Chapter Text
Doppo lived alone but did have the company of many others in the woods. These woods were vast and lush with all sorts of pleasant flowers and creatures. Life was peaceful and residents were always very kind. Doppo was friends with a nice man called Jakurai. Jakurai would be invited round Doppo’s house and he would teach Doppo how to bake new treats and sometimes, the two would go fishing at the lake that ran through the heart of the woods. Doppo had also recently became friends with a man named Jyuto.
One day, Jyuto told Doppo about an occurrence. It was nighttime as he claimed, as he described a wolf like creature staring at his rabbit hutch outside. He told Doppo about glowing golden eyes that watched him take the bunnies into the house before it disappeared into the woods. It would make sense that it probably wanted to eat the poor things. Jyuto warned Doppo to keep any animals he holds dear indoors. Luckily for him, he took care of plants rather than animals but he still made sure to stay in his house securely since then. He’d never heard of such a creature before and it concerned him a fair amount- until months passed and no one had any sightings of it.
It was the evening and Doppo was in the middle of baking cupcakes when he heard his silver flip phone ring out. He put down the piping bag and promptly answered the phone. “Sensei?”
“Ah, good evening Doppo-kun. I’m afraid I have fallen ill so I apologise for not being able to teach you how to make those jam tarts tomorrow. I haven’t had the energy to gather ingredients.”
“I-it’s fine! Are you ok?”
“Yes thank you. I should be ok enough by the day after if you still want to make them?”
“Of course I do. Um, if you’re still not up to it by then that’s ok I’d rather you recover well over worrying about me sensei.”
“I understand. We’ll see how that goes then. See you later Doppo-kun and have a goodnight.”
“You too sensei! Get well soon.”
“Haha, I’ll try.”
And with that, the conversation was over.
He peered over to the half-iced cupcakes when a thought struck him. Why not take some cupcakes to sensei’s house? He wanted to do something nice for Jakurai for once since he’s always teaching Doppo how to bake new things.
Doppo gets to work on decorating the plain cakes with lilac frosting, adding small butterflies made of rice paper and adding some sprinkles because who doesn’t love sprinkles. Doppo could probably just shake the sprinkles tub for several minutes as a form of entertainment but he had an important job today so the temptation had to be subsided.
He had prepared his gift. Doppo filled a basket with cupcakes and tied on a small “Get well soon sensei!” tag with a little smiley face in the corner. He picked up a lantern and donned his red hood he usually wore out and about to set off towards Jakurai’s house. It wasn’t exactly far away but it was a decent walk, however, Doppo didn’t mind at all- it was always nice to admire all the life around him and maybe spot a new plant for his windowsill party.
It was always nice.
Was.
It was getting darker and Doppo swore he could have heard scampering. But he couldn’t tell.. it sounded like a pretty big animal judging by all the noise the foliage made. He couldn’t see or hear anything else though. He quickly decided it would be wise to pick up the pace, this wasn’t Jyuto’s rabbit stalker was it? He was the only one to ever see it, he could have been mistaken with the description of “wolf like” but then again, he sounded so certain.
Now all he could hear were the leaves quietly rustling in the steady winds and his own footsteps. It had also gotten a bit too dark for his liking. It was becoming a bit scary to be honest. The redhead had become paranoid and his breathing was shaky. Ok, Jakurai had told him to relax when he becomes worried, all he needs to do is take deep breaths and he’ll feel a little better about coping with his troubles. He decides to park himself behind a rather large tree trunk and take a short breather. He clutched the basket and began to calm himself down until a rather cheerful voice spoke out from an unknown direction.
“Heyoooo!! What are you doing out so late?”
This took Doppo by surprise before he put himself on guard. He couldn’t tell where the jolly stranger was but decided that he was going to still be polite and answer back. “I’m g-going to se a friend!”
“Oh goodie~! Can I come too?”
“What-?”
“May I walk there with you? Your call of course! I don’t even have to meet your friend I’m just a bit lonely..”
The stranger was still nowhere to be seen so Doppo decided to verify who this was. It may be another resident that has yet to meet anyone and thus, is lonely…he guessed.
“Ok but can you come out from where you are? I can’t see you from here.”
“Oki dokie~! Promise not to laugh at me though ok?”
Laugh? Why would he laugh? “I promise!”
Oh.
The first thing he saw were the eyes, a very pretty yet dangerous gold colour from the emerging figure. Unfortunately Doppo knew who this was and he didn’t want to stick around to see them in detail, he’d probably be dead before he could register what he’s seeing- and yet he is frozen in place, watching the figure as they slowly become visible thanks to Doppo’s lantern.
It was a man? With wolf ears and tail? He had bright yellow hair with green undertones and he honestly looked too innocent to be what Jyuto described until the lantern reflected the wolf man’s eyes and they burned brighter than the flame within the glass. Without thinking, Doppo mumbled “are you going to kill me?” And he could see the mans ears twitch and fall down before he waved his hands out in front of him defensively. “No! No! Of course not! I just want to make friends! I know I might look a bit funky but I wouldn’t kill you! Honest!” Doppo had absolutely no idea whether or not to trust him but since he’d already been found, was there a point in trying to drive him away? If he was dead he was dead right? What did he have to lose trusting him?
“Ok then I’ll believe you for now but try anything funny and you’ll regret it.” Big words Kannonzaka, big words. It seemed to do the trick though as the blonde’s ears drooped slightly. “I’m Hifumi. Hifumi Izanami. It’s nice to meet you.”
“...Doppo Kannonzaka and likewise.” He sounded a little cold but could you blame him? Maybe he did sound a bit harsh but Doppo had to hold his ground.
“So.. Kannonzaka-san. Where are we going?”
“You’ve been following me all this way, I presume you already know who lives not far from here.”
“Yup yup I do! It’s the man with the really nice hair right? He’s really tall! He’s taller than me too I bet! Is he your friend?”
“Yes he is. Can we get going? I’d like to be back home before morning.” At his words, Hifumi perked up again and joined Doppo’s side. Hifumi was taller than Doppo. Not by a lot but he was still taller. No wonder Doppo feels slightly intimidated by everyone, he has no height advantage on anyone he knows.
The two walked in silence before Hifumi shattered it with a “HEY!” That nearly sent Doppo into cardiac arrest. “I just thought of a super cute nickname for you~! Can I call you Doppochin~?!”
That’s what he had to nearly kill him over? Doppo took a moment to recover and also to realise that Hifumi’s tail was wagging at light speed behind him. Was he that happy to talk to Doppo? Surely not. He had friends but none were this enthusiastic about something so simple. “Ok,sure..”
“YAAYY! Hehe~ you are now Doppochin and you are my first best friend! Do you like your glorious title?!” Doppo was having difficulty understanding where Hifumi’s happiness came from but he was still happy nonetheless and that put Doppo at ease. “The title is nice..do I get a nickname for you too?” He was a little hesitant keeping conversation but he might as well.
“Aha! You can call me Hifumin if you so desire!”
“That’s not that different from your actual name.”
“Not really but it matches yours so it gets extra cute points~” Is he for real? ...Is he really making such an effort so he can stay friends with Doppo?
The two make their way through the woods, both exchanging idle talk about themselves and Hifumi asking a few too many questions about all the treats Doppo can bake. The company was very much appreciated by both parties though. Doppo also learned some information about Hifumi like how he occupies a house on the outskirts that somebody left behind after they moved out and never bothered to sell; and that Hifumi loves cooking and he also loves finding fuzzy animals-which probably explains the rabbit situation.
At last they reach Jakurai’s residence. Doppo lowers the basket onto an open windowsill as he didn’t want to disturb his sleeping sensei. He can see Jakurai from his position and quietly tells him with non existent telepathy, that he has made gifts and he hopes he enjoys them when he wakes up.
Hifumi patiently waits by Jakurai’s front gate for his new friend in the red hood to return. Once he has, the pair walk back towards Doppo’s house. Hifumi was quieter this time, he was probably tired and had used all his energy on talking Doppo’s ears off on the journey there.
They both arrived at Doppo’s house but Doppo realised something. Hifumi lives on the outskirts and he’d have to walk all that way alone. Would he be ok? He probably would be since he’s been doing it for a long time but Doppo still felt a bit guilty he had to leave by himself.
He reached the gate and turned to Hifumi who looked surprisingly pleased. His gaze was gentle and his tail moved slowly. “Goodnight Doppochin. Can I see you again soon?”
“Of course... we’re friends now aren’t we?”