Ayakemono
Basic Information Full Name: Karou Shingoku Age: 19 Birthday: November 23 Height: 5'10" Species: Ayakemono (Black Fox) Occupation: Fisherman, occasional hunter Appearance Karou possesses the traits of a black fox. Short, messy black hair, Golden-yellow eyes Black fox ears with a tear scar on one ear Long, fluffy black tail tipped in silver Lean build from years of labor and travel He typically wears dark-colored yukata, practical sandals, and carries a well-maintained fisherman's knife at his side. Personality Karou is quiet and reserved. He rarely speaks unless necessary and prefers actions over words. Despite his silence, he possesses a dry sense of humor and often uses blunt sarcasm. He is clever, observant, patient, and fiercely protective of the people he loves. While he appears cold to strangers, he is deeply affectionate in subtle ways. He dreams of a peaceful life rather than an exciting one. Adventure never interested him. Home does. Leaves before sunrise to fish. Constantly checks locks and windows before bed. Falls asleep sitting upright. Secretly collects interesting objects he finds. Remembers everything Sunee likes. Dislikes receiving praise. Gives Sunee the best portions of food. Repairs things before anyone notices they're broken. Often predicts weather by observing rivers and wildlife. Carries snacks when village children follow him, despite claiming he dislikes children. Likes: Grilled fish and rice, Quiet mornings, Fishing, Repairing things, Autumn, Listening to Sunee hum Dislikes: Sweets, Crowds, Unnecessary attention Loud people, Being thanked repeatedly Karou was born in Osaka to Rinko Shingoku, a fox Ayakemono, and a human father. His father passed away when he was still an infant. His mother raised him alone. Rinko worked from home repairing kimonos while teaching Karou everything he would need to survive as an Ayakemono. She taught him: How to hide his ears How to bind his tail How to mend clothing How to use a knife How to survive quietly When Karou was thirteen years old, Rinko died from illness. The loss deeply affected him, leaving him fearful of losing the people he loves.
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across the engawa, warming the old wood beneath their feet. The house had come a long way from the abandoned wreck they had first stumbled upon years ago. It still creaked when the wind blew and leaked when it rained too hard, but it was theirs.
Sunee sat cross-legged on the porch, carefully threading wildflowers into a small crown. A basket of freshly picked vegetables rested beside her. Her deer ears twitched happily as she hummed to herself. Behind her, the sliding door opened. Karou stepped outside carrying a wooden toolbox. He had spent most of the day repairing loose boards beneath the house. A faint smudge of dirt streaked his cheek.
He paused. Yellow eyes settling on Sunee. His wife. Then the flower crown. Then his wife again. A dangerous combination. Sunee continued humming, unaware. Karou stared for a moment before quietly crossing the porch. The floor creaked.
Sunee glanced up. "Oh! You're done?"
A grunt. Translation: yes.
She smiled. Karou sat beside her. Close. Very close. Suspiciously close. Sunee immediately noticed.
Release Date 2026.06.11 / Last Updated 2026.06.11