BEST COUPLE? — CHAPTER #33 — I ONLY KNOW RENGOKU X (Y/N)

"(Y/N)!"

You turned around, greeted by the familiar voice of Shinobu. It had been two days since the incident with Tanjiro, and while your relationship remained unchanged, the boy couldn't stop blushing whenever he was around you. And of course, you couldn't resist teasing him. After all, he was your comfort character, the cutest, the prettiest, and the one with whom you felt the most comfortable. You felt like you could wear a swimsuit in front of him, and he would only compliment and support you. Absolutely adorable. But let's get back on track.

"How are you feeling?" She inquired.

"I'm still feeling pretty tired, but nothing I can't handle... Where are Tanjiro and the others?" You asked, finally noticing the calmness of your surroundings.

"Oh! They've returned to rehabilitation training! Kanao and Aoi are with them too!"

"Really? And what about Nezuko?" You tilted your head in curiosity.

"She's in one of the extra rooms. She's been sleeping non-stop... I suppose the whole ordeal with the Mugen Train really drained her energy..."

"Aw... I want to see Nezuko~" You pouted, longing to be by your friend's side.

"Sweetie, don't make that face!" Shinobu gently grabbed your cheeks, squishing them softly. "You'll see her soon, so don't worry!"

'S-Sweetie?'

Your cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected term of endearment. "Y-Yeah, you're right..."

'Oh gosh, I forgot how beautiful Shinobu is! And her hands are so nice and soft and... wait, what am I thinking?'

Shinobu released your cheeks, and you tried to regain your composure. "Ah, yes!" She exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I got distracted and almost forgot about your little surprise!"

"Eh?! Surprise! Can I finally eat food like a normal person?" You blurted out, excitement bubbling within you.

"Hahaha! I said surprise, not miracle."

You couldn't help but deadpan at Shinobu's comment, your excitement for food quickly fading away. You pouted, feeling a sense of hopelessness wash over you. "Something better than food, huh? Great, just what I needed." You muttered sarcastically.

She gave you a sympathetic smile and opened the door. "I'll give you both some privacy, and just in case—there are some tissues on the table next to you." She said cryptically before winking and disappearing out of your view.

'What is going on? Privacy... tissues? What is she talking about?' As you pondered over her words, the sound of footsteps approaching your room caught your attention. Your heart started racing, realizing that someone was indeed coming to see you. But who could it be?

Your eyes widened in disbelief as you saw the person standing in the doorway. Tears welled up in your eyes, and a mix of relief and surprise escaped your lips as a giggly laugh. Your hands trembled with anxiety, and your breathing became shaky.

"Are... Are you really here...?" You asked, unable to tear your eyes away from the figure before you.

The person smiled warmly and walked towards you. Kneeling down, they gently took hold of your hands.

"I'm here, (L/N)." Rengoku said with a big smile.

"..." It took a few seconds for his words to fully sink in. Your lips and eyes twitched as you struggled to compose yourself, but it was no use. Well, too late to hold back now. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!" You let out a high-pitched squeal of joy, your grin stretching from ear to ear and tears streaming down your face. Your cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and your whole body trembled with excitement. "YOU'RE ALIVE, RENGOKU! YOU'RE ALIVE! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!"

Despite the pain coursing through your body, you ignored it as you lunged forward for a bear hug. Rengoku's laughter filled the room as he reciprocated the embrace. Your fingers ran through his messy, yet soft hair, confirming that he was indeed real. It was hard to believe that you had succeeded in saving him from his dreadful fate.

"I'm glad to see you as well, (L/N)... You have no idea how much I have wanted to visit you." He replied, his voice filled with genuine emotion as he rested his cheek on your shoulder.

Curiosity sparked within you, and you couldn't help but ask, "Then why didn't you come sooner?" His gaze averted, his eyes seemingly embarrassed to reveal the reason behind his delay. You reached out, reassuringly smiling at him, hoping to ease his unease. He sadly returned the smile, and although you let go of the hug, your hands remained intertwined. He lowered his head, his expression filled with regret.

"If I'm honest, I didn't visit you because I felt immense guilt. I had promised myself to protect everyone, yet you almost lost your life trying to save me. I am deeply ashamed as a Hashira for allowing such a thing to happen. You could have died, and it would have been entirely my fault. I can't even fathom what I would have done if that had occurred." He explained, his words short but weighty. You were taken aback by his confession, but he continued, his voice filled with a mix of turmoil and determination. "I contemplated retiring. I felt unworthy of being called a Hashira. You nearly lost your life, and I let an Upper Moon escape... I considered leaving, but the other Hashiras convinced me otherwise. They urged me not to give up. And now, here I stand before you..."

"..." You gazed into his eyes, your heart swelling with love and understanding. Tenderly, you lifted his chin, making him meet your gaze once again. "Rengoku, listen to me!" You began softly, your voice filled with sincerity. "I don't blame you for what happened. I made the choice to protect you because you mean everythi- I mean, A LOT to me. I knew the risks, and I would do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe. It's not your fault, it's mine for being so stubborn and not considering my own well-being." His eyes widened in surprise, disbelief mingling with a flicker of warmth. You continued, your voice unwavering. "You are an incredible Hashira, Rengoku. You have saved countless lives and inspired so many, including me. Don't let this incident overshadow all the good you have done. YOU ARE STRONG, BRAVE AND COMPASSIONATE. That's what makes you who you are."

"..." As you smiled warmly at him, his heart skipped a beat, captivated by your radiant beauty. He fell silent, his head lowering once more, causing a flicker of concern to pass through your mind. But just as quickly as his head lowered, it rose again, revealing a confident expression and a wide, beaming smile. "AHAHAHHAHAHAHA!" He burst into laughter, placing his hands on his hips in a display of exuberance. You couldn't help but sweatdrop at his sudden outburst.

"W-What's wrong?" You asked, a touch of nervousness creeping into your voice.

"Me, SOMETHING WRONG? That's funny!" He continued to laugh, as if you had just told him the most hilarious joke. "I'm perfectly fine! You're absolutely right! I cannot let this break me! I am so much more than that, and I shall uphold my duties as a Hashira! I will not give up! WINNERS NEVER QUIT AND QUITTERS NEVER WIN!"

You stood there in silence, marveling at his sudden burst of confidence. It was both amusing and endearing to witness him being his usual self again. Before you could respond, he spoke once more, his words filled with enthusiasm.

"AND EVERY SETBACK IS A SETUP FOR A COMEBACK!"

"Pff—" You couldn't contain your laughter any longer, finding his attitude utterly adorable. The fact that he had a motto for every situation only added to the charm. "Hahaha! Do you have a motto for everything?"

"YES I DO😊!" He responded quickly, his excitement evident as he reveled in your notice. "MOTTOS. ARE. THE. BEST😄!"

"Hahahahaha!" You couldn't contain your laughter, his adorable demeanor melting your heart and filling the room with joy. Your laughter echoed, causing your stomach to ache from the uncontrollable amusement. He joined in, his laughter harmonizing with yours, finding your infectious laughter incredibly endearing. Between fits of laughter, you managed to compose yourself and ask, "So, did you visit your family or something?"

His laughter subsided, and he spoke with a tinge of shame in his voice. "I didn't. I felt a deep sense of shame preventing me from doing so. But I am planning to visit my father and my brother very soon!"

Your heart went out to him as you continued the conversation, deliberately acting oblivious. "And your mother?"

A soft, wistful smile graced his face as he responded. "She passed away a long time ago, due to an illness. I loved her deeply, and she will always hold a dear place in my heart."

A genuine sorrow washed over you, and you expressed your condolences. "I'm so sorry for your loss... I'm sure she's very proud of you."

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS!" He exclaimed, his smile brightening. There was something about hearing those words from you that brought him immense happiness, something he couldn't quite put into words.

"My father changed after she died..." He began, a touch of nostalgia lacing his words. "He often told me that I shouldn't become a Demon Slayer, that it was futile and useless. He was a Hashira before, you know? and I am very proud of him...After I recovered, I didn't go back to visit my family. I think because maybe, unconsciously, I was too nervous about how he would react. There's a possibility that inside of me, there's part that still yearns for his affection... He has told me many things, and he's right about something: I still have a long way to go."

His statement piqued your interest, and you tilted your head in curiosity. "Wait, a long way to go?" You questioned.

He nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Yes, I still have a long way to go as a Hashira. I'll have to work even harder from now on if I want to make him proud. I have to stay strong for Senjuro and the others too!" Despite his underlying feelings of doubt, a small smile graced his face as he thought about his family. While Rengoku seemed to be enjoying himself, you, on the other hand, felt like you were about to have a heart attack at any moment.

...

'Hashira... Hashira... He'll continue to be a Hashira...'

...

'AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH FUCK! OH, MY FUCKING HOLY MOTHERFUCKER! SHIT! WHAT HAVE I DONE?! I'VE CHANGED THE STORYLINE TOO MUCH! HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO KEEP WORKING AS A HASHIRA! I THOUGHT HE WOULD RETIRE LIKE UZUI DID IN THE MAIN STORYLINE! WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?! IS HE THE ONE WHO WILL BATTLE AGAINST AKAZA IN THE LAST ARC INSTEAD OF TOMIOKA AND TANJIRO?! NOOOO! I CAN'T PROTECT HIM IF THAT HAPPENS!'

"R-R-R-R-Rengoku!" You blurted out, your voice filled with nervousness.

"YES, (L/N)?" He responded, taken aback by your sudden outburst, his voice unintentionally loud.

"Babe, bestie, darling, sweetie of my life, sweet cheeks... are you sure you want to keep being a h-hashira?!"

'Babe...?' He blushed.

"COME ON! THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER THINGS IN LIFE RATHER THAN FIGHTING DEMONS!"

"Hahaha! I don't know what have gotten into you but, I'll say it now and I'll say it again. I'LL KEEP BEING A HASHIRA UNTIL A WORLD WITH NO DEMONS EXISTS!"

'FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!' You were in despair but, you were not going to give up.

"Rengoku~~!! I know there's gotta be something you'll rather be doing than keep working as a demon slayer!! Don't you have a dream or something like that?!" You whined, trying to convince him.

"A dream..." He thought at loud, taking your words into thought.

'YES! TAKE THE FUCKING CLUE! PLEASE, I HOPE THIS WORKS!'

"Well, there is something I've recently realized I want to do..." His voice softened, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and vulnerability.

"Bitch, don't be shy! Tell me!" You urged, your grip on his hands betraying your anxiousness.

"I'm in love with someone." His words hung in the air, and he held your gaze with unwavering intensity. There was no trace of his usual laughter or amusement. Instead, his expression was grave and sincere, revealing a side of him you had never seen before.

"Eh...?" You managed to utter, your mind struggling to comprehend the revelation. 'In love with someone...? What the hell? Who could he be in love with? This wasn't part of the original storyline...'

"And I want to be able to marry them only after Muzan has been defeated." He continued, his voice carrying a sense of determination and unwavering loyalty.

For some reason,

For some ODD reason,

Your pulse began to race, pounding in your ears. The world around you seemed to fade away, leaving only the weight of his words hanging between you. Breathing became a struggle as you tried to process the depth of what he had just confessed.

Why were you feeling like this?

Your thoughts raced, your palms growing clammy within Rengoku's grasp. You couldn't tear your gaze away from his unwavering eyes, which seemed to hold an unspoken promise and vulnerability.

Was that why you felt so nervous?

Was it the sheer intensity of his gaze?

Was that the reason your cheeks flushed with a bright pink hue, betraying your inner turmoil?

Rengoku gently released your hands, his touch lingering for a moment before he carefully placed them back down. Each contact felt deliberate and tender, as if he was afraid of breaking this fragile moment. Slowly, almost reverently, he reached for your face, his warm hands cradling your cheeks. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through your skin, igniting a cascade of emotions within you. Your pulse quickened, and your face grew warmer as his thumbs traced over your flushed cheeks. You were unable to control the rapid beating of your heart, the blush spreading across your face, or the instinctive lean into his touch.

"You really don't get it, do you...?" He spoke in a soft, teasing tone, his eyes never breaking contact with yours. "I'm in love with you... Deeply in love with you, (L/N) (Y/N)."

His confession hung in the air, the weight of his words sinking deep into your heart. It felt as if time stood still, and your mind struggled to process the enormity of what he had just revealed.

'Did he just say he's in love with me...?' Your thoughts barely registered the information, as your mind was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions.

You occupied his thoughts constantly, and he cherished every single aspect of you... He yearned to hold you tightly and never let go. His lips brushed feather-light against your cheek, sending a shiver down your spine. Your breath caught in your throat, unable to fully comprehend the intimacy of the moment. His kiss was tender, filled with unspoken affection, before he pulled back slightly.

Rengoku's smile widened as he witnessed your stunned reaction, his eyes filled with awe and adoration as he looked up at you. This man standing before you was truly and deeply in love with you. His breath caught, and he summoned every ounce of strength and willpower to contain the overwhelming surge of emotions within him. He couldn't stop smiling, his heart swelling with joy at the sight of your flushed and astonished expression.

...

"So you're in love with me, Rengoku..." You stood there, completely stunned by the unfolding scene. The magnitude of the moment caused your words to escape in English, though it didn't faze Kyojuro in the slightest. To him, it only added to the enchantment and allure of the situation.

"Yes, I am." He whispered, his voice laced with a romantic tone that sent shivers down your spine. "And please, call me Kyojuro."

Your lips parted, but no coherent words emerged as you struggled to find your voice. His laughter filled the air, and his cheeks turned a rosy shade, finding your flustered state utterly adorable. Witnessing your beloved Kyojuro react this way made your heart swell with affection.

"Well, um... I suppose... thank you for falling in love... with me?" You managed to stammer, your voice filled with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "But... we've only met three or four times! Isn't this too fast?"

Kyojuro's eyes glistened with adoration as he looked at you. Taking a step closer, he reached out, his hand caressing your cheek gently, radiating warmth and tenderness. "Do I need an eternity to fall in love with you?" He murmured, his voice dripping with sincerity. "You are the one who makes my heart skip a beat, my love. I cannot resist this feeling. When my heart reacts in such a way, I know with certainty that you are the love of my life."

Your heart fluttered, overwhelmed by the intensity of his emotions. You wished to respond eloquently, to express your own feelings in a profound manner, but all that escaped your lips was a soft, breathless sigh.

...

"Are... Are you truly serious?" You asked, your voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and longing. Kyojuro tilted his head slightly, his gaze unwavering, brimming with genuine devotion. You cleared your throat, attempting to steady yourself before continuing. "About loving me... Are you genuinely serious?"

A tender smile curved his lips as he reached out, delicately capturing a strand of your hair between his fingertips. With a gentle motion, he tucked it behind your ear, his face inching closer to yours. Your heart raced, nearly stopping altogether as his warm breath caressed your face. Just as you thought he was about to kiss you, he halted mere inches away, your noses almost touching.

"May i...?" Consent is sexy you guys🫣🤭😉😂🫠.

"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! STOP IT YOU FUCKING DONKEY!!!" Before you could even gather your thoughts to respond, the room was suddenly filled with chaos as Zenitsu and Inosuke burst through the door, shattering it into pieces. In a whirlwind of energy, Kanao, Tanjiro, Aoi, and Shinobu followed suit, entering the room.

Zenitsu and Inosuke wasted no time, launching themselves at Rengoku with an exuberant force that left him momentarily taken aback. Meanwhile, Kanao rushed over to you, cupping your cheeks in her hands, her eyes wide with concern. "Oh no! You've been infected!" She cried out, her voice filled with genuine worry.

"Kanao!" Tanjiro shouted, rushing to her side. "Don't worry! I have tissues! Let's disinfect her quickly!" The two of them sprang into action, diligently cleaning your face to eliminate any perceived dirt.

Amidst the commotion, Shinobu's voice cut through the air, a chillingly playful tone lacing her words. "Well, well! It seems someone has become a little too confident today~!"

"(Y/N)!! I tried to stop them, but it was just too much!" Aoi exclaimed, though in truth, a tinge of envy colored her words, mirroring the feelings of the others in the room.

"I can't stop my heart from beating too fast..." As the cacophony of voices continued, you murmured softly, your hand instinctively clutching your chest. The pain of your racing heart became almost unbearable. Only Kanao and Tanjiro were able to hear your words amidst the chaos. They turned their heads toward Rengoku, concern etched on their faces, even as he laughed joyously while being playfully restrained by Zenitsu and Inosuke.

"BIG BROTHER RENGOKU! YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS!" Tanjiro scolded him, his voice filled with a mix of protectiveness and exasperation.

"Yeah! You better watch your back!" Kanao added, her tone firm. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, leaving everyone bewildered.

As the pandemonium continued to unfold, you sought refuge in your bedsheets, burying your red face in an attempt to shield yourself from the overwhelming emotions swirling around you. It certainly was an eventful way to start the day, one filled with a mixture of chaos and an unexpected confession.

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Props to @Kosma_bear for the hilarious comment😭😭

Xoxo, azamishomie.