaking confidentiality laws by telling you. And I'm already walking a fine line after you read that report."

Sesshoumaru tilted his head slightly. "An unfortunate coincidence."

"Unfortunate is one word for it," Kagome muttered, exhaling sharply. Her tone softened as she looked at him. "Look, please don't tell anyone about what you read."

Sesshoumaru studied her for a long moment, his gaze unwavering, before he nodded. "Your trust is not misplaced."

Relief flickered across Kagome's face. "Thank you."

Silence settled between them for a moment before Sesshoumaru spoke again. "You seem heavily involved in your father's business-balancing such responsibilities with medical school must be taxing."

Kagome laughed softly, a hint of exhaustion in her tone. "You could say that. But I guess I'm used to it by now. What about you? Running your own company, along with your father's corporations can't be simple either."

Sesshoumaru inclined his head slightly. "It is not without its challenges, though I find the work rewarding. Designing systems, ensuring efficiency—it is a logical pursuit."

"Logical," Kagome smiled, "It suits you."

"And medicine," Sesshoumaru countered, his gaze steady. "It suits you. But it is not a field one enters lightly. Why did you choose it?"

Kagome tilted her head, her smile softening. "I guess it's a mix of things. My parents worked hard to get this far in life. My father wanted to ensure everyone, rich or poor, would have access to medication. I always admired the way he helped people. And... I like the idea of making a tangible difference in someone's life. It feels meaningful."

Sesshoumaru nodded thoughtfully. "Your father's ambition is admirable."

Kagome glanced at him curiously. "What about you? Why engineering?"

"It was a practical choice," Sesshoumaru replied after a brief pause. "I have always been drawn to structure and problem-solving. Engineering allows me to create order from chaos, to build systems that function seamlessly."

"That makes sense," Kagome said, her voice thoughtful. "I guess you could say both of our jobs are about fixing problems in the most efficient way possible."

Sesshoumaru gave a subtle nod. "Efficiency is key in both our fields. Whether it's the human body or a machine, every component must work in harmony for the whole to function."

Kagome's eyes sparkled as she continued, "And the challenge is in predicting the outcome. In medicine, we try to anticipate how the body will respond to treatment, and in engineering, you have to predict how a system will react to changes."

"Precisely," Sesshoumaru agreed. "Predictive analysis is at the heart of both of our professions."

Their pace had slowed, both lost in the comfortable flow of their conversation.

Shippo and Kanna were soon intercepted by a friendly but firm hand on their shoulders.

"Where do you two think you're going?" a voice called out, and they turned to find one of the nannies from the children's section standing behind them with a bemused smile.

Shippo blinked, momentarily stunned. "We were going to the washrooms."

Kanna, as always, was more straightforward. "We got lost."

The nanny raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two kids. "Well, I'm sure your parents would prefer you return to the children's section where it's safe. Come on, let's get you back."

Shippo opened his mouth to argue, but Kanna placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's okay," she said softly, her tone calm and reassuring. "We can play with Rin and Kohaku now."

With the nanny escorting them back to the children's section, the two kids returned to their group, where Rin and Kohaku were already playing happily.

Kohaku, who had been busy building a makeshift tower with some blocks, looked up and waved. "Hey, you two! Want to play with us?"

Shippo immediately perked up. "Oh! Yeah! We'll totally play!" He darted toward Kohaku and grabbed a block with enthusiasm. "I'm gonna build the biggest tower ever!"

Kanna, a little more reserved but no less eager, walked over to Rin, her usual shyness not stopping her from taking part in the fun. "What are we playing?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Rin smiled brightly, holding out a toy tea set. "Let's have a tea party! You can be the guest of honor," she said, handing Kanna a small cup with a flourish.

Kanna took the cup, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She felt a warmth spread through her chest—something about these simple moments felt just... right. She'd never really had many friends before, but playing with Rin and Kohaku was different. They didn't judge her, and they didn't make her feel out of place. They were just... friends. And that meant more than she expected.

As the tea party continued with Rin narrating an elaborate adventure involving dragons and magical cupcakes, Shippo joined in on the fun too, proudly showing off his "masterpiece" of a tower to anyone who would listen.

As they all played together, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air, and Kanna felt a quiet joy she hadn't known she needed. Being with Rin, Kohaku, and Shippo was simple, but it was enough. For the first time, Kanna felt like she really belonged.

Naraku and Toga stood at the bar of the charity gala, their drinks in hand, both men seemingly relaxed.

Naraku's sharp gaze flicked toward Toga, who was inspecting the drink in his hand with casual interest. His voice was smooth, his tone neutral, but there was an edge to it that made the conversation feel more significant than it appeared.

"I trust the gala is to your satisfaction, Toga," Naraku began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of an underlying proposition.

Toga, ever the composed figure, took a sip of his drink before turning his gaze to Naraku. "The gala is fine. It's a good crowd—nothing out of the ordinary," he replied with a slight shrug, his demeanor casual. "But I assume you didn't bring me here just to talk about the event."

Naraku's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "No, of course not. I'd rather talk about something more... productive." His voice lowered slightly, drawing in Toga's full attention. "Kagome and I have been reviewing the market trends, as you no doubt have. It's clear that the pharmaceutical sector is on the brink of a new era. AI, automation... technologies that could revolutionize the way we do business."

Toga raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I've noticed the shift. And you're right. The pharmaceutical industry is evolving, but it's a massive investment for the right returns."

Naraku nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "Precisely. And that's why I'm considering forming a strategic partnership with you—Higurashi Pharmaceuticals and the Taisho Corporation. We could pool our resources, combine our technological expertise, and together we could dominate the market before our competitors even catch up."

Toga studied Naraku for a long moment, his brow furrowed slightly as he considered the offer. "A partnership, you say?" he asked, his tone contemplative. "It's an interesting proposition. But what exactly are you offering, Naraku? A merger? A joint venture?"

"A joint venture," Naraku replied smoothly, his voice full of conviction. "I believe our companies could complement each other perfectly. Higurashi Pharmaceuticals excels in its R and market presence, while the Taisho Corporation has unmatched expertise in technological systems and logistics. Together, we could leverage these strengths and push forward into the next phase of medical innovation."

Toga's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly calculating. "And what's your angle here, Naraku? What's in it for you, aside from market share?" His gaze didn't waver, the unspoken challenge hanging in the air.

Naraku didn't flinch. "What's in it for me is the opportunity to lead this new era. Higurashi Pharmaceuticals has the knowledge and vision, but we need the infrastructure to bring it to fruition. The Taisho Corporation has that infrastructure. This isn't just about market share—it's about shaping the future. Together, we could set the groundwork for something far greater than either of us could achieve alone."

Toga considered this, his lips curling into a small but calculating smile. "You make a compelling case," he said, his voice laced with the hint of both respect and caution. "But you know I don't enter deals lightly. We'll need to discuss the details more thoroughly. I'll have my assistant arrange a meeting in the coming days. Let's bring in the key players—Sesshoumaru and Miroku will be in attendance as well."

Naraku's expression remained composed, though there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Agreed. I'll bring Kagome to the table. We'll ensure everything is in place to make this happen."

Toga nodded, raising his glass slightly in acknowledgment. "Then we'll reconvene soon. I look forward to seeing the details of this proposal."

The two men exchanged a brief but knowing glance—understanding that the next few days would set the stage for a partnership that could change the course of their businesses forever.

Kagome had just been explaining to Sesshoumaru the intricacies of anaphylactic shock when, suddenly, a blur of motion caught her eye. A small group of elegantly-dressed guests came barreling down the hallway, their heels clacking against the marble floor as they rushed toward the bathrooms. One woman, in a long gown, almost tripped, her arms flailing as she barely managed to catch herself against the wall, while another gentleman, looking slightly too red in the face, muttered something about "too much champagne."

Kagome blinked in confusion, her voice faltering as she looked over at Sesshoumaru. "Uh, did I miss something?"

Before he could respond, more people burst out from the ballroom in a chaotic, frantic sprint, like a herd of startled animals.

"The bathrooms! The bathrooms!" one of the guests shouted, waving her hands as if it were an emergency. "We're running out of time!"

Kagome stared in disbelief as the frantic group continued their mad dash. "Are... are they all going to the washroom at the same time?" she asked, completely thrown off track by the sudden chaos.

Sesshoumaru's eyebrows raised slightly as he observed the scene with an unreadable expression. "It appears so." He glanced at Kagome and then back at the frantic group. "Perhaps they are all... delicate in nature."

Kagome's laughter bubbled up, the absurdity of the situation washing over her like a wave. She glanced up at Sesshoumaru, a twinkle in her eyes as she realized how unexpectedly amusing the moment had become. He's funny, she thought, her smile widening. There was something about his dry observations and the way he handled the chaos that made the whole scene hilarious and charming all at once.

As if on cue, another man, clutching his stomach, dashed by. "I'll take the first stall!" he called out, as if announcing a race.

Kagome bit back another laugh, shaking her head. "This is a whole new level of chaos."

Sesshoumaru, ever the composed one, raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress the small, amused twitch of his lips. "Perhaps we should leave them to their... emergency," he said, his tone almost dry, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Shall we return to the ballroom?"

Kagome nodded, still chuckling under her breath as they began walking back toward the ballroom.

As the charity gala came to a close, the buzz of the evening gradually faded. Guests began making their way toward the exits, the sound of polite goodbyes and the shuffle of shoes across the marble floor filling the air. The children, who had been kept entertained throughout the evening, were now making their way to their respective families.

Kanna's small reserved steps betraying none of the excitement she felt as she headed towards her parents and brothers.

Inuyasha was still absorbed in his phone, his eyes glued to the screen as he typed away with his usual focus. He didn't even glance up when people started to leave, too busy with whatever conversation he was having via text.

Meanwhile, Shippo was now clinging to Kagome's side, his small fists wrapped tightly around her arm. His eyes were narrowed, and he was casting Sesshoumaru the most intense glare his little face could muster. "I don't trust him," Shippo muttered under his breath, clearly unhappy.

Kagome, glancing down at Shippo with a gentle smile, patted his head affectionately. "Shippo, you have nothing to worry about."

Shippo huffed but refused to let go, mouthing the words 'I am watching you.' To sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru, who had been observing the scene with his usual unreadable expression, glanced down at Shippo with a faint, almost imperceptible glint of amusement in his golden eyes.

At the other end of the ballroom, Miroku and Sango were engaged in a heated discussion, their voices rising above the low hum of departing guests.

"No, no, no! The timing was completely off, Sango! You don't understand! It would've been perfect if you'd just waited a bit longer before opening the doors!" Miroku's arms were flailing dramatically as he tried to explain, his frustration clearly mounting.

Sango, looking exasperated but unbothered, raised an eyebrow at him. "You do realize that I had to work with what we had. People were actually running to the bathroom, Miroku. What else was I supposed to do? Let them trample over each other?" She gave him a pointed look. "It's not my fault you couldn't think of a better plan."

Miroku narrowed his eyes but sighed in defeat. "I'm telling you, next time, we really need to work out the timing. Everything depends on timing."

"Everything?" Sango smirked, clearly amused by Miroku's overreaction. "Including bathroom breaks, apparently."

Naraku and Touga, standing nearby, observed the ongoing argument with a quiet, amused detachment. For once, the two businessmen were actually on the same page, their usual sharp, competitive banter replaced by something more cordial.

"It seems their plans were not as well-timed as ours," Naraku remarked with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. He glanced at Touga, a faint glimmer of respect in his eyes.

Touga, who had been surveying the room with his usual calm composure, gave a brief nod in response. "Perhaps. But you know, Naraku, sometimes the best-laid plans still need a bit of... flexibility." He glanced over at Miroku and Sango, his lips curling into a small smirk. "It's been an eventful night."

Inukimi and Kagura, standing just behind them, shared a quiet laugh. The sound was light and easy, a welcome relief from the earlier tension.

"Well, at least everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves," Kagura said, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked toward her husband. "And no one got hurt, surprisingly enough."

Inukimi chuckled softly, her gaze flicking toward Kagura with a playful glint in her eye. "No accidents this time, but I'm sure the bathroom protocol will be improved for next year," she said, her voice filled with good-natured teasing.

Kohaku made his way toward Sango, already aware that Rin was with their parents. But there was something he couldn't quite shake from his mind—the "perfume guy" . After all, aside from his usual interest in tech, Kohaku loved hacking on the side, and the entire situation with Sango had piqued his interest.

As he approached Sango, who was still engaged in a conversation with a dark haired man, he couldn't help but ask, "Hey, Sango, what happened to the perfume guy.?"

Sango, still smiling, gestured casually toward Miroku with a knowing look. "This would be him."

Kohaku, unfazed, gave Miroku a scrutinizing look. "So, you're the guy she asked me to hack into the system and find?"

Miroku's eyes widened, momentarily stunned. "A kid? Impressive." His tone was a mix of genuine admiration and mild disbelief.

Kohaku grinned modestly, though the pride in his eyes was hard to hide. "Efficiency is key," he said simply, as if the answer was obvious.

Miroku blinked a couple of times, still processing the information. "So... Sango, the woman who can identify a bottle of perfume by its scent alone... and her younger brother is a hacker? Amazing."

He sighed dramatically, "You know what? Forget the perfume collection. I might just start selling it all and join you two—no one's ever going to top this family."

Kohaku raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused. "Just make sure you get my fee first. I'm not doing this for free."

Sango snorted, shaking her head. "Well, that's just family business, isn't it?"

Miroku, still caught up in the idea of a kid hacker and perfume wizardry, laughed. "Guess I'm trading rare perfume bottles for a much more valuable collection: Sango's brother's skills. Hope you don't mind being the new family treasure."

Kohaku just grinned. "As long as I get paid in something other than perfume, we're good."

Miroku laughed before leaning in conspiratorially, his grin widening as a new idea sparked to life. Throwing an arm around each sibling, he pulled them closer. "Speaking of treasures... I've just thought of a brilliant plan."

Sango groaned.

Miroku-ignored her his grin growing. "Picture this: Sesshoumaru and Kagome—getting a little... push in the right direction."

Kohaku tilted his head curiously. "Push in what direction?"

"Romance, of course!" Miroku said, his voice triumphant. "Kohaku, with your skills, we could orchestrate something—maybe a shared, perfectly-timed text or a staged moment of serendipity."

Sango buried her face in her hands. "This is going to end in disaster."

Miroku waved her off. "Not if we plan it perfectly! Kohaku, I could use your tech expertise. A well-timed power outage, a playlist of Kagome's favorite songs queued up to play when they're alone—simple, elegant touches. Nothing could go wrong!"

Kohaku raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide his intrigue. "You want me to hack their lives for a matchmaking scheme?"

"Not hack, Kohaku. Assist," Miroku corrected with mock seriousness. "You'd be facilitating fate."

Sango let out a long-suffering sigh. "I want it on record that I think this is a terrible idea."

Miroku winked at her. "Noted. Now, let's get started."

As Kohaku smirked in amusement and Sango shook her head in resignation, Miroku's plan began to take shape in his mind. Whether it succeeded or not, he was certain of one thing: it was going to be fun.

I think this and chapter 9 so far are definitely my two favorite chapters.

Have a wonderful week ahead everyone!

-Toast32