"All done..." I say, finishing up a huge batch of Inari Sushi and starting to tidy the kitchen.

Miyabi's words from a few days ago still linger in my mind: 'Don't speak so boldly.'

Being human... I've always known it bothered him. But Miyabi really dislikes humans. Who can blame him? He's endured so much pain from being half ayakashi, lamenting that he should never have been born.

The memory of Miyabi rejecting me flashes back, bringing a wave of sadness. But dwelling on it won't change anything.

All I can do is try to get him to open up...

"Inari sushi..." Miyabi enters the kitchen.

"You were harsh to me, but Inari sushi still brings you back," I tease.

"Whatever, just give me the sushi. I'm hungry," he replies.

"You don't have to eat it..." I say.

"But you made it for me, right?" he counters.

"I could just give it to Ikumi tomorrow or take it to work, saying I made too much," I threaten playfully.

"...You're quite wicked," Miyabi smirks.

"Takes one to know one," I joke back.

Despite his irritation, Miyabi sits next to me, devouring the sushi.

"You love it, just not plain fried tofu?" I ask.

"No flavor," Miyabi answers simply.

"Do you have Inari sushi in the mononoke village?" I inquire.

"Probably started when humans left them as offerings at shrines. They're better than fried tofu. Fried tofu isn't filling—no rice," Miyabi notes, stuffing more sushi in his mouth.

Since Miyabi rejected me, we've barely spoken.

At least we're talking now...

But he hasn't touched me since that day. No sign of affection since we returned from the mononoke village...

Has he given up on us? Is this how it's going to be?

"I noticed you haven't been coming to the library," I mention softly.

"I don't need to be there to protect you. If anything happens, I'll be there. Don't worry," Miyabi assures.

"Then why were you always by my side before?" I question.

"To learn about your workplace. Now that I know it, there's no need to stay so close," he explains.

No need... yet he used to insist on keeping me in view.

"By the way... today's sushi lacks flavor," Miyabi grumbles.

"Oh? Really?" I ask.

"Make it tastier next time," he complains, leaving the kitchen.

"Wait, where are you going?" I ask desperately.

"Do I have to tell you?" Miyabi says, disappearing down the hall without a backward glance.

He's changed so much... Talking doesn't seem to help.

He's keeping his distance, pushing me away to protect his heart.

"I might have spoken too much, acting like I know him, just like he said..."

What I said wasn't wrong, but it wasn't what Miyabi wanted to hear.

--

Days pass, and Miyabi remains the same.

"Samon, can I have more?" Shinra asks.

"Sure, just a second," Samon replies.

"I love this meat, but a steak would beat these burgers," Kyoga teases.

"Don't be like that. It takes effort to cook. Right, Luna?" Samon says.

"Thanks, Samon," I respond, smiling faintly.

Miyabi still eats with us, but now sits far away, unlike before when he was always beside me.

I can't believe he's avoiding me so openly...

"This is depressing," Shinra remarks.

"What?" I respond, confused.

"We should have more fun at dinner," Kyoga suggests.

"Sorry, I'm bringing everyone down," I apologize.

"It's not you," Shinra reassures.

"Chikage, smile," Yukinojo encourages.

"Excuse me?" Chikage says, surprised.

"Look, it's nice," Shinra notes.

"Chikage rarely smiles, but it brightens the room," Samon observes.

"Luna's smile is better," Kyoga states.

"I think so too," Chikage agrees.

Everyone's trying to cheer me up. Are they worried about me?

"Alright, Yuki, tickle Chikage from that side," Shinra orders.

"Guess we have to brighten the mood," Yukinojo agrees.

"Stop it, there's no need for this," Chikage protests.

"Just try, Chikage. Lighten the room," Kyoga insists.

"You wouldn't dare..." Chikage warns.

Everyone laughs, attempting to tickle Chikage when...

Suddenly, Miyabi stands up with a loud slam.

"Miyabi, what's wrong?" I ask.

"I'm done eating. Going to my room," he declares.

"You only ate Inari sushi," Shinra comments.

"I'll be in my room. Call if you need me," Miyabi says, avoiding my eyes.

"Huh? Okay..." I say quietly.

"He's gone," Yukinojo observes.

"He's been moody lately," Samon notes.

"Did you two have a fight?" Shinra inquires.

"Not exactly. He's just avoiding me," I explain.

"Miyabi, still making girls cry," Kyoga sighs.

Miyabi's cold expression... Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.

"The house feels gloomy when you're down, Luna," Yukinojo says.

"Yes, because she's always smiling," Samon agrees.

"So, who cleans this up?" Shinra wonders.

"Nothing good from being like this," Chikage says.

"It's Miyabi's fault. We should sacrifice him to make Luna smile," Kyoga suggests.

"Um..." I start.

"It's fine. Leave it to us," Shinra declares.

They ignore me, enthusiastically planning their scheme.

Uh oh. What are they up to?

(translate to tagalog)