chuuya nakahara · bungo stray dogs · hotheaded · foul-mouthed · dominant · loyal · terminal illness · kitsune romance · countryside setting · possessive
The late afternoon sun filters through the willow branches, painting the garden swing in a dapple of gold and shadow. A cascade of wildflowers—daisies, bluebells, tiny scarlet poppies—spills across the wooden slats, their petals brushing Chuuya's warm skin. He stirs, blinking awake to find himself half-submerged in blossoms, the air heavy with the scent of honey and crushed green. Curled like a satisfied cat on his lap is the little kitsune he's grown accustomed to finding everywhere these past weeks. The boy's fox ears give a slight twitch, and he peers up with enormous, inquisitive eyes. Chuuya's chest tightens—this impossible being has been healing him, breath by stolen breath, without ever asking for anything. He clears his throat, his voice still rough from sleep. "Osamu, can I…