Kumiko could feel Akane's unwavering gaze even as they sat at the back of the taxi. The jorōgumo was probably ravenous at the sight of a prospective meal, and she tried to look on the bright side. Her disguise was working, and Akane was falling into her trap. When they got home, she would play the part of an oblivious mortal man while waiting for the right moment to show her true self.

To ease her nerves, she turned to stare out the window and watch neon lights drift past. However, it wasn't long before Akane spoke once more and commanded her attention. "You're a very sexy man, Ichiro. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Kumiko forced herself to look back at her so-called date while the taxi driver chuckled. She thought of what a suave playboy would say in this situation, then gave her reply.

"Of course. Sexy is my middle name."

Akane's bright red lips formed an enigmatic smile. "Is that so? What's your last name, then?"

Kumiko remembered Ichiro's lack of a surname due to his lowly birth. She decided to incorporate it into her new persona. "I'm afraid that's classified. My profession doesn't allow for the sharing of such information."

As expected, this only made Akane eager to continue the conversation. "Ooh, a bit of mystery. I like that in you. It adds to the appeal."

"Yes, that's me." Kumiko gestured at herself proudly while drawing on her knowledge of foreign films to make a comparison. "Sexy and mysterious like James Bond. Or maybe Zorro."

Akane's light brown eyes blinked in confusion. "Who is Zorro? I've never heard of him before."

"A masked man in black who lives a double life while fighting against corruption," Kumiko explained as briefly as she could.

"Oh. I thought that was Batman."

"No, it's-" Kumiko prepared to argue before realizing that Akane's observation was correct. There was no denying the similarities between the two masked heroes, so she yielded. "Never mind, you're right. I guess I'm like Batman too."

Akane's smile returned. "So, what does that make you, then? A spy or a vigilante?"

The taxi driver's expression of amusement had now become one of unease. Kumiko felt an inkling of sympathy for him as she responded to the question with something less outlandish but consistent with what she had said so far.

"I'm actually an actor and model. Which is similar in some respects."

"Really? How so?"

"I often have to play a role when in public. A persona, if you will."

"Oh, that's interesting," Akane remarked with a suggestive lilt. "I could say the same about myself if you know what I mean."

"I'm sure. Are you an actor too?" Kumiko asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"No, but I am a model. What people see in my photos is a vast difference from what I truly am."

The implication in those words was not lost on Kumiko, but she continued pretending to be none the wiser. "I can imagine. When we step in front of a camera, our job is to sell not ourselves, but a fantasy."

"Well said," Akane agreed. "Most people would be truly shocked to see the real me."

As would I. Kumiko searched her mind for what to say next and recalled when she'd sat in a car between Madame Ether and Tsutomu, noticing the former's appreciative looks towards the latter. "Same here. My manager is helping me appeal to teenage girls and older women alike. But I'm a man in my twenties, and I wouldn't be caught dating either of them in real life."

Akane looked away as if to think deeply about something. Kumiko followed the jorōgumo's gaze and noticed that the city's bright lights had given way to dimly lit suburban streets. Her anxiety grew.

"I see. What have you been in so far?" Akane asked upon turning back around.

"Just a few commercials and a minor role in some horror movie," Kumiko lied. "My career's only getting started."

"Funny, because so is mine. How many fans do you have?"

"I can't say for sure, but I'm guessing a few hundred."

"That's more than mine. Do you think they would miss you if something were to happen?"

Kumiko was taken by surprise since it seemed like Akane was no longer making a solid effort to mask her intentions. "What do you mean? Nothing's going to-"

Their driver pressed his foot against the brakes, causing the taxi to rapidly slow as it approached the left side of the quiet road. Kumiko clutched the edge of her seat in alarm and, upon scanning the exterior surroundings, realized precisely where she was now. Oh crap...

"Well, this is the place," the taxi driver announced. "It's been a pleasure serving you both."

"Thank you, sir," Akane said sweetly, flashing a row of straight white teeth. "May you have a nice evening."

The jorōgumo opened the nearby door, inviting a rush of cold air that made Kumiko shiver. She crossed both arms across her masculine chest and clenched her teeth before taking a deep breath. No, don't panic. You're still in control...

She continued to pay close attention to her breathing as she exited the car and prepared to meet Akane on the other side. A welcome distraction came in the form of the taxi driver asking for her to stop.

"Wait a minute, young man. Could I get your autograph?"

"Huh?" She spun around on her heels.

"If you ever hit it big, I want to show people that I met you during the early days."

Kumiko acquiesced by approaching the open window. "Sure, why not? I appreciate any support I can get."

The driver produced a pen and notepad from his glovebox before holding them out for her to take. She gladly accepted and scribbled the kanji of Ichiro's name on the paper, then presented the autograph to her newest 'fan.'

"Why, thank you so much, young sir! I'll treasure this for a long time!"

"You're welcome," Kumiko replied with a bow. "I'll remember you too."

The driver gave her a salute while she crossed over to the curb. She returned the gesture with a wave, and as the taxi pulled away, her stomach grew heavy at the thought that she was now alone.

Regardless, she went to Akane's side and extended her hand. "All right, this is it. Shall we get going?"

"Certainly. Time is of the essence..."

******

Akane felt triumph at luring Ichiro into her lair, yet she knew it was still too early to celebrate. Just like with Tsutomu, there was a chance he would realize the truth and make an escape before she could strike, so she decided to speed things along tonight.

As soon as the front door slammed shut, she placed an arm around her date's shoulder and pressured him to accompany her upstairs for some fun.

"No time to dally, sweetheart. A woman has her needs too."

Ichiro flinched while giving her a sheepish smile. "Of course. We should get a move on..."

In the darkness, she helped him to scale all thirteen steps to the floor above. It was a shame that she had nowhere near enough money to pay off the electricity bills, so when Ichiro questioned the lack of light, she quickly brushed him off.

"Just deal with it for now. I have a surprise waiting in my room."

"Oh, all right. I hope it will be worth it."

They shuffled through the narrow hall that led to her bedroom. Akane pushed the creaky door open and released her hold of Ichiro to make her way to the nightstand. Once there, she picked up the lighter laid out for easy access and used it to illuminate the yellow candle standing beside it.

Immediately, the room lit up with a warm orange glow. Ichiro let out a sigh of amazement that made her heart flutter, but she reminded herself that this was no time to be sentimental.

With a toss of her silken black locks, she spun around to press a hand against his firm chest and pin him to the wall. He gasped as his soulful eyes widened in surprise.

"What are you-"

"I want you so much," Akane managed to say with what she thought was the right amount of desperation. "Make my wish come true..."

She let her gaze fall to his soft and shapely lips, then moved in for the kiss while ignoring the startled grunt he gave in response.