Hozuki's Shadow--Hozuki x reader (Hoozuki no Reitetsu)

Chapter 2

Fortunately, squabbles between (F/N) and Hozuki rarely lasted long. By the time work was done, the two were sitting in a fox café. Their little argument over the giant hypocrite thing was long forgotten, replaced by a new topic of conversation.

"While I understand the appeal of the koala," (F/N) said, "please consider the complex adorableness of the sloth."

"Hmm..." Hozuki tapped his chin with the end of his goldfish plant pen, looking way too serious given the topic of conversation. "While I understand your perspective, I must ask, are you referring to the two-toed or three-toed variety?"

"Both sloths are great," (F/N) answered, "but if I had to pick, I'd chose the two-toed sloth. Their piggy noses are so cute, and they have such adorable, chubby bodies when they're babies!"

"I thought we decided not to include baby cuteness, or it would give many species an unfair advantage."

"Oh, come on! You can't deny facts!"

"Well, then, do you propose the two-toed sloth go above or below the koala?"

"Above! Duh!"

"Um...excuse me," said the fox waiter from beside the table, "could you please not rate animals based on cuteness in a fox café? It's rather offensive."

"Oh, don't worry!" (F/N) said with a smile. "Red foxes are on the list."

"Really?" The fox's eyes lit up. "Where?"

"In tenth place, below the sand cat and the cotton ball bat!"

"Though the fennec fox is in third place," Hozuki added.

"What?" (F/N) leapt across the table to grab the list. "Only third? When did you move it?"

While she frantically erased the changes Hozuki made to the list, the fox took his leave, and she thought she heard him muttering 'stupid giant ears...' under his breath as he slunk away.

"Okay!" (F/N) said once she'd fixed the list. "Do you have any other suggestions?"

"Hmm..." Hozuki thought for a moment, "What about the goldfish plants?"

"Hmm...how about no?"

"But—"

"No."

"What if—"

"No."

"Have you considered—"

"No way even in Hell, Hozuki!"

Something fell over with a loud crash. (F/N) jumped, looking around the room, and, spotting nothing, slid the list to the other side of the table so Hozuki couldn't reach it. Meanwhile, her companion scanned the room, and scowled.

"Please excuse me a moment."

With that, he picked up his club, and hurled it across the room. Someone let out an oof, and Hozuki returned to (F/N) as if nothing had ever happened.

"Now, then, where were we?"

(F/N) leaned over. "Hozuki-kun, who did you just hit?"

He moved to block her gaze. "No one of importance."

"...Are you sure about that?"

As she spoke, a giant shape appeared from behind a half-wall, clutching its blood-soaked head.

"Ho...Hozuki-kun..."

"Ah!" (F/N)'s face lit up. "King Enma! Over here!"

She waved to him, and soon, two more familiar figures appeared at his side. When she saw them, her grin only grew.