Fox's house (part 2)

"Hey, birdy, here's the cup," Kōga said, bumping Makio on the shoulder with the cup.

"Thank you."

"Sure, no problem. We can discuss whatever you want now." Kōga took his cup and walked back to the couch, his smile somewhat forced. Makio couldn’t help but notice one of Kōga’s ears twitching. He cleared his throat.

"Well, K-, fox, maybe you wanted to discuss the whole situation that just happened?"

He felt Kōga's eyes immediately piercing him through. Perhaps it was a bad idea to bring up this topic again?

Kōga just got over this whole embarrassment, and this stupid bird wants to discuss it? He could not understand what that bird was thinking or trying to play at. Was he just pretending to be dumb to get to him or what? Fuming, he tried to keep his feelings in check and replied coolly, "I do not see the point of wasting time on nonsense, you came here because of the girl, did you not?"

What Kōga did not know was that Makio was a romantic, who had a dream of true shoujo love. He was persistent and stubborn when it came to something he wanted, especially in a potential partner. At this point, he knew that Kōga probably liked him in some sort of way, enough at least, to invite and pull these seductive moves onto him. If so, then Makio, who, it seemed, liked him, wanted to try making it right. And in Makio's brain making it work meant talking it out, discussing the issue, and communicating each other's feelings.

If Kōga had known this, he would have never invited Makio to his house or even answered his phone. Two days of knowing each other, and this bird was already giving him a headache. He wasn’t interested in dealing with such nonsense, even for a pretty face.

"Well yes, I did. Okay then, I mean, we can talk about this after..." Makio was calm.

"I don’t want to discuss anything further with you! After you’re done asking about the girl—leave! You’re the most annoying yokai I’ve ever met!" Kōga lost his composure, feeling a surge of rage. He wanted to slap Makio with his tail. "Ask your questions and go. Never talk to me again!" He turned his back to Makio, cursing silently.

Makio shrugged, surprised. "Wait, you don’t want to see me again?"

He did not understand. Had he interpreted the situation wrong? Did he say something that frightened Kōga? He frowned, reconsidering his words. They didn’t seem too harsh to him.

Meanwhile, Kōga continued to ignore him, leaning against the couch. Unconsciously, Makio moved closer. Kōga covered his face with one hand, his ears twitching again, making Makio freeze mid-movement. He couldn’t handle it anymore. Blushing, he let a smile creep onto his face. Looking at Kōga, who seemed so vulnerable right now, Makio felt a surge of affection. He closed his eyes and lay back on the couch.

He heard Kōga’s annoyed voice, "What are you smirking at?"

Makio, still blushing, replied from his position on the couch, "It’s your ears. You look so... cute when you’re angry. And it seems you’re not aware that your ears move a lot when you’re mad."

There was no response.

"K-Kōga?" Makio tried to sit up, but a pillow landed heavily on him.

"I told you to stop playing with me! Who do you think you are? Thank me for using a pillow this time! I want you to disappear, now. You are so irritating. Ask your questions, and leave." He paused, and said quietly, "Stop these games of yours, it hurts..."

Hearing the last part, Makio turned his head rapidly, the pillow falling to the floor. Kōga looked as he always did, but with a hint of redness on his cheeks. Avoiding Makio’s gaze, he looked away.

"Wait, Kōga, I don’t understand..."

Bziiing.

They both turned their heads to the door. The intercom was ringing. Forgetting about all that just happened they briefly glanced at each other, and back at the door. Kōga appeared in front of it, instantly, Makio noted, trying to sound the least sarcastic he could:

"Did you invite anyone else? It's two in the morning right now..."

"No." Kōga glanced at him again, then squinted at the intercom "Wait. It's...Nami?"

"What?" Makio appeared next to Kōga, "Did something happen?"

"Move," Kōga shoved him, "Or better, leave. We can talk tomorrow if you want. I will let you know..."

"No!" Makio seemed determined to stay for some reason, "I am not leaving, not after khm... Nami is my friend too, I want to know if everything is okay!"

"Pff, nuisance. Whatever, I will let her in, wait here." Kōga disappeared, leaving startled Makio alone.