"Oh my, I don't mind at all—it's been a while since I last entertained a guest," she said with a smile. "Then, wait a bit while I prepare the drink."
Yasaka took her leave as if she could read his troubled mind. Now left to his thoughts, Kousuke gradually calmed down. He didn't expect the so-called "Youkai Queen" to share similar traits with his companion. He wished Tsubaki were here, so he could rest on her lap and let all his troubles disappear.
He entertained the thought that maybe this "Yasaka" was using illusion or mind magic on him—but why go to such lengths? She shouldn't know about him, much less his abnormal power.
So the most reasonable conclusion was that she'd only learned about him by observing the Occult Research Club. After all, if a group of devils stepped into her territory, the first thing to do—after being informed by her subordinates—would be to investigate their reasons for visiting. He would've done the same in her place.
He heard footsteps approaching and steeled himself. Since he was here anyway, he might as well learn more about Youkai. It wasn't like he just wanted to spend more time with Yasaka. Nope. Not at all.
"Excuse me," she said, placing the tray down on the short table. She poured the drink into a cup and gently pushed it toward him. "It's a special tea—I hope you'll like it."
He took a quick sniff, noticing a peculiar flowery scent coming from the cup. Then he brought it to his lips and took a small sip. His eyes widened in surprise.
"...It's good."
"I'm glad to hear that," she said with a smile. "Then, may I call you Kousuke-kun?"
He nodded, not surprised she knew his name.
"Why did you tag along with the young devil and her peerage?" she asked. "Are they holding you hostage?"
"Hahaha, I wish," he replied with a chuckle. "There wasn't any big reason. Issei is my friend, and I'm just a student tagging along on a field trip."
"The Red Dragon Emperor and the Occult Research Club... I see."
"Then can I ask you a question?"
"Sure. Are you curious about my tails?" she said. His wandering gaze hadn't gone unnoticed. She was used to this—after all, it wasn't every day one saw a nine-tailed Youkai.
"Yes. Are they... as fluffy as they look?" His eyes sparkled with intrigue. If stares could bore holes, she wouldn't have any tails left. The moment he saw them, he felt a powerful urge to touch them. Fortunately, he still had some semblance of self-control amidst the confusion.
"Fufufu, of course. I groom them myself," she said, rubbing one of her tails as a mischievous thought crossed her mind. "Do you want to touch it?"
"No thank you," he replied almost immediately. She was stunned—it was an instant refusal. But looking closely, she spotted minute details that almost fooled her. He was holding himself back, for reasons unknown.
"May I know why?"
He took another sip before sighing. "I accidentally touched the ears of someone similar to a Youkai without their permission."
"Who knows, I might be forced to marry you—there's a custom among Youkai where only a partner is allowed to do that." Not that he'd turn down the offer if it were under more favorable circumstances.
"Pfft—"
Her laughter filled the room as he awkwardly shifted on his knees. Kousuke averted his gaze, pretending to focus on his tea while Yasaka continued chuckling. Her laugh was melodic—warm and teasing without malice. It reminded him again of that other Yasaka... and it tugged at his chest.
"I must say," she began again, folding her hands in her lap, "you're more restrained than most men I've met. Most wouldn't turn down the chance to touch my tails. It's one of the most coveted experiences among those who visit us Youkai."
"Don't worry, if that were the case, I wouldn't offer you the chance to touch them."
"Are you sure?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Absolutely."
"...Are you absolutely certain?" he repeated with a serious undertone.
She sighed and gave him an exasperated look. She didn't know why, but she already felt exhausted.
"Yes, you may touch my tai—kyah!"
The moment she said it, she let out a yelp. Before she knew it, he was already behind her, throwing himself into her tails. Her body jolted slightly from the unexpected contact, her posture stiffening as his hands gently sank into the mass of golden fur. The sensation of his fingers combing through her meticulously groomed tails sent a visible shiver up her spine.
"...You're fast," Yasaka muttered, blinking. "You were just asking for permission a second ago."
"I had to make sure you meant it," Kousuke said, his voice muffled. "Besides, you left yourself open."
Her lips twitched, torn between amusement and exasperation. "Is that how it works? You ambush women the moment they let down their guard?"
"Only the fluffy ones," he replied, completely deadpan.
Yasaka sighed and shook her head, but she couldn't hold back the smile tugging at her lips. His fingers were surprisingly gentle, threading carefully through the silken strands. He wasn't groping or treating her like a pet—he was simply... appreciating them. Respectfully.
Which only made it harder to tease him the way she usually would.
"…You're enjoying this too much," she said, half-accusatory, half-teasing.
"I'm committed to my choices," he said. "I regret nothing."
"I should make you marry me now, you know."
"Should I get the ring, or will you handle that part?" he replied without hesitation.
Kousuke was thankful Tsubaki wasn't here, or he might be in trouble. He wouldn't mind another 'punishment' session, though.
She gave him a look. "You're awfully cheeky for someone neck-deep in a woman's tails."
"Wrong. Shoulder-deep."
That earned him a light thwack from one of her tails, swatting the back of his head. He flinched but didn't move away.
"…Alright, I'll allow it for another minute. Then I'm cutting you off."
"Yes, ma'am."
For a brief moment, a quiet stillness fell between them. Yasaka glanced over her shoulder, only to find Kousuke resting against her tails with his eyes closed, a faint, peaceful expression on his face. That guarded, calculating look he'd worn earlier was gone.
He looked... comfortable.
It reminded her, faintly and unexpectedly, of her late husband.