A Shrine Maiden’s Day Off (Ruined, Obviously)

For once, Ayaka woke up without tripping over her futon.

She stretched her arms, proud of her achievement. “See, Kitsura? Improvement!”

Kitsura floated by the window, unimpressed. “Congratulations. You’ve managed not to fall unconscious in the first ten seconds of your day.”

Ayaka pouted. “You could be more supportive, you know.”

Her sister called from outside, already wrapped in perfect shrine robes. “Ayaka! Don’t forget—today’s your turn to help with the market blessings!”

Ayaka’s heart sank. Blessing the market meant walking through crowds, trying not to embarrass herself in front of literally everyone.

The town bustled with life. Merchants shouted out their wares, kids darted between stalls, and the smell of grilled fish filled the air. Ayaka held her ceremonial fan nervously, trying her best to look dignified.

“Smile,” Kitsura whispered. “You’re supposed to bring peace and fortune, not look like you’re about to be executed.”

“I am calm!” Ayaka insisted, even as she tripped over a basket of radishes.

The vendor groaned. “Ah, Lady Ayaka… at least your sister never trips on the produce.”

Ayaka bowed frantically, cheeks red. “S-sorry! It’s part of my unique charm!”

The crowd chuckled good-naturedly—everyone liked Ayaka, even if they never took her seriously.

That was when he showed up.

The demon leaned casually against a takoyaki stall, flipping one of the dumplings with a toothpick. He looked entirely out of place and yet nobody else seemed to notice him.

“Lovely performance, shrine girl,” he called, loud enough for Ayaka to hear. “Your clumsiness could be weaponized.”

Ayaka froze, her fan trembling in her hands. “You—why are you here?!”

“Market day,” he said smoothly, popping the dumpling into his mouth. “Great food, better company. Plus, I wanted to see how my favorite shrine maiden handles the public.”

Kitsura hissed, appearing on Ayaka’s shoulder. “You’re not welcome here, demon.”

The demon smirked. “Relax, fox. I’m just watching. Can’t a man enjoy some street food in peace?”

Ayaka stomped her foot. “Stop following me around like some… some… weird stalker!”

The demon’s grin widened. “But isn’t it more fun this way? You never know when I’ll show up… or what I’ll do.”

His eyes glinted, and for the briefest second, the air around him seemed to shimmer with dark energy. A crack in the ground appeared near the fish stall—tiny, but real.

Ayaka gasped. “Wait—did you just—?!”

And then, just as suddenly, the crack sealed itself, the market bustle continuing as though nothing had happened. Only Ayaka and Kitsura had seen it.

The demon licked his fingers, stood, and walked away, blending into the crowd.

“See you soon, shrine girl.”

Ayaka stared after him, rattled. “…Kitsura?”

Kitsura’s tone was tight, unusually serious. “He’s playing with us. But next time… I fear it won’t be a game.”

Ayaka clutched her fan to her chest, unease prickling through her. For the first time, she wondered if her clumsy, comedic life was about to turn deadly serious.