A Wolf Caught Off Guard

"Btw, what about dinner? Wanna go out for dinner?" Okami asked.

Usagi was still trembling a little from all the closeness, the kiss still lingering in her mind. She quickly shook her head.

"N-No! We have to save money, y'know!"

Okami raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but aren't you tired from all the shifting too?"

She smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "No, 'cause it was fun. Doing anything with you isn't exhausting."

Okami turned his face away, jaw tightening.

— Damn… that caught me off guard.

Usagi blinked. "Okami-kun?"

He cleared his throat, still not looking at her. "Yeah."

"You okay?" Usagi asked, tilting her head. "Your face is kinda red."

"Huh? Uh—no, it's not!" Okami quickly looked away, his voice coming out a little too sharp.

Usagi frowned. Before he could step back, she stood on her toes and leaned in, gently pressing her forehead against his.

"Mm... you don't have a fever," she murmured, completely unaware of the effect she was having on him.

Okami stiffened. His heartbeat kicked up, pounding louder than it should. Without thinking, he grabbed her arms and gently pushed her back.

"S-Stop!" he blurted out, his voice unsteady.

Usagi blinked up at him, confused.

Okami turned away, running a hand through his hair, trying to pull himself together.

— Damn it… don't be so defenseless, bunny. Not right after what just happened…