a touch | inumaki x reader

twenty

Euphoria ; Highway

A tap patted softly onto your shoulder, waking you up. You opened your eyes, tiny dark dots swarming your vision like fireflies.

"...Mm?" You muttered as you lifted your head, wondering what had happened while you were asleep.

With a tilted face, Inumaki's eyelashes fluttered as he responded,

"We're almost there."

"Oh, sorry."

Dozing off in the train was something you'd often do, but it was surprising that you still found yourself a bit worn out. Inumaki smiled softly, eyes meeting yours.

"Don't worry about it."

Feeling a subtle sense of relief, there sounded a beep followed with a lady's voice as the doors opened. You tilted your head, turning to glimpse at the nearby passengers standing up.

"We have reached JR Kichijoji Station, please get off if this is your stop."

Both you and Inumaki stood up, the dazzling sunlight pouring through windows of all directions. Following the few people that left the train, you glanced around.

The day dawned crisp and clear, the sun shining softly on the passing trains. The trees that surrounded the station resembled a painting, with its leaves that were evening orange fading into a softer yellow. Briskly walking with Inumaki down the crowded stairs, you noticed more and more people enter your sight.

The Kichijoji Station was packed with several stores, varying from convenience stores to food shops. With bright lights above you, you tightened your grip against Inumaki's jacket as you entered the boisterous crowd.

You turned around, searching for the exit before noticing the eccentric crowd that swarmed the ticket gate. Pointing towards it, Inumaki nodded and you both made your way.

You steps couldn't be heard, lost in the orchestra of other steps and chatters. In the corner of your eye, you noticed a family of four calming down their youngest child, the mother pushing him in a small, black stroller.

Sneaking a glimpse to look at the signs at the top, you were certain you were going the right way. You fumbled between your small bag as you rummaged through it, searching for your card.

"Ah, found it," You whispered quietly to yourself, pulling the small turquoise blue card out.

Swiping your card, you walked through the ticket gate and breathed in the brisk breeze as you waited for Inumaki. In front of you laid a scene that seemed to have come directly from a movie.

Instead of trees, towering buildings that resembled skyscrapers cast long shadows. Their windows were concealed with either billboards or posters, vivid colors clashing against one another beside the narrow roads.

As Inumaki led the way, you followed behind him silently. With each turn, you passed by less and lesser buildings before finally reaching a trail of leaves. You glanced upwards, eyes widening at the sight.

With the approaching arrival of autumn, a leaf with the same color as a fading sunset into horizon fluttered in front of you. The trees and foliage were lit aglow, dappled sunlight laying in front of you like a path.

Catching sight of a glittering pond, you immediately ran towards it. A breeze winnowed pass you, filling the air with the scent of stagnant water and the previous rain that had settled into the lush, silky grass beneath you.

A bird's flapping winds trilled above in the vast sky, followed by the buzz and gums of nearby insects. You heard Inumaki's footsteps approach you, scaring away the soft rustle from a small animal in the underbrush.

Withered leaves floated on the shimmering water, several lily pads and reed drifting near the outskirts of the pond. Taking in a deep breath, you couldn't help but feel a sense of enjoyment from the scenery alone.

You could feel Inumaki's gaze stuck at you, but you didn't mind. Like a tide of the ocean, a gust of wind rippled through the grass, making your hair flutter in the air.

"It's so beautiful," You softly muttered, closing your eyes as the wind rustled through the thickets of the tree.

Next to you, Inumaki stayed silent, as if mesmerized by something else.

"Yeah."

* * * *

As evening slowly approached, the two of you had reached Inokashira Benzaiten. With a bit of time before the train back, you decided to visit the shrine before leaving. You took off your gloves, setting them aside inside your bag temporarily.

Inumaki and you walked towards the chouzuya nestled near the autumnal trees, the air bleak and cold. You picked up the large spoon-like ladle, using it to scoop out the pure clear water.

Pouring a bit into your left hand, you did the same next into your right hand. You were under the shade of the temple's trees, shielding you from the once blazing afternoon sun. Inumaki followed as you poured the remaining leftover water into the next of the fountain.

The serene temple was painted red, its roof pale and pediment-shaped. As you walked with Inumaki next to you, you heard nearby chatters from another group of visitors.

"Won't the goddess get jealous and curse any couple? I pity them," The voice of a girl whispered, barely audible for you to hear.

You sighed in exasperation, ignoring the other rumors the group of high schoolers were recklessly spreading in broad daylight.

After Inumaki had rung the bell with the bundle of cords, you followed after, ringing the bell. You reached into your bag, rummaging through your items.

"Agh, where is it..." You grumbled, looking for your wallet.

Inumaki chuckled, pointing at the wallet you were already holding in your hand.

Oh.

You quickly laughed it off, flustered as you took out a 5-yen coin. Hearing the soft clink of the small coin echo in the offering box, you heard Inumaki do the same.

You took the delicate bundle of incense that was given out, handing Inumaki's his as you nearly dropped it. Lighting it, you waved your hand, coughing from the smoke once the incense had been put out. You carefully placed it into the incense burner, a leaf fluttering and landing on your hair.

You joined your hands, closing your eyes and silently praying. The words that the young girl had said stuck in your mind, slightly bothering you.

After finally praying, you and Inumaki finally decided to leave. Glancing back at the temple, you softly uttered your prayer under your breath.

"I hope the goddess's jealousy eases soon."

Inumaki's eyes gazed at you as he nodded and bowed.

"...Yeah."
"...Salmon."