Akiko tried to stop herself pacing for the dozenth time outside the cafe, but it was no good. She’d arrived half an hour earlier than Naoyuki had said, but she had definitely not wanted to be late. He’d actually said something about making up during the phone call, and Akiko was quite hopeful.

Naoyuki appeared exactly on time, as ever, carrying a bunch of flowers. That was not usual; Akiko couldn’t remember him ever giving her flowers.

“These are for you, Akiko. I’m sorry, I think I over-reacted a bit.â€ Akiko almost forgot to take the flowers in shock; Naoyuki hardly ever apologised. “Let me buy you dinner,â€ he continued, and took her arm. Akiko could only nod, following where he led.

The dinner was excellent, at a restaurant Akiko had not been to before. Naoyuki refused to let her look at the menu, which made her suspect that it was rather more expensive than the places they normally went. If he was trying to make up for his behaviour, she reflected, he was doing a good job. He talked about his work, and about hers, but didn’t mention the shrine at all. By the time they were heading back to his apartment, Akiko almost felt that everything was sorted out between them.

Naoyuki went to kiss her almost as soon as they were inside, and Akiko wasn’t surprised, or reluctant. They sat on the bed, undressing each other, and Naoyuki started kissing her neck, working down towards her breasts. Akiko put her hands on the back of his head, then started caressing his back as he reached her nipples.

He came back up to kiss her as he worked her skirt and knickers off, running his hand up between her legs as she pushed his trousers and boxer shorts off. As he entered her, she closed her eyes and gripped his hips.

The warmth of his skin shifted under her hands, turning harder and patterned in warm and cold. The sensation was somehow familiar, and moments later her dreams of the shrine came flooding back. Her breath caught in her throat as her stomach lurched, and she opened her eyes.

A snake loomed over her, its golden eyes looking straight into hers, its body resting between her naked legs. Lightning played around its mouth as it lowered its head towards her, its jaws opening slightly.

Akiko screamed and thrust her hands up to push it away.

“What? What is it?â€ Naoyuki asked as he pushed himself up again beside her. “What did I do?â€

Akiko sat bolt upright, clutching the futon to her chest and looking around, her heart pounding, her mouth dry. There was no sign of the snake, and Naoyuki looked genuinely worried.

“I… I’m not sure.â€ Again, Akiko was lost for words. “It just starting hurting all of a sudden.â€ She realised that that was true; there was still a dull ache between her legs. She shuddered again, and reached for her knickers to pull them on.

“I’m really sorry, Naoyuki. I have to go home. Let’s meet again tomorrow.â€

“I can’t. Meeting. Friday?â€ Naoyuki sounded a little sullen, but at least he was arranging another date.

“Friday sounds good. See you then.â€ Akiko was already dressed and on her way out of the flat.