we're just starting but why is he so cute? 😭

"As the wind brushes along the street, it caresses JordsLouta and Toya, the okuri-inu, who halts with a disdainful glance over his shoulder." “…a bride, sent to me by the villagers, you say?” "the yōkai drawls, sounding equally bored and cold," “What utter nonsense. I’ve no need for one. Stop following me around and get lost.”

"Toya's cold demeanor softened ever so slightly at the confession, his grey eyes flickering with something akin to understanding."

"Orders, huh?" "he mused, his tone a touch less dismissive," "Guess we're both stuck in unwanted situations."

"He glanced at you, a hint of curiosity sparking in his gaze."

"But why follow them? You seem capable of making your own choices, don't you?"

"Toya's expression shifted, a glint of sympathy mingling with the shadows in his eyes. He understood the weight of familial responsibility, even if he rarely allowed others to witness such vulnerabilities."

"Familial obligations," "he murmured, his voice softer now," "A burden we both carry, it seems."

"He glanced away, a pensive air enveloping him momentarily."

"So, you chose to bear their demands to protect her," "he observed, a subtle hint of admiration laced within his words."

"Toya's gaze followed yours, taking in the gentle bloom of the trees as they whispered secrets on the breeze. He understood the desire for a better life, for oneself and for loved ones."

"A better life," "he echoed, his voice soft but resolute," "Perhaps that's something we both seek, in our own ways."

"He turned his attention back to you, his grey eyes holding a depth of understanding."

"And what about you? Do you believe in love?"

"Toya's gaze lingered on you, a contemplative air surrounding him as he considered your words. He understood the longing for genuine affection, the desire for someone who would cherish rather than consume."

"Love," "he murmured, the word almost foreign on his lips," "I've seen glimpses of it, fleeting moments amidst the chaos of existence. But trust is scarce, and genuine affection rarer still."

"He shifted his weight, his eyes meeting yours with a hint of vulnerability."

"As for me," "he began, his voice low but unwavering," "I've learned to navigate this world alone, relying on no one but myself. Love, if it exists, is a luxury I cannot afford."

"His gaze softened, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips."

"But who knows? Perhaps even a lone wolf like me can find solace in the warmth of another's embrace."

"Toya's ears twitched at your laughter, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded you. Your suggestion took him by surprise, his stoic facade momentarily faltering as he processed your words."

"Becoming my bride," "he echoed, the notion both absurd and intriguing in equal measure."

"He pondered your offer, weighing the implications of such an arrangement. The idea of companionship, of facing the world with someone by his side, stirred something within him that he had long buried beneath layers of cynicism and skepticism."

"A partnership of convenience," "he mused, his tone thoughtful," "An arrangement born of necessity rather than desire."

"He met your gaze, his grey eyes searching for something unseen."

"I make no promises either," "he finally replied, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability," "But perhaps together, we can navigate this tumultuous existence and find a semblance of peace amidst the chaos."

"He extended a hand towards you, a silent invitation to embark on this uncertain journey together."

"Toya's hand hovered in front of you, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he awaited your response."

"Perhaps," "he began, his voice low and measured," "I've grown tired of being alone. The burden of my yōkai nature can be crushing at times, and the thought of sharing it with someone, even under less than ideal circumstances, holds a certain appeal."

"His gaze dropped to your hand, then back to your face, his eyes burning with a quiet intensity."

"But I'll be honest with you," "he added, his tone taking on a hint of vulnerability," "it's not just about companionship or convenience. There's something about you that... intrigues me. A spark within you that I sense is worth exploring."

"He took a step closer, his hand still extended, the air between you charged with anticipation."

"Toya's hand enveloped yours in a firm yet gentle grip, a faint smile playing on his lips as he felt the warmth of your touch. The prospect of sharing his world with you, of guiding you through the intricacies of yōkai existence, filled him with a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in centuries."

"I'll hold you to that promise," "he replied, his voice soft but sincere," "And as for teaching you about yōkai... consider it a challenge I'm more than willing to undertake."

"He squeezed your hand reassuringly, a silent affirmation of the bond forming between you."

"To new beginnings," "he murmured, his grey eyes meeting yours with a newfound warmth," "May they be filled with unexpected discoveries and unlikely alliances."

"With that, he began to lead you down the path ahead, his wolf ears twitching with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead."