To Fear or Be Feared || Umeji Kizuguchi x Reader || COMPLETED ✓

CHP. 32 • The Forest •

As the couple entered the town's park, a waft of fresh air hit their senses, instantly easing any worries that they might have held previously. Y/N's eyes scanned her surroundings as she stared at the beautiful scenery. It was just as she had remembered it: lush hedgerows and leafy emerald giants casting dark shadows over the paths. The soft breeze gently rustled the topmost branches of the trees, causing miniature leaves to cascade towards the hard ground below.

Y/N smiled at the picturesque scenario as Umeji grasped her hand and led her towards the lake. The large mass of water was located at the centre of the park, but surprisingly, not many people ventured there. The couple sat down beside each other, as Y/N leaned her head on Umeji's side affectionately. The latter shot her a small smile, before extending his arms and wrapping them around her frame in a secure manner.

They remained like this for hours, merely listening to the surrounding sounds of nature and basking in the warmth that their bodies provided. Umeji glanced at Y/N from the corner of his eye and grinned at the sight of her peaceful face. Her eyes were glowing a bright E/C under the rays of the sun and her rosy lips were curled upwards into a gentle smile.

However, moments like these don't last forever and suddenly, they heard a strangled 'miaow' coming from somewhere near them. Y/N gently stirred and gazed in curiosity in the direction from which the sound was coming from and once it repeated itself, she decided to stand up and check it out. Umeji gave her a questioning look, but got up nonetheless to follow her.

The H/C-haired girl strode over to the area where the forest met the meadow and looked around for the source of the noise. She gave a startled yelp when it came directly above her and Y/N's head instantly snapped to see what it was. The girl gasped when she saw a silky black cat laying down on one of the thicker tree branches. The feline seemed tired and was unnaturally thin for her size, which caused Y/N's eyebrows to furrow in worry. Umeji came up behind her and cast her a curious expression, but his eyes widened slightly when she pointed her finger at somewhere above their heads. A slightly worried expression crossed his face as he glanced at the malnourished cat.

"Do you think we should bring it home?" Umeji asked, moving to stand directly under the tree. Y/N thought about it for a moment, but then nodded in determination.

"Yeah, I think we should" she declared, as she placed her hands on her hips. Umeji gave her a small grin before jumping up slightly to grasp the lowest branch of the tree. Y/N watched as he carefully climbed all the way to where the cat was lying and gently scouted closer to the feline.

"Come on little cat. I won't hurt you" he whispered whilst reaching out to let it smell his hand. The cat did so and after a few moments, moved closer to the blonde's stretched out arms. Umeji wasted no time in grabbing it around the midsection and slowly climbed down from the tree. Y/N watched with a smirk as he continued to pet the cat and speak in soft tones to it. She snickered quietly, causing Umeji's eyes to meet hers questionably.

"Sorry" she grinned, "it's just you're such a softie for animals, I hardly recognise you."

Umeji rolled his eyes but continued grinning. "Who are you to judge?" he asked sceptically, "I actually happen to like cats."

Y/N shook her head at the boy and started heading for the woodland trail that would lead them out of the park.

"Come on, let's get her home."