Chapter 234: Feeding Gabriel
The miko pressed a palm to her burning cheeks, biting her lip and shaking her head furiously.
"Crazy! I’ve officially gone crazy! How could I even think about things like that?" she muttered under her breath, pacing a few steps in the steamy bathroom. The mirror reflected her flustered expression, a faint blush still tinting her fair skin. She scolded her reflection again. "Compose yourself. Be elegant. Be refined. Do not be indecent."
Taking a deep breath, she tied her yukata sash firmly and stepped out. The faint sound of water dripping behind her faded as the cool night air met her freshly bathed skin. She wore a clean, snow-white yukata, simple yet graceful, paired with soft wooden sandals that clicked lightly against the floorboards with each step. Her skin glowed faintly pink from the heat of the bath, soft and smooth like porcelain warmed by candlelight. The faint shimmer of moisture made her look almost ethereal.
Her toes peeked out delicately from her sandals, pale and round like little pearls, and the hem of her yukata swayed gently, revealing a fleeting glimpse of her slender calves. They were graceful, flawless—like sculpted marble given life. Her every step carried quiet poise, but the faint scent of soap and warmth that followed her added a subtle intimacy that even she seemed unaware of.
The catgirl Rina immediately appeared, holding a blow dryer almost as tall as her face. "Onee-sama, sit down, nya~ I’ll help!" she said cheerfully. As the warm air began to hum, Rina’s fluffy ears twitched, and her tail swayed back and forth in rhythm. The miko’s long black hair fluttered in the breeze, shining under the dim light. A few strands stuck to her neck, exposing the delicate curve beneath her ear and the slender line of her collarbone.
Compared to her daytime self—always serene, dignified, and untouchable—there was now something softer, more vulnerable, more dangerously alluring about her. Even Rina paused for a moment, blinking in quiet admiration before shaking her head quickly. "Done, nya!"
The miko smiled faintly, brushing her silky hair over one shoulder. Confidence seemed to return to her composure. "Kou-kun, it’s getting late. Let me show you your room."
Kouya nodded and followed. The house was calm and quiet, filled with the faint scent of cedar. They passed through the corridor, their footsteps muted on the tatami mats. Finally, she stopped before a sliding wooden door and pulled it open.
The room was neat and faintly nostalgic, illuminated by the soft glow of a hanging lantern. It wasn’t large, but it had an air of history—the faint scent of old paper and cedar hung in the air. A sturdy wooden desk, a carved wardrobe, and shelves lined with books gave it a simple but dignified charm.
"This was my grandfather’s room," she said softly, looking around. "I still clean it every week. You can use it tonight, Kou-kun. And if you’re not used to tatami floors, I can set you up in another room."
Kouya smiled faintly. "No need. This is perfect."
He had no particular preference—anywhere was fine for him. With his stamina, he could probably sleep under a bridge and wake up refreshed.
The miko nodded and began laying out a futon with careful, practiced movements. The fabric rustled softly as she smoothed the edges. Her graceful figure moved like flowing water—quiet, sure, and mesmerizing. "If you enjoy staying here," she said gently, glancing at him, "you’re welcome to visit anytime."
Kouya watched as she clapped her hands lightly, smiling with soft satisfaction. "Then, good night, Kou-kun. Rest well."
He nodded. "Good night."
Of course, she didn’t linger—unlike what the mischievous little loli had joked earlier. She left with her usual calm, sliding the door shut behind her. The faint click of the wooden frame echoed softly.
Kouya switched off the lamp, and the room fell into tranquil darkness. For a while, only the faint rustle of trees outside filled the silence. He pulled out his phone to check the time—it was just before midnight. He was about to set it aside when his thumb hesitated over the screen.
Almost on impulse, he unlocked it and opened his chat app.
"Still awake?" he typed.
...
Across town, in a dimly lit bedroom, Gabriel sat cross-legged in front of her glowing monitor. The victory screen flashed bright colors, and notifications poured in: friend requests, messages, compliments. Her lips curled into a faint, smug grin.
"Hah, five minutes ago you all called me a troll support. Now you’re begging me to carry you again? Pathetic."
She lazily rejected them all with one hand, sipping from an empty soda can before realizing it was long since dry. The faint buzz of her phone interrupted her routine.
"Who’s messaging me at this hour?" she muttered, dragging herself over to check it. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw the sender’s name.
Kouya.
Still awake?
She blinked once. Twice. "What’s his problem? It’s the middle of the night! Did he suddenly remember I exist?" She tossed the phone onto her bed and crossed her arms stubbornly. But as the seconds ticked by, curiosity gnawed at her.
"Ugh... fine!" She grabbed the phone again, curled up in her chair with her knees against her chest, and typed back.
What, did you get kicked out? Sleeping on the streets now?
His reply came almost instantly. No. Just thought you might still be mad.
Gabriel snorted aloud. Mad? Me? Don’t flatter yourself. You just stayed out all night—who cares? You can stay gone forever for all I care!13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCnP5qcu6d
Her wings twitched once, betraying the irritation her words tried to hide.
A moment later, another message popped up. Dinner tomorrow? My treat.
She froze, cheeks puffing slightly. Tch. Who even wants that? she typed quickly.
He replied with just two words: Then forget it.
Gabriel’s eyes widened. Hey! You can’t just take it back like that!13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpVRdUiaTJ
She furiously added a punching emoji. Fine! You better make something good! I’m sick of instant noodles and convenience store bento. You’re cooking for me, got it?
Kouya chuckled to himself at the message. Got it.
Their chat continued for a few more minutes—banter, teasing, small talk. Eventually, his battery warning flashed on the screen.
Battery’s dying. Going to sleep. You should too.
Gabriel huffed softly. Yeah, yeah. I’ll play one more round. Night.13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eP8RHuwLh
But after closing the chat, she didn’t start the next game right away. Her eyes lingered on the dimly glowing phone for a moment, her lips pressing together.
Finally, she sighed and set down her controller. "Whatever. I already finished my dailies anyway."
She pushed herself up, her golden hair falling around her shoulders, and shuffled off toward the bathroom, muttering. "Hmph. Acting all nice like that... I bet he’s just guilty. Idiot."
...
Morning came gently, the air filled with birdsong. The shrine’s paper doors glowed with the first light of dawn.
Laughter echoed through the hallway. "Kou-nii! The sun’s up! You’re still in bed!"
Kouya cracked an eye open to find the cheeky little loli standing at the door in her crisp white kendo gi. Her twin ponytails swayed as she leaned in, holding her wooden sword proudly.
He groaned, rubbing his eyes. "It’s not even seven yet."
"I’ve been training since six-thirty! You’re slower than me, Kou-nii. Shameful!" she teased, puffing her chest out.
Kouya sat up slowly, the blanket slipping down his chest to reveal his toned torso.
The girl’s face turned crimson. "Ah! Kou-nii sleeps naked!"
He groaned. "I’m wearing a shirt! Stop peeking through your fingers if you’re going to cover your eyes!"
A calm voice called from the hall. "Hinata."
The girl straightened immediately. "Onee-sama! I—I’m going to train now!" she yelped and bolted down the corridor.
Moments later, the miko appeared, carrying neatly folded clothes. "Kou-kun, did you sleep well?"
He nodded. "Yeah, no complaints."
"These are clean now. Come out when you’re ready. Breakfast is waiting," she said, offering a soft smile before turning away.
When he stepped outside, the morning sun washed the courtyard in a warm, golden glow. The air was crisp and carried the scent of flowers and incense. Hinata was already back to practicing with her wooden sword, her movements sharp and earnest. She noticed him watching and grinned mid-swing before resuming her training.
Above her, Rina the catgirl stretched lazily on a sakura branch, her tail flicking idly as she basked in the sun. The bunny twins’ voices drifted faintly from the kitchen—they were helping prepare breakfast.
Rina eventually hopped down, clutching a book. "Hey, Kou-nii, why isn’t the cat part of the zodiac, nya? Even the mouse made it!"
Kouya chuckled softly. "Because cats weren’t around when it was made. The zodiac was created long before cats came."
Rina blinked, looking genuinely heartbroken. "So... cats missed their chance, nya? That’s tragic."
Kouya nodded. "Yeah. Bad luck for cats, I guess."
She brightened again almost instantly. "Still, Kou-nii knows so much! You’re amazing, nya!"
He sighed, folding his arms. "That’s just basic knowledge. Don’t think flattery’s going to get you cookies."
Rina giggled, tail flicking. "Nya~ worth a try!"
...
Breakfast was simple but beautifully arranged—miso soup, grilled fish, pickled radish, steamed rice, and the earthy smell of burdock root. The sunlight poured through the shoji screens, catching in the rising steam from their bowls.
After eating, Kouya helped clear the table. The shrine felt peaceful; laughter and soft voices echoed faintly through the halls. Time passed quickly, and soon afternoon sunlight streamed in.
Kouya stretched, glancing toward the gate. It was time to go. After all, a certain lazy angel was waiting for her promised meal—and Kouya had no intention of keeping Gabriel, of all people, waiting when food was involved.
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