She felt warm. The world around her suddenly changed—the noise of the city street vanished, replaced by the soft, fresh touch of grass beneath her feet. Akeno blinked and looked around in shock. In front of her stood a huge, open cage, yet the bars seemed more like decorations than an actual prison. Behind it stretched a dense, beautiful forest filled with vibrant green foliage, blooming trees, and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream. The air was sweet, heavy with the scent of flowers and fresh earth. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in golden rays, and tiny, shimmering orbs of light floated everywhere, as if the forest itself were breathing. And the cage… disappeared, as though it had never existed.
"Ara ara… this… this can't be real," Akeno whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. Her heart pounded as if she had stepped straight into the middle of an ancient legend.
A deep, resonant voice echoed from nearby, filled with wisdom and a hint of mockery.
"Welcome. It seems I have a new guest. It's not often that Subaru brings such… interesting company here."
Akeno was at a loss for words. She looked around more carefully, her breath catching in her throat. The forest felt like a dream—every leaf shimmered, the trees whispered softly, and sunlight poured through the canopy in golden beams. Birds sang melodiously above, a crystal-clear stream sparkled in the distance, and the entire place radiated a sense of peace she had never felt before.
"It's… it's beautiful," Akeno murmured, barely above a whisper. "Like another world."
Subaru stood beside her, giving her a reassuring smile.
"I can tell you like Kurama's forest. I felt the same way the first time I was brought here."
Akeno looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and slight confusion.
"So this is where Kurama lives? That Kurama? The very first kitsune?"
Subaru nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly. Come on, I'll introduce you to him. Don't worry—he doesn't bite… at least, not very often."
Akeno hesitated for a moment, then followed Subaru with a smile. Despite her confusion, she felt excited—everything seemed unreal, yet Subaru's presence calmed her.
"Okay… but if he does bite, you'll protect me, right?" she teased, trying to hide her nervousness.
Subaru laughed.
"Of course. Though Kurama attacks more with words than with teeth."
As they walked deeper into the forest, Akeno grew more and more amazed. Birds sang above them, a deer peeked curiously from behind a bush, and the air itself vibrated with ancient magic.
"Subaru… this forest… it's alive. I can feel it. It's like it's watching us."
Subaru nodded.
"Kurama's power. He created this place within his mind. We're safe here… mostly."
Ten minutes later, they reached a clearing. Akeno couldn't believe her eyes. Kurama stood before them in all his majestic glory—a massive creature with crimson fur and nine tails lazily swaying through the air. His eyes gleamed with ancient intelligence and wisdom, tinged with unmistakable cunning.
"Greetings. My name is Kurama. And there's no need for introductions—I already know who you are. Well, well, Subaru, you finally brought me a girl," Kurama said slyly.
"What are you saying?! Why do you always have to tease me?!" Subaru snapped.
"Oh my…" Akeno said, blushing.
The two of them began to argue, while the dark-purple-haired girl watched them fondly. She felt a pang of envy over their bond.
"Subaru. Calm down, idiot. What's going on between you two?" Kurama asked with interest.
"It wasn't a real date. She played with my feelings. I seriously thought I could trust her," Subaru said painfully.
"Idiot. Don't lie to me. I know you still have feelings for her," Kurama replied.
"I don't know. What if she only wanted to see whether I was dangerous?" Subaru asked.
"Why are you asking me? Ask the girl," Kurama said flatly.
"You're right. I need to face it," Subaru said.
"Are you really forgetting that I'm right here? Yes, it was only a fake date. It was part of my master's plan. To be honest, I convinced her to let me go on the date with you instead—because I didn't think you'd go with a fallen angel," Akeno confessed.
"What? If I weren't trained, the fallen angel could've killed me," Subaru said, disappointed.
"Yes. I told her the same thing. I barely managed to convince her to let you date me. Please forgive her—she's under a lot of pressure," Akeno added.
"And what about all of this? I want to know—do you really feel nothing for me?" Subaru asked quietly.
"At first, I thought you were cute and kind. Being near you makes you simply adorable. So yes… I truly like you. I'm sorry the date was fake," Akeno said sincerely.
"Thank you. It means a lot that you feel something for me. I like you too. You're kind, beautiful, gentle. It would've hurt so much if everything had been fake. And you have a big heart—you wouldn't have let me die to that fallen angel," Subaru said with a smile.
If you hadn't teleported away, we could've done more, Akeno thought mischievously.
My hormones can barely hold back from jumping her. She moves her body so deliberately sexy, Subaru thought in return.
"Ara, ara. You'll turn into a real womanizer," Akeno teased.
"Ugh. I'm not. You're the first girl I've ever been this close to. By the way… did you enjoy the fake date?" Subaru asked.
"I loved every moment. We can go again tomorrow—but that one will be real. Don't worry, Rias will allow it," Akeno said honestly.
"Really? Then why did she insist so much on the fake date?" Subaru asked.
"Well… we can go talk to her. She can explain it better—it's complicated for us," Akeno said apologetically.
"Okay. The sooner it's over, the sooner I can relax," Subaru replied positively.
I want to be in your bed, happily fooling around with you, Akeno dreamed.
I'll finally have a real date. I wonder what Akeno will wear… I can barely resist her already, Subaru thought, sweating.
"You surprise me. Be warned—Koneko is very protective of her. Still, I feel like you're stronger than all of them. I don't know why, but I trust my instincts. I believe in you, Subaru," Akeno said warmly.
"Thank you, Akeno. I won't disappoint you," Subaru said happily.
"Then it's time for you to leave. I was about to go to sleep," Kurama said grumpily.
"Alright. Take it easy. Goodbye, Kurama," Subaru said nervously.
"Oh dear… I forgot to ask him something very important," Akeno said sadly.
"It's fine—we can visit him anytime," Subaru reassured her.
"Oh, okay. Then we'll see you again, Kurama-sama," Akeno said respectfully.
"Why do I feel like this is only going to get more complicated?" Subaru thought ominously.
I should ask if I can visit him anytime too. I'm a devil, so I'll just sneak into his room tomorrow, Akeno thought shamelessly.
"Hm. Next time we'll talk, girl. I have something I want to ask you as well," Kurama said.
If I have to, I'll push harder to seduce him. You're very persistent, big boy, Akeno thought lustfully.
She's looking at me like she wants to devour me whole, Subaru thought, flustered.
Idiots. Especially you, Subaru. I can hear your perverted thoughts. I hope that girl makes a real man out of you, Kurama thought in disbelief.
As the forest faded around them, Subaru and Akeno looked at each other, filled with questions and new emotions. Meeting Kurama had been more than breathtaking—it promised the beginning of something new.