The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the quiet, well-kept gardens of the merchant house, and a young girl with bright eyes and a mischievous smile darted through the narrow alleyways. Her kimono—elegant and neatly arranged—fluttered behind her like a vibrant butterfly, but it was clear that her attention was entirely elsewhere.

Ding! Ding!

The bells on her sandals rang merrily as she turned the corner, her hair bouncing with each step. A human girl, no older than fifteen, with a family of wealthy merchants, and a life of privilege in Edo. But there was something about her—something about her curiosity—that could never be tamed.

Her name? Akiko.

And of course, where there’s curiosity, there’s mischief.

“Where is he?! I know he’s around here somewhere…” Akiko muttered, frowning slightly as she stopped and looked around. She lifted her sleeve, wiping the sweat off her brow.

Riiiip!

“W-What was that?!” Akiko whirled around, eyes widening with surprise. Her fingers brushed nervously against her sleeve.

“Whaaaat? Who says you’re allowed to just sneak up on someone like that?” a cheeky voice chimed, followed by the unmistakable sound of a splash—sploosh, splishhh, splashhhh-[The rest of the chapter is already on ko-fi! Or you can read the just free stuff... if you like cliffhangers.]