Foxes & Dragons | Akatsuki no Yona

Episode 22.5

Episode 22.5
"Thanks"
Notice : appreciating shin-ah this chapter,, sorry it's not part of the main story skskks

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"It's been awhile since we've talked like this, huh? How do you like our little group?"

Saya was content walking side-by-side the masked seiryuu as they made their way to the pirate ship, and though he was a man of few words, he offered her a slight nod. She took that as a good sign.

"I'm glad. When I first saw you, you were so scared and timid," she laughed. "I'm happy to see you enjoy our company... and sorry it took so long to get to you."

The Fox Goddess chuckled awkwardly. "S-sorry, that probably just killed the vibe, didn't it?" Her heart skipped a beat, though, when she felt a gentle hand pat her head in a reassuring manner.

Facing towards him, Saya felt herself deadpan as she saw the boy's emotionless expression.

"You should smile more, y'know? It makes you look less intimidating," she huffed. "See? Like this." Smiling, Saya upturned the corners of her mouth and held them with both her index fingers.

Watching her, Shin-ah attempted to copy the action, forcing a smile by pushing the corners of his mouth up with his fingers. It turned out way too forced and ended up ruining the smile; it was a bit creepy too since his mask was still on his face.

"Ahah... maybe next time?" Saya sweatdropped.

The Fox Goddess continued to ramble on about various topics, giggling at how focused her companion seemed to be. It was approaching the afternoon and the sun was currently blazing. Beside her, Saya could hear Shin-ah panting from beneath his large furs.

"Ah! Take that off. It's way too hot for that right now," she complained while trying to tug it off. Shin-ah battled against her insistent tugging before finally giving up, allowing her stuff the huge fluff ball into her rucksack bag.

Digging through the bag, she pulled out a water skin before handing it to the over-heated seiryuu.

"Here. Drink this."

Graciously, he accepted it, chugging the water down hastily. Chuckling, Saya looked through her bag once more, fishing around for snacks she had stashed inside. Once they were located, she pulled out the clothed wrapped snacks, turning her head to face Shin-ah.

"Have this too－" the girl paused as her eyes widened in shock.

"...Thank you. For everything," Shin-ah mumbled. His voice was barely audible over the sounds of nature but Saya heard him. The most amazing thing, however, was his face.

The blue dragon had raised his mask up a bit, partially exposing his pretty, golden eyes while his lips were upturned in a small, genuine smile. It was subtle but very gentle and the sight was unbelievably endearing.

It was so unexpected, Saya was forced to face away from him, and instead took interest in a rather fascinating tree. She wanted to look again, of course she did, but the sight was just too blinding. More so than the scorching sun currently burning her face.

"D-don't mention it," she replied, fiddling with her thumbs. "And don't thank me anymore."

Shin-ah tilted his head at her in confusion. He didn't understand what she was saying.

Saya just faced him with a broad grin. "We're friends. It's only natural that friends help friends so don't expect me to thank you every time either!"

Shin-ah's heart clenched. It wasn't bad, rather, he felt incredibly happy. He had never had a friend before besides Ao (the squirrel), if you could even call him a friend. But now, now he was surrounded by lots of people who called him a friend and comrade. People who knew of this powers and didn't flinch away in fear or call him a monster. People who accepted who he was and treated him the same nonetheless.

"Mmm," he agreed, a bigger smile adorning his face. "I'm counting on you."

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Ehehe, I don't know if this is considered fluff but I'm showing some love for my boy Shin-ah in this mini chapter. He's so sweet and adorable omg I can't－

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed as the next chapter will most likely continue on with the story.

P.S - enjoy some handsome shin-ah pics :)