"I'll keep that in mind," Blaze murmured, stepping back fully now. He felt a strange mixture of emotions churning inside him - relief that he didn't have to commit to anything right now, guilt for leading Kui on even a little bit, and a tiny spark of interest that he couldn't quite shake off.

"Thank you," he said stiffly, forcing himself to look away as he shut the door behind him.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, but Blaze couldn't shake off the memory of Kui or the strange feelings he had whenever he thought about him. He tried to focus on his studies and making friends, but it was hard when all he could think about was the demon who had helped him exact vengeance.

One day, as he was walking home from class, he spotted Kui standing outside a coffee shop across the street. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Blaze felt that familiar thrill course through his veins.