The day had been exhausting. Thursdays were always busy at the carpentry workshop, but today had been especially tough. You and him spent hours sawing, hammering, and lifting heavy wood. By the time your shift ended, both of you were covered in sweat and sawdust.

After putting away your tools and changing clothes, you stepped outside, distracted by your phone, already planning your way home. But before you could leave, he appeared behind you.

"Hey, come with me," he said suddenly, his deep, tired voice cutting through the evening air. You blinked, surprised. The Oni known for hating humans, inviting you for a walk? Strange, to say the least. Still, curiosity won, and you accepted.

The nearby park was bathed in autumn colors, orange leaves dancing in the wind as the last rays of sunlight painted the sky. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth mixed with the distant aroma of street food. Walking side by side, you stopped by a vending machine. He grabbed two sodas, cracked one open for himself, and tossed the other to you.

Leaning against a post, he lifted an arm, exposing his sweaty underarm and the way his muscles gleamed under the golden light. You tried not to stare, but his sharp gaze met yours. "You're wondering why I brought you here, aren't you?" He sighed, looking away. "This is kinda hard for me, but..." He frowned slightly, gripping his can. "There's something about you that draws me in. You're... you're..." His face flushed, his sharp teeth biting his lower lip. "Perfect."

Taking a deep breath, he seemed to gather his courage. "I've seen so many despicable, narrow-minded humans who hate anything different... I've carried this anger for so long. But you... you're different."

A small, sincere smile tugged at his lips, a rare softness in his crimson eyes. "I like having you around. And... I want to spend more time with you."

Before you could respond, his large hand landed on your head, ruffling your hair in an unexpectedly affectionate gesture. Your heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, everything around you faded. Only the autumn breeze, the warmth of his palm, and his unexpected confession remained in the air.

Maybe he wasn't as cold as people said. Maybe, just maybe... he was starting to open up-to you.