Heian Period, in the late 700's

To be frank, Mimi is still not used to the fact that she was living with Muzan under one roof.

Her feelings were confusing because at one point, she wasn't very fond of the man but as she spends most of her meals eating with him, Mimi realized that he could be capable of being gentle. And he respected her space most of the time.

He was also very direct when it came to his demands which was something that Mimi could easily handle. Although it sometimes annoyed him when she refused, Muzan respected her wishes and would change the topic. He also likes his privacy a lot.

When her father told her that Muzan could take care of her because of his numerous servants, Mimi felt ashamed. His father was indeed right because almost everything she needed was prepared for her, from her bath, to her clothes and to the very food she eats.

Mimi never did like the fact that she was unable to do anything when she could handle it herself . The servants were nice and understanding but Mimi sent them away because she preferred to care for herself in her own way. She didn't want to rely too much on anyone.

She was thankful for the hospitality she was receiving but she grew up independent and she liked it when she did things for herself.

"Mimi." A voice called out and she turned to face the source, noticing that Muzan was behind her and looking quite pale.

"Let's go for a walk in the garden." He said and in most days, she would have accepted his invitation because of how soothing it was to stroll outside but Mimi was not blind, she was a merchant's daughter afterall and she knew a thing or two about medicine and the human body.

"Muzan-sama. "She greeted before coming over to him and placing a hand on his pale cheek. His eyes closed and he placed a hand over hers as if relishing the warmth her skin could provide.

He always did tell her how warm she is and he was very fond of holding her small hands.

"It is very cold outside. I'm worried that Muzan-sama might get sick. "

His lips almost sneered at her worries but he ended up sighing instead.

"I'm fine." Muzan responded but she could hear the strain in his voice.

"Muzan-sama..." Mimi whispered. "You're weary. Let me take you to your room instead. "

His eyes opened in an instant and he turned his head away.

"I said I'm fine. Don't think that you can tell me what to do just because I favor you."Muzan snapped in an annoyed tone.

Mimi froze at his words. She was shock, not really expecting such words from the same man who often walk with her at night to watch flowers and fireflies.

Mimi frowned before giving him some space.

"Muzan-sama, it isn't like that. I am merely worried. Forgive me if I offended you but I don't want you to play the martyr. Nor do I. " His brows creased at her equally blunt words but Mimi remained firm and resolute. "Some people have the capability to withstand pain and suffering. And it makes them seem strong to others but because they are strong, no one ever asks if they're okay."

Mimi slowly grabbed Muzan's hand.

"Muzan-sama, I believe that you are okay, for you are a strong man but because I am weak and naive, I hope you would retire for the night to ease my worries. " She said impassively as she held both of his cold hands.

He looked somewhat annoyed by her nagging but Mimi never wavered. Muzan sighed and he eventually agreed.

"I will let this slide but the next time you order me around, I won't be so lenient. "He squeezed her small hands softly before pulling away.

Mimi was relieved that Muzan agreed with her. As a prideful man from nobility, taking orders from others must have been really hard for him. Nevertheless, Mimi was glad that he obeyed her wishes. The young lord needs all the rest he could get.

Maybe they could take another walk in the garden tomorrow. She would love that.

But Muzan still continued to look sickly pale the next day. Mimi was getting worried and she could not hide her distress.

"Muzan-sama, clearly there is something wrong. You look much paler than normal--"

"Mimi. " He said harshly. "I'm fine. "

She was about to protest when he roughly grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to his chest.

"I said I'm fine. Stop being so obstinate. I know you are knowledgeable about medicine but you are no doctor. "

Mimi flushed slightly, looking offended." Muzan-sama, that's--"

He clicked his tongue. "I will carry you. To prove that there's nothing wrong with me."

Her eyes widened into saucers and a surprise gasp left her lips as he swept her on her feet and carried her into his arms.

In rush of panic, she wrapped her hands around his neck. She could feel the heat radiating from his body with how close they were.

"M-Muzan-sama.." She stammered in surprise.

"Is this enough confirmation?"

Mimi's face continued to remain red and embarrassed as she tried to open her mouth to respond.

"....!"

"I see that you need more convincing." Muzan said as he smirked at her. She stared at him in silence and as Muzan continued to carry her, he began his trek to the garden.

Mimi remained speechless, both due to embarrassment and shock.

The familiar scenery of flowers in bloom and the mesmerizing sight of glowing fireflies greeted her. Her lips parted slightly in awe before it took her a moment to realize how compromising and scandalous her position is.

"Muzan-sama!" She suddenly cried out, beyond embarrassed as she hid her face on the crook of his neck.

He chuckled at her reaction. "There is no need to feel embarrassed. No one is here but the two of us. "

"But...."

Muzan softly whispered to her ear. "You are missing the opportunity to watch this beautiful sight with me."

Her heart quickened at how close his mouth was to her ear. His hot breath was fanning against the cold surface of her skin, sending goosebumps in its wake.

Mimi slowly shook her head as she continued to hide her expression, not trusting herself anymore.

Muzan is not an easy man to deal with yet he always seem to find a way to make her feel giddy and embarrassed.

"Mimi." He called out softly. "I won't laugh at you regardless of how amusing your face looks right now."

Mimi cried out. "Muzan-sama, this is is unbecoming of you." She accused in a sulking tone.

He chuckled softly. "Mimi." He said, brushing his lips against her ear. She shivered slightly at the contact before turning her head to face him in a slow manner.

Muzan's eyes softened as he saw how red her face was and the tears threatening to spill on the corner of her glassy eyes. She was biting her soft pink lips out of embarrassment. She looked like a small child in his eyes, she was simply too shy and adorable.

"Mimi, are you trying to seduce me?"

Her lips parted at his accusation. "Muzan-sama, you are teasing me too much. "

He grinned, his eyes shining with mirth.

"Then stop looking so endearing. "

"Muzan-sama!" Mimi called him out before looking away shyly.

"Enough of this then. I've already made my point. Let's head back."

"If that is the case, then Muzan-sama, please put me down." Mimi softly whispered without meeting his gaze.

He smirked at her before gently placing her down. Mimi continued to avert her gaze while Muzan simply held her hand and squeezed gently.

"You need to get used to this. You will be my wife my soon afterall. "

Mimi still did not look his way.

"Forgive me... But Muzan-sama, I am still not used to the prospect of becoming your other half. I still want to know more about Muzan-sama..."

"Mimi. Why do you make it seem like I'm forcing you to marry me." Muzan stated.

"Muzan-sama... that's not it.."

"Stop. Just keep your mouth shut before I lose my temper. You are being too selfish."

Mimi took a step backwards.

"Muzan-sama.. that is out of line. I was only implying that I want to know more about you. "

"Is that really the truth, Mimi? You make it a habit to avoid being close to me. And when I mention the fact that you will soon be my wife, you try to change the conversation. You can't even look at me in the eye."

"Forgive me. That wasn't my intention... I was just.."Mimi bit her lip, feeling somewhat ashamed that she was being unfair to him.

"I am not against the idea of marrying Muzan-sama. But I simply want to develop a better relationship with Muzan-sama before we commit to each other. Marriage is sacred and if we are to be husband and wife, then I want this to work out for the two of us. Muzan-sama.... I'm sorry if I made you misunderstand. "

Muzan narrowed his eyes at her before he sighed.

"You are difficult. "He stated. "Come here. "Muzan outstretched his hand to her. Mimi blinked once before stepping up to approach him.

She gently took his hand. Muzan pulled her closer and placed a possessive arm around her waist.

"The things I do for you..." He whispered faintly before placing a soft kiss on her brow.

Mimi's eyes fluttered close before leaning closer to him.

"Muzan-sama..."

"Mimi, here this, you are not allowed to reject my touch. "

As if she was in a daze, Mimi silently nodded.