A Wolf’s Gaze

Maybe he's just overwhelmed from all the shifting…

I watched Okami from the corner of my eye. His face was still slightly red, and he kept avoiding my gaze. He never acted like this before. Did he have a fever?

"Okami-kun… You stay here. I'll go buy groceries and get some medicine for you."

Maybe a warm bowl of soup would help.

But before I could take a step, his voice stopped me.

"No, I'm fine. Let's go together."

I hesitated. "Uh… You sure?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

I studied him for a second, but he looked fine now. Maybe I was just imagining things.

Maybe he's okay after all, I thought with a small smile.

The grocery store wasn't crowded, just the soft hum of background music playing as I walked down the aisles.

I focused on picking the right vegetables, checking labels, making sure we got everything we needed.

Behind me, Okami followed in silence.

At first, I didn't pay much attention to it. He always had this quiet presence. But after a while, I started to feel it—an odd warmth against my back.

A slow shiver ran down my spine.

I turned around, and—

My breath caught.

He was staring at me.

Not just looking, but watching me, his dark eyes trailing from my face, down to my hands, then lower—his gaze slow, unreadable.

And he didn't look away.

My cheeks burned instantly.

I clutched the carton of broth in my hands, stepping closer to him, lowering my voice into a whisper.

"P-Please… don't look at me like that… Not in public."

His lips curled into a smirk.

"Like what, Bunny?"

My heart nearly stopped.

I turned away quickly, shoving the broth into the cart, trying to focus on anything but the heat creeping up my neck.

This wasn't fair.

Why did his gaze make my legs feel weak?

And why… did a part of me not mind it at all?

The streets were quiet, lit only by the glow of the streetlights above us. The air was cool, but I felt strangely warm—almost too warm.

Okami carried all the grocery bags effortlessly, his steps calm, steady. But something about him… felt different.

I walked beside him, but I couldn't shake this uneasy feeling creeping up my spine.

For the first time, his presence made me uncomfortable.

It wasn't that he was doing anything wrong—he wasn't touching me, wasn't saying anything out of line. But I could feel his eyes on me.

Dark. Heavy. Intense.

It wasn't the usual teasing look he gave me.

No, this gaze was something else.

I swallowed hard, gripping the ends of my sleeves as I kept walking. The apartment wasn't far now—just a few more blocks. I just had to focus on getting home.

But the way he walked beside me… the way his eyes moved over me…

It felt like I was prey.

Like a bunny caught in the watchful eyes of a wolf hidden in the shadows, waiting—waiting to pounce.

Why?

What's going on?

My heartbeat quickened.

Is he going to lose control once we're home?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

It's our first night living together. The very first night.

Is he going to break his promise?

My vision blurred.

I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my eyes, but the tears wouldn't stop.

I stole a quick glance at him—just for a second.

But the moment my eyes met his, I turned away instantly.

He saw.

He saw my teary eyes.

And yet… he grinned.

A slow, knowing grin—dark, almost playful, but with something else beneath it. Something that made my heart race in a way I couldn't explain.

What… was that?

I saw it clearly.

Even though I was scared, he knew I was scared.

Yet, he still looked at me like that.

That evil grin. That heavy, unshakable presence.

Why is he giving off such scary vibes?

I feel weak. My hands tremble slightly, my breath uneven.

What should I do? Should I act stern? Would that even work?

But how?

His eyes—those eyes—this stare right now... it's completely different.

This isn't the Okami I know.

Did I… did I wear something too revealing today?

No, my clothes are the same as always.

Then why?

Why does it feel like I'm standing in front of someone I don't recognize?

I fumbled with the keys, hands slightly shaking, and finally unlocked the door.

A heavy sigh of relief left my lips as I stepped inside.

Safe…

But then—

I heard the soft click of the door closing behind me.

I turned around just in time to see him locking it.

From the top latch.

The one I can't reach.

My breath hitched.

He knows that. He knows I can't unlock it from up there.

Then why?

A cold shiver ran down my spine as he turned to face me.

His eyes—sharp, dark, unreadable—scanned me from head to toe, slow and deliberate.

And then… they stopped.

Right at my chest.

I froze.

Oh no.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. My body felt light, yet heavy at the same time.

I knew this day would come eventually…

But why?

Why on the very first night of living together?

Is he losing it?

Did I… do something to make him lose control?

He smirked.

I saw his lips move.

He said something—but I couldn't hear it.

My ears were ringing. My chest felt tight.

I felt… dizzy.

I tried to focus.

Tried to read his lips.

S… T… R…

My breath hitched.

Strip…?

No. No, I must've read that wrong.

Right…?