(Ughhh. So filler chapter...)

Unedited ×_×

We were born in two entirely different manners. Brother always seem to be favored by mother and father. As a male, it is obvious that he will succeed our family while I am left to be the breed mare so that we don't die out. It is all because of the curse.

A demon came from our bloodline so our family ended up being cursed. Not one member has reached passed thirty which is why we were given wives and grooms from the priest's family, the one who helped us centuries ago.

As a female of the household, I need to bear children for the family's future.

But...

Brother is always so full of wisdom and kindness. He never forced me to take that task, not even once. Brother is only a few years older than me.

Yet he is already given a fiancee. Brother has only ever held me in his arms. He has never held any woman other than me.

My kind and frail brother, he is soon to get married and have children. And when he is married, he would need to have children at a young age.

Brother has never asked me. Even though I can take over because I have a much healthier body, he has never asked me, not even once to marry someone as soon as possible and give birth to many children.

Instead, he sent me away to this manor where I am given a handmaiden, some servants and dozens of guards to keep me safe and well.

Brother has never mastered the art of swordsmanship because his body is too weak for it.

If only my lungs were not blocked, I would have mastered a breathing style. Because unlike my brother, I am able to use the sword and any type of light weapon including knives and daggers.

I told him so many times that I could help him, I CAN help him.

But..

Brother sent me here.

Away from him and his family. His family that exists without me.

Brother used to tell me that he would always be there in case I needed any help and guidance.

As a grown woman, I never once bothered to ask him since he never asked me.

I never wanted to be a burden.

I only wanted to help.

I only wanted to be useful to my brother.

He's so weak and frail, so, so sick that I fear as if I hold him in my arms, he would break.

Unlike me, I can still walk and run for a few minutes without getting tired. But my brother could hardly run at all.

He is reduced to walking and his wife needs to be there to guide him.

A day will come when he will lose his sight and he will no longer have the ability to see me.

Brother always likes to caress my face, he always says that he's looking at a mirror when he's facing me. We always seem so alike but others don't agree at all.

The hashiras would tell my brother that we look similar but I can always tell they're lying just to please him.

What brother means is the fact that we were both so similar in our views.

We hated demons to the very core.

And the one thing that makes us different is the fact that my brother can never be free from his duties as the head of the family.

While I am sent away from all the fighting and given a chance at a normal life.

Brother doesn't say it. But I know, deep inside me I know, he wants me to never get involved. He wants me to live a simple and normal life where I can be just Naomi and not the mistress of the Ubuyashiki family.

He wants me to never experienced the pain of losing someone from a demon. He wants me to be happy.

"Kagaya-onii-sama, I really miss sleeping beside you. Why can't I sleep beside you anymore?"

Brother's hand is always warm and gentle. He would caress my hair and smile at me in a simple way.

"Mimi, you're all grown up. It would be inappropriate for us."

"But..."

Brother's hand would sometimes squeeze my own for reassurance and then it would be enough. His presence beside me at that simple moment would be enough.

"Mimi, as long as I am alive, nothing will happen to you. So you don't have to be sad anymore. I would always be here for you."

For me.

Brother told me he'd always be there for me.

Yet I can't help but doubt when he's always visiting the grave of his precious demon slayers.

Brother, am I really important to you?

Even though we've been apart for four years now, I've never once forgotten your words.

I've asked you countless of times if I could visit you and see my nieces and nephew, but you always seem to have a way to change my mind.

When will I see you?

Exchanging letters isn't enough for me.

You used to hug me and stroke my hair to comfort me when there's lightning on a rainy night.

We used to hold each other's hand when walking under the wisteria.

We exchanged ideas and opinions between each other regarding the future of the demon slayers.

And you'd often dine with me, just the two of us.

How come we are reduced to this?

How come I can no longer see or hold you?

Why won't you let me see you?

Have you forgotten your promise to me?

This is why we've led two different lives.

You truly became the successor while I did nothing but hide behind your shadows.

I do hope our paths would cross soon.

Because maybe a day will come when I would stop calling you brother, it would mean that I ceased to be your sister.

"Mimi, you are simply adorable."

"Kagaya-onii-sama, you always say that."

"But it's true. Mimi is really adorable. And it would be selfish of me to say this but I hope you never change. "

"Onii-sama... I can never stay innocent my whole life..."

"I know..."

"But you're here to protect me, right? So there's nothing to worry!"

"Mimi, you're always so carefree."

"Ehhhh.... but being sad and down all the time wouldn't be good at all."

"Ahhh... so that is why Mimi always smiles. It suits you. I would do anything to protect your precious smile."

"Ehhhhh~ Kagaya-onii-sama, you're making me blush!"

"It's because I like to see Mimi smiling."

"Eto... well, I also love Kagaya-onii-sama's smile! You always seem to glow like the sun!"

"Even though I am sick?"

"Kagaya-onii-sama is really good looking. Why do you have to worry about that? Sick or not, Kagaya-onii-sama is really handsome!"

"Mimi, you really make me happy. "

"Really? That makes me feel relieved! I don't want to bore Onii-sama at all. "

"Being with Mimi is never boring. "

"Uwaaa~! Onii-sama, you make my heart melt! That's really unfair!"

"But I love being with Mimi. Because being with your family is never boring and it is a precious moment that should be cherished."

"Hmmm.. I just want to be with Onii-sama. I really love Kagaya-onii-sama after all! "

"Mimi, I feel the same way. Being with Mimi will always be enough for me."

I really did hope it was enough.

But then we still parted.

And we live two different lives and walk two different paths.