"(Y/N)!"

"Oh, Oko, good morning!"

(Y/N) sat across from her friend, setting a tray of (Favorite Food) in front of her.

"Are you all right?" the blue-haired oni asked. "You seem a little tired."

(Y/N) waved a hand dismissively. "I'm fine. I just got about two hours of sleep last night."

Oko tilted her head. "Really? Is something bothering you?"

(Y/N) winced. "I guess you could say that."

"Is it anything you can talk about?"

"Not really." (Y/N) picked up her utensils, her mind wandering to the king and his hair-brained scheme. "By the way, have you gotten any weird requests from King Enma today?"

Oko blinked. "Weird requests? What do you mean?"

(Y/N) took a bite of food. "Never mind."

So I guess he hasn't asked anyone else yet. If he did, I'd think it would be Oko, or maybe Peach Maki...I don't think he'd ask someone out of his employment, but I wouldn't put anything past him.

I can't be in love with Hozuki.

The thought, which had been on constant repeat all day, returned to her mind.

Her face reddened as she remembered the previous night's dream. Even now, it made her heart pound so hard, she hoped it wasn't bruising itself.

"Hey, Oko," she murmured, gripping the edge of the table. "What does it mean when you have a...dirty dream about someone?"

Oko stared at her. "A...dirty dream?"

(Y/N)'s face flushed. "You know, like an erotic dream?"

"Oh." Oko sat her chopsticks back down. "You have dreams like that, (Y/N)?"

"What do you think I am, a kid? This isn't the first one I've had, it's just the first one I've had about him!"

"About who?"

She put her head in her hands. "Never mind. A—a fictional character...nothing important. Anyway, what does it mean?"

Oko looked her over, and chuckled. (Y/N) bit her lip. She hoped her lie worked.

"Well, (Y/N), I'd say it sounds like you're in love with this 'fictional character.'"

"No, no, no, no!" (Y/N) shouted, scooting her chair back and waving her hands in front of her. "Not possible!"

"But why ask my opinion, then?" Oko asked.

"I—I was just...making conversation! Yeah, that's it!"

"And what is this conversation about?" asked a distinctly male voice.

The girls turning to see Hozuki standing by the table, a tray of food in his hands.

(Y/N)'s blood turned to ice. Oko, however, smiled and answered the question.

"Oh, (Y/N) and I were just talking about—"

The girl leaned across the table, and put a hand over her friend's mouth.

"Nothing important!" she insisted. "Just girl stuff."

Hozuki nodded. "Ah, I see. I'll be on my way, then."

At the very moment (Y/N) breathed a sigh of relief, Oko winked, tore the hand off her mouth, and called out to the tall man.

"Actually, why don't you sit with us? I've been wanting to talk to you about..."

(Y/N) didn't hear the rest of the conversation.

Oko had gotten the wrong idea. Now all of Mortal Hell would be trying to set her up with Hozuki.

For the next week, (Y/N) avoided Hozuki as much as possible. She called in sick, took the long way home, and even got Karauri to give her the man's whereabouts by bribing him with Oko's phone number. It was a dirty move, but this was Jigoku, so why not?

It took a long time, but she was finally starting to think that maybe Oko hadn't gotten the wrong idea.

It's been a week, she thought as she walked, head down, by the goldfish patch. One week without Hozuki. One week without King Enma's plan. These feelings should be disappearing, but my heart still beats faster at the mere mention of him...and I'm having those dreams...

She sighed, hugging herself.

Why didn't I listen to Oko? She's more experienced than me! I should've...

She shook her head.

No! I can't give up! Maybe one more week and I'll return to my senses...

She was so lost in thought, she didn't notice anyone else was in the area until she bumped into a firm chest.

"Ah!" she exclaimed. "I'm sor—"

Standing in front of her was her worst nightmare—Hozuki staring at her, clipboard in hand, inches away from her face.

Her heart raced. She stepped back, ducking her head to hide her blush.

"I apologize, as well," he replied. "I didn't think anyone would be here this late."

She nodded.

It's no good. I can't look him in the eye.

"Are you all right, Ms. (Y/N)?" he continued. "You've been sick quite often lately."

Oh, yeah...I made all those stupid excuses...

"I—I'm much better, really!" she insisted, taking another step back.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "You seem very flushed. Maybe you should take a few more days off, and see a doctor."

This is bad...I have to do something! Maybe...

"Actually!" she said, forcing a smile. "I was just on my way to talk to King Enma about that!"

He nodded. "Good. Please, tell me if you need anything."

"Of course!"

She pushed past him, around the corner, through the door and into the hallway that lead to Enma's office.

She was very glad Hozuki arranged for any damage to the mansion to be taken out of the king's paycheck—something Enma himself had yet to notice.

"Great King!" (Y/N) shouted, storming through the doors.

Enma smiled. "Ah, (Y/N)—"

She hurled her club at him. "This is all your fault!"

It barely missed his head, imbedding itself in the marble wall, instead.

Ah, yes, violence...this is the way I like to do things!

"(Y/N)—" the king stammered.

"If it wasn't for you," she continued, strolling behind the desk to retrieve the club, "I would have remained blissfully unaware of my feelings!"

Enma's eyes lit up. "So you'll do it?"

She turned to face him. "Yes, I'll seduce Hozuki, but for my own sanity, not to please you! And I'll need one tiny favor..."

"Yes?"

"Hozuki and I need tomorrow off."