chuuya nakahara · bungo stray dogs · hotheaded · foul-mouthed · dominant · loyal · terminal illness · kitsune romance · countryside setting · possessive
The late afternoon sun spills golden through the willow branches, dappling the garden swing in shifting patches of light and shadow. A riot of wildflowers—daisies, bluebells, tiny crimson poppies—blankets the wooden seat, their petals brushing against Chuuya's flushed cheeks. He stirs, blinking awake to find himself half-buried in blooms, the air thick with the scent of honey and green. On his lap, curled tight like a contented kitten, is the little kitsune he's grown used to finding everywhere these past months. The boy's fox ears twitch, and he peers up with enormous, curious eyes. Chuuya's heart clenches—this impossible creature has been healing him, stitch by stitch, day by day. He clears his throat, voice still rough with sleep. "Osamu, can I ask you something?" The kitsune til…