As they entered the shop, Kokushibo felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. The smell of freshly cooked dango brought back memories of his life as a human, before his transformation.

"What a curious sensation." He murmured to himself, though Akira heard him.

"Do you want to try one?" Akira asked as she began stuffing her face with dango.

"I must admit, I am curious to know what they taste like." Kokushibo said, watching her eat with a mixture of amusement and fascination. "It is clear that you have quite an affinity for this confection." He added, noting her enthusiasm.

He had to admit, he had forgotten what regular human food tasted like and this woman made her curious to try it once again.

"They taste like heaven!" She exclaimed joyfully as she held out one for him. "Consider this an honor for me to give you one of my dango."

Kokushibo took the proffered dango with a look of gratitude, though his face remained impassive.

"You honor me with your gift." He said, bowing his head slightly. Then he took a small bite, and the taste exploded on his tongue.

"This is quite exquisite!" He exclaimed, much to Akira's amusement.

Akira laughed at his sudden childish nature.

"Of course, I told you so!" She said. "And there's no need for you to be so formal. After all, we're friends."

"Friends?" Kokushibo asked, his voice full of surprise. "I did not think that a human could consider a demon a friend." He said, his tone tinged with wonder.

"But I admit, I find the idea... not entirely unpleasant."

"Well, not everyone likes the idea." She said with a sad time. "But perhaps we can change their minds."

"A lofty goal, but an admirable one." Kokushibo said, his voice full of approval. "Though I wonder if it is even possible, to change the way humans view demons." He mused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "But I am willing to try, if you are."

"Great, because the first step in that direction is for you to pay for the meal." She said with a giggle. "I forgot my purse back in the guest room."

Kokushibo blinked in surprise, then laughed out loud. "You are a clever and mischievous one." He said, shaking his head in amusement. "Very well, I will pay for our meal. But I expect you to repay me in some way, in the future."

"How exactly?" She asked, her face turning red from how hard she was suddenly blushing.

Kokushibo smirked, enjoying the way he could make her blush.

"Perhaps a song, my fair minstrel?" He said, with a dramatic flourish. "A song to lift my spirits, and perhaps even my soul?"

"Well okay, I can do that." She replied, looking away in embarrassment. "But I left my koto back in the guest room. So we'll have to head back then."

"A fair trade, I think." Kokushibo said, and offered her his arm. "Shall we?" He asked, his voice light and playful. Akira smiled and took his arm, feeling a strange sense of connection with this strange demon.

"Lead on, my wayward companion." He said, allowing her to lead the way.

The night was almost at an end when they finally returned.

"It's almost dawn. I suppose you have to leave now." She said sadly.

Kokushibo felt a strange sense of regret as the night drew to a close. He was not ready to part from this strange and wonderful human.

"I suppose I must." He said, his tone was wistful. "It has been... an unusual experience, to spend an evening with you." He added, choosing his words carefully.

"I guess we'll see each other sometime then." She added with a sad smile.

"Indeed, I look forward to it." Kokushibo said, surprised at his own honesty. "Though I must ask, will you remember our time together? Or will your memories fade with the morning light?"

"Memories are what I cherish most. You didn't already forget that, did you?" She replied with a smile.

"I could never forget your words, or your smile." Kokushibo said, his voice was low and sincere.

"You are a remarkable human, and I am glad to have met you." He added, a rare blush rising to his pale cheeks.

"And I you." She replied. "Maybe next time you can show me your favorite place."

"You wish to know my favorite place?" Kokushibo asked, a surprised look on his face. "Very well, I will show you."

"I look forward to it." She replied with a smile. "Bye for now, then."

"Farewell, Akira." Kokushibo said, and he found himself strangely reluctant to let go of her hand. "May the sun rise to meet you." He added, and he watched as she turned and disappeared into the night. And he was left with a strange and unfamiliar feeling, one he had not felt for centuries.

Akira was sad to see him go, a strange thing for she never knew it was possible to feel that way about a demon.

As she walked home, Akira couldn't help but replay their conversation over and over in her mind. It was such a strange and wonderful experience, to speak so freely with a demon. She couldn't help but wonder, was it possible that demons could change? That they could be more than the monstrous killers she had always thought them to be?