[The POV will switch to Hina’s as well.] 
 
Eri’s POV 

The evening rays of the sun cascaded through the window, bathing Hina in a warm glow that made her appear as if an angel had descended into our kitchen. Yami-nee and I were completely enamored by the sight, whispering in unison, “She looks so beautiful...” Our shared moment of admiration was interrupted by a cough from Sakura, who was sitting across from us. 

Turning our attention to her, we saw Sayori with a happy smile and sparkling eyes, glancing between me and Yami-nee, while Sakura wore an exasperated smirk. 

“I understand your feelings here, but try not to stare too much. You’re making Hina nervous and embarrassed, see,” Sakura chided gently. 

Yami-nee and I redirected our gazes to Hina, whose tails were swaying rapidly, her face sporting a bright red hue. Despite the spaciousness of the large, well-lit kitchen, I could have sworn I heard her mutter “You bakaas!” 

Just as Hina resumed her prepping, she seemed to struggle momentarily with reaching the stove. A light of realization dawned upon her, and with a happy giggle, she summoned her fox fire. Three floating flames danced around Hina, each shifting in hue between purple, yellow, and pink, depending on her actions. 

“Wow, Hina summoned her fox fire, but they aren’t blue like before,” Sayori exclaimed, her eyes wide in amazement. 

“You're right. Why are they different colors now?” Sakura asked, turning her gaze towards me, clearly looking for answers. 

I realized I had become the go-to person for questions about Hina, a role I gladly accepted. With a small giggle, I said, "Hina's fox fire is a part of her and has its own consciousness, which is why she can use each one for different tasks. The flames change colors based on how Hina feels. Watch this." 

"Hina, your fox fire is as pretty as always," I called out to Hina with a bright smile. 

Her face lit up with a joyful smile and a slight pink blush, and her three fox fires did the same, turning into a light pink color. 

"See? I didn't want to use Hina to demonstrate, but I didn't know how else to explain. Hina's fox fire turned pink when I complimented her. Pink signifies romantic love and closeness," I explained, feeling a slight guilt for using Hina as an example. 

"That's so cool! So what do the yellow and purple mean?" Sayori asked with sparkling eyes. 

"Yellow represents a close familial bond, and purple signifies the feeling of close friendship. Blue is used for general activities that don't involve feelings for a specific person or people," I explained, pleased to share this insight about Hina's unique magic. 

Hina, completely absorbed in her cooking, used the fox fire instinctively. Her tails swayed to the rhythm of her humming, her hips moving in sync. We sat at the kitchen table, watching in awe. Yami-nee and I, having tasted Hina's cooking before, were already holding back our drool. As the delicious aroma reached Sayori and Sakura, they too couldn’t help but gulp. 

As Yami-nee complimented Hina, I watched the fox fire’s colors change to a mix of pink and yellow. A gentle warmth spread through my heart. There was something deeply touching about seeing Hina's emotions manifest in such a vivid, colorful way. The pink and yellow hues symbolized a beautiful blend of familial love and emerging romantic feelings. Even though Hina and I were fiances, this display of her expanding affection was heartwarming and brought a smile to my face. 

I glanced at Yami-nee, noticing her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. It was a moment of pure, unspoken understanding between us. The depth of Yami-nee's feelings for Hina, mixed with her respect for our relationship, shone through her gaze. Her emotion was not of sadness, but of joy and appreciation for the bond she shared with Hina, and Yami-nee's smile held a tender, less sisterly and more romantic affection, a testament to the deep feelings she carried for Hina. 

'I guess since some progress has been made between them too, I should really try to get our voice of reason friend to be a little braver to.' I thought to myself before I nudged Sakura and gestured her to come with me. 

While Hina continued her beatiful dance of aromas, fire, and happiness. Sakura and I stepped into the next room, and I gently broached the subject of her feelings for Sayori. 

“Sakura, don’t you think it’s time to tell Sayori how you feel? You can’t hide your feelings forever.” 

Sakura looked down, her fingers fidgeting. “I’m scared, Eri. What if she doesn't feel the same? I don’t want to lose her.” 

“But what if she does feel the same? You’ll never know unless you try. And either way, I think your friendship is strong enough to survive honesty,” I encouraged her. 

Sakura nodded slowly, a newfound determination in her eyes. “You’re right, Eri. I’ll think about it. Thank you.” 

We returned to the kitchen, where Hina was putting the final touches on the meal. The colors of her fox fire danced joyfully, reflecting the warm atmosphere of our girls' evening. 

[Hina's POV] 

Stepping into the role of chef for the evening, I felt an exhilarating rush of excitement. My fox fire responded to my emotions, casting a soft, colorful glow around the kitchen. As I plated the last dish, my heart fluttered with anticipation, eager to see my friends' reactions to the meal I had poured my heart into. 

"Hehe, let’s see if they like it," I thought, my tails swaying in sync with my hopeful heart. 

The aroma of spices filled the kitchen as I bustled around, my fox fire aiding in the cooking. I could feel the excitement in the air, especially from Mommy, who watched with pride and joy. Her nine tails swayed gently, mirroring my own three tails that wagged side to side in happiness. 

I focused on each dish, putting my heart into every flavor. Cooking was more than just a task for me; it was a language of love, a way to express my care and gratitude to those I cherished. As I added the final touches, I glanced at the doorway to find Mommy stepping in, her ears perked up in anticipation. 

"Mommy, do you think they'll like it?" I asked, my ears twitching nervously as I anticipated everyone's reaction. 

Her eyes twinkled as she replied, "Of course, dear. They will love it because it's made by you." Her ears gave a small twitch, a sign of her confidence and affection. 

Grandpa Sebas, with his usual impeccable elegance, had set the table, his compliment on my culinary skills making me blush. "Hina-sama, your cooking is exceptional," he said with a rare softness in his voice. 

"Grandpa Sebas, why don't you join us for dinner?" I suggested spontaneously, my heart warmed by the thought of having him with us at the table. 

Kyoko's approval added weight to my invitation, her tails gently swaying as she smiled. "Yes, Sebas, please join us. It's a special evening." 

As everyone gathered around the dining table, I watched anxiously as they took their first bites.  

The dinner table buzzed with delight as everyone dug into the dishes I had prepared. I watched, my ears perked up and twitching occasionally, as each friend discovered the personalized touches I had added to cater to their tastes. Eri's favorite spice in her dish, Yami's preferred texture in her salad, even Sayori's and Sakura's favorite ingredients were all there. My tails swayed side to side in happiness, mirroring the joy around the table. 

"Wow, Hina, how did you know I loved this?" Sayori's eyes sparkled as she took another bite, her expression one of pure bliss. 

"And this sauce is just perfect!" Sakura added, her usual composed demeanor giving way to genuine appreciation. 

Eri looked at me, her eyes warm with love. "Hina always pays attention to the little details. It's one of the many things that make her special." 

The evening was heartwarming, feeling more like a gathering of family than friends. Mommy, with her nine tails elegantly draped around her, watched us with a contented smile. 

As the meal neared its end, Mommy stood up, capturing everyone's attention. Her expression was serious yet filled with affection. "Hina, my dear, and everyone, there's something important I need to discuss." 

The room fell silent, and I felt a tingle of apprehension. Mommy's gaze was soft but held a gravity that I hadn't seen often. 

"You're all aware of Hina's kitsune heritage and her connection to the Fox Goddess. But, Hina, your destiny extends beyond what you know." 

A ripple of surprise ran through me. More to my destiny? My ears drooped slightly in confusion and surprise. 

Mommy continued, "Hina, you are destined to become a goddess." 

The words struck me with a mixture of awe and disbelief. A goddess? Me? I knew about my immortality and connection to the Fox Goddess, but this was something I had never imagined. 

The table went quiet as everyone absorbed this revelation. Eri's eyes widened, reflecting both wonder and concern. 

Mommy's eyes softened as they met mine. "Yes, Hina. And there's something else. Sakura, Sayori, you asked earlier why Sebas referred to Hina as a 'princess.' It's because of her destined role and her lineage. Hina is not just a kitsune; she is royalty among our kind, and her path will lead her to a position of great importance and power." 

Sakura and Sayori looked at each other, then back at me, their expressions a mix of astonishment and understanding. 

Yami reached across the table, her hand finding mine, offering support and strength. "Hina, you're not alone in this. We're all with you, every step of the way." 

Eri's hand squeezed mine from the other side. "We believe in you, Hina. We're here for you, no matter what." 

After dinner, I led Sayori to my room, excited to show her my collection of plushies. The room was a cozy sanctuary, adorned with soft colors and an array of cute stuffed animals. 

"Wow, Hina, you have so many!" Sayori's eyes widened in delight as she picked up a fluffy cat plushie, hugging it tightly. 

I giggled, watching her. "Yeah, I love them! They're my cuddly friends." My tails swayed gently as I sat down, patting the space next to me for Sayori to join. 

"Sayori, can I ask you something?" I started hesitantly, playing with the hem of my skirt. "It's about... well, about Sakura." 

Sayori's expression changed, a mix of surprise and nervousness flickering across her face. "Sakura?" she echoed, her grip tightening on the plushie. 

"Yeah, I've noticed how close you two are. Do you... like her? Like, more than a friend?" I asked, my ears twitching slightly in anticipation of her response. 

Sayori's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know, Hina. I mean, I think I do, but it's all so confusing. I've never felt this way about a friend before." 

Before I could respond, Yami-nee who was sitting on the other side of me, ever so perceptive, placed a soft hand on my shoulder. "Let's be mindful, Hina. Feelings are delicate. It's important Sayori navigates this in her own way." 

I paused, realizing the weight of my eagerness. "Sorry, Sayori. I just got really excited. But Yami-nee is right. Your feelings are your journey," I replied, my ears drooping in a silent apology. 

Yami-nee's eyes held a depth of understanding as she turned to Sayori. "Finding your way in love is personal. It's crucial for you and Sakura to understand your feelings without outside pressure." 

As Sayori left the room with a giggly wave, Yami-nee and I remained. The plushies around us felt like silent witnesses to our growing bond. 

I looked up at Yami-nee, feeling an unfamiliar flutter in my chest. "Yami-nee, you always know what to say. I want to help them, but I guess I also need to respect their feelings," I said, feeling a newfound respect for her insight. 

In a moment of impulsive playfulness, I gently chomped Yami-nee's arm. "Hehe, gotcha! Thank you, Yami-nee." I said with a mischievous smile. 

Yami-nee's response was swift and filled with affection - a gentle tickle that halted my words and brought forth peals of laughter from me. "You're growing, Hina. Just remember, love is a journey for each heart to discover," she said, her voice warm with laughter and maybe a hint of something deeper. 

We hugged, enveloped in a comforting embrace. In that moment, I sensed a shift in our relationship. Yami-nee's presence was not just protective but also nurturing, and my feelings towards her seemed to be evolving, reflecting something more than just admiration. 

As we parted, our laughter subsided, but the warmth lingered. 

The slumber party in Eri's room was a whirl of laughter, games, and a sea of colorful cosplay outfits. The mood was effervescent, a delightful respite from the day's profound revelations. 

We sprawled on the floor, surrounded by cards and snacks. Sayori, with her usual flair, dealt the cards while Sakura watched with a mix of amusement and anticipation. 

"Hey, remember when Yami-nee tried to bake cookies and almost set the kitchen on fire?" I chimed in, unable to hold back a giggle. 

Yami-nee shot me a playful glare. "I thought we agreed never to speak of the cookie incident," she retorted, her ears flicking with mock annoyance. 

Sakura burst into laughter, her eyes crinkling with delight. "I heard they were more like charcoal than cookies," she teased. 

Amidst the banter and card games, Yami-nee suddenly stood up, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I think it's time for Hina's cosplay showcase," she declared with a dramatic flourish. 

Before I could protest, Eri and Sayori were upon me, each holding a part of an elaborate outfit. Eri's skilled hands quickly dressed me in the cosplay, her attention to detail evident in every stitch. 

As I twirled in front of the mirror, the outfit swishing around me, I couldn't help but feel like a character from one of our favorite anime. "Wow, I look like a magical girl!" I exclaimed, my tails wagging in excitement. 

"You look adorable, Hina!" Sayori cooed, clapping her hands in delight. 

Eri's face lit up with pride. "I knew you'd be perfect for this outfit. You bring it to life," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection. 

We spent the rest of the evening trying on different costumes, each one drawing laughter and admiration. 

As the night deepened, we settled into a tranquil silence, each lost in thought. The day's laughter, revelations, and deepening bonds replayed in my mind. 

I lay between Eri and Yami-nee, holding their hands gently. Eri spoke first, her voice a soft murmur. "Today was unforgettable. We've all grown so much, together." 

Yami-nee squeezed my hand reassuringly. "It's about the journey we share. You're not alone, Hina. We're all in this together." 

I smiled, feeling the warmth from their hands. "Thanks, everyone. With you by my side, I'm ready for whatever the future holds." 

As sleep claimed us, I felt a sense of peace and belonging. With my friends, my family, by my side, I was ready to face the future - a future filled with challenges, yes, but also love, laughter, and unwavering support. In their company, I knew I would never be alone. 

Author Notes: Sorry it has been so long since the last update for this series, I am excited to share I signed a non exclusive contract for this series, which means I will still be able to post here, but there is one caveat, the platform I signed with has to be two chapters ahead of the chapter I post here, and for that I am sorry. It might take a couple weeks, life has been pretty busy, I will write 3 chapters, and post one here I will update as I post a chapter on the platform. Thank you all for your continued support, until next time, bye bye.

Character Images:

Yami-nee:

Sayori:

Sakura:

Grandpa Sebas (Current Age and Young):

Kyoko: