The Mark of a Yokai's Love

Chapter 6: A New Revelation

I sat on the front steps of the shrine's porch, watching the sun rise. It was nearing noon, but birds could still be heard singing from the multiple trees surrounding the property. I sighed and tried to relax, but the previous scene kept playing in my head. No matter what I did to stop it, Tomoe's odd expression continued to pop up and confuse the hell out of me. He had almost looked concerned for my well-being. But that couldn't be right. Tomoe was as caring as a rock. After banishing this thought, his words would make an appearance. He said I didn't understand. Understand what? Understand that he has anger management problems and a weird sense of protectiveness that only activates itself in certain occasions? Or maybe he meant to say that I didn't understand that he was doing all of this because he actually likes me.... No, that's impossible. But his face when he said it....

Back and forth my thoughts went until I couldn't take it anymore. I groaned and stood up. I hadn't even been able to finish my tea, and it was only my first cup! As I walked back into the shrine, I thought about what I could do to relinquish myself from Tomoe's grasp. It was going to be hard, but I am his master. If anything, I could just order him to ignore me for a week. Except for when he makes me food.

I walked into the kitchen to see Tomoe bent over the sink with an apron on and his sleeves rolled up. He was furiously scrubbing the dishes clean, and I wasn't sure if it was from anger or an intense love for washing dishes. Probably the former.

"Here you go," I said, setting my cup down on the counter next to it. Tomoe glanced at the cup, and shouted my name. He was most likely going to scold me for being lazy, not finishing my tea, etc, so I hightailed it out of there and pretended I didn't hear him.

I walked to my room and decided what I really needed was a vacation. Not just a vacation from Tomoe, but one from the whole shrine itself. If I could just spend a couple of days imagining myself as a regular high school girl without any land god duties, then it would definitely relieve some of my stress. I chose to pack some clothes and necessities in my schoolbag without telling Tomoe. Perhaps if I acted like the decision was final, he'll be more willing to let me go. As I piled my stuff into the bag, I thought about the finer details. Where would I go? What would I do? How would I pay for everything? I suppose I wouldn't be able to go very far, so maybe I could just hang out with a friend for a week.

'You don't have friends.'

'Shut up, me!'

Then, I guess I could just relax and do things that I enjoy. I could play music, see a movie, read a book. It doesn't matter as long as it helps me calm down.

I was convinced that my plan was foolproof, and didn't realize that someone had been getting closer and closer to my door. Before I could react to the sound of arriving footsteps, it swung open to reveal an irritated Tomoe. He started to say something, but stopped when he saw me sitting in a pile of clothes. I tried to conceal the bag with my body, but Tomoe had already seen it. The damage was done.

"What is this?" Tomoe asked. His tone and expression were emotionless, which was almost scarier than his rage.

"Well...." I said, reluctant to answer.

"Kora."

That was it. Although all he said was my name, it was enough to get me to reveal all of my secret plans. Once I finished, I watched him try and take in the information. He opened his mouth to say something, but then decided against it. Instead, he walked into the room, grabbed my bag, and walked out. Confused, I got up and followed him.

"Where are you going?"
Tomoe stopped and looked back at me. "You're not leaving."

"What?"