A WILD RIDE MEANS HAPPY INSIDE! — CHAPTER #35 — WATCHING THE CLOUDS, MAKE ME SMILE!

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Little note:
It may have mistakes because I didn't check it
Yiipeee, 21+k words💪💪💪🏳️‍⚧️💪💪
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After the unexpected encounter with Akaza and Douma, the village you and the others were tasked with protecting had finally achieved a state of pure tranquility. For three consecutive days, all of you diligently patrolled both day and night, remaining vigilant for any potential attacks or incidents of people going missing. However, to your relief, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. This was somewhat expected since you knew that Akaza and Douma were in search of the elusive Blue Lily Spider, leading you to believe that it was not present in this particular place.

Having ensured the safety of all the villagers, you reached the conclusion that the village was no longer in imminent danger and did not require constant protection. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, Shinobu's friend and her husband made a promise to inform all of you if they noticed any peculiar activities resurfacing.

Life soon settled back into its usual rhythm. You and the Kamaboko Trio continued to embark on solo missions while still residing at the Butterfly Mansion. However, the increasing appearance of demons brought forth an influx of work, making it challenging for you and them to find time to spend together. Frustration welled up within you, as you found this situation quite bothersome.

Today, your crow dodo delivered news of a new mission, indicating that you would be working alongside other demon slayers. Deep within your heart, you hoped that your companions would be familiar faces, people you already knew. And to your delight, when you discovered that your partners for this mission were your closest friends, you couldn't help but shout with sheer happiness.

"KYAAAA! TANJIROOO! ZENITSUU!! I MISSED YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!" You couldn't contain your excitement as you tightly hugged both of them, sandwiching yourself between them. Your cheeks flushed with joy, and a wide smile adorned your face.

"Aw, (Y/N)! I missed you too!" Tanjiro blushed, thrilled that you were so overjoyed to see him. "Even though it hasn't been that long since we last met, it feels like an eternity! Haha!"

"(Y/N)!! MY ANGEL! I COULDN'T BEAR TO BE WITHOUT YOU ANY LONGER!! I LOVE YOUU!" Zenitsu exclaimed, hugging you with all his might, expressing his longing and affection.

"I MISSED YOU TOO SO MUCH! THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!" You yelled, reveling in the warmth of their presence.

"HEY! THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Inosuke protested loudly, feeling left out as the three of you shared a tight embrace. "WHY AREN'T YOU HUGGING ME TOO, (Y/N)?!"

"Because I saw you recently!" You defended yourself, trying to justify your actions.

"YOU'RE A TRAITOR!" Inosuke crossed his arms, feeling indignant that he wasn't being shown the same affection as the others.

"Aw, come here! I know you love me too!" You reached out to include him in the group hug, but Inosuke remained stubborn, refusing to budge. He felt insulted that you were only trying to show him affection now. After a bit of back and forth, your persistent pleas finally convinced him to give in, and he begrudgingly joined the hug. Now, with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke (and Nezuko in her box), all of you were wrapped in a warm and affectionate embrace.

Tanjiro couldn't help but feel a pang of happiness amidst the chaos. This group had become an important part of his life, reminding him of what he had lost—his family. While you three could never replace his loved ones, you had become people he cherished dearly, especially you.

Zenitsu shared a similar sentiment. He often missed his grandpa and would feel a sense of loneliness without him. However, he considered the four of you as his friends, providing him with a sense of companionship. Nezuko was still a bitch to him though. Fuck Nezuko.

As for Inosuke, emotions and human relationships were still relatively new concepts to him, but he had come to consider the four of you as his own... family, in some peculiar way.

After the emotional reunion, you all gradually separated, the excitement finally subsiding.

"Hold on a moment—" Tanjiro interrupted the lighthearted atmosphere, a realization dawning upon him. "Inosuke... Did you just pronounce (Y/N)'s name correctly?" He asked, genuinely surprised by this revelation.

...

"HOLY SHIT! I JUST REALIZED THAT TOO! WHAT THE HELL!?" Zenitsu exclaimed, unable to contain his shock. "HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE!?"

"I guess we know who's the favorite!" You teased, applauding yourself. "Well done, Inosuke!" You praised him, patting his head. In truth, you had noticed that he had been pronouncing your name correctly for a while now, but you had been hesitant to comment on it, fearing that acknowledging it might result in him reverting back to mispronouncing your name.

"..." He remained silent, a rare occurrence, as you continued to pat his head. Imaginary white, fluffy balls seemed to circle around him. He relished in your praise, hidden beneath his mask, and you were unaware of the slight blush that colored his cheeks.

"Alright, alright! Let's put this to the test!" Tanjiro declared, placing his hands on his hips. "Inosuke, can you tell us our names, including Nezuko's?"

"Huh?" Inosuke tilted his head in confusion. "Why would I do that, you moron?"

"Just give it a try, no balls!" Zenitsu goaded him, crossing his arms.

"SHUT UP! I HAVE MORE BALLS THAN YOU!"

"Then say our names." He said, still arms crossed but a smug smile on his face.

"..." Inosuke mirrored his actions, a serious expression taking over his face. Silence enveloped the group as Inosuke delved deep into thought. Then, he raised his head, pointing at each of you in turn. "THOMAS! SAMUEL! AND JESSICA!" He yelled, pointing at Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Nezuko's box, respectively.

...

"J-JESSICA? HOW IS THAT SIMILAR TO NEZUKO?!" Tanjiro was shocked, since he visibly gasped at this. Completely ignoring the fact that the boar boy just called him Thomas. Even Nezuko felt offended.

"SAMUEL?? SAMUEL? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" Zenitsu cried out in disbelief, while you struggled to suppress your laughter at the absurdity of the situation.

"Why are you all screaming? I said your names right?!" Inosuke retorted, clearly confused by the commotion.

"No, you didn't! Inosuke, I'm seriously worried about you!" Tanjiro expressed his concern, his voice filled with distress. "As a fellow mountain boy like you, I think your level of stupidity is reaching new heights! We need to do something about it!"

"I'M NOT STUPID, YOU PUSSY!"

"Yes, you are, dickhead!" Zenitsu couldn't help but lash out, already exhausted by the conversation.

"Zenitsu, enough!" Tanjiro scolded the blonde boy. "Listen, Inosuke, let's try something different!"

"W-What? What do you want to do?!" Inosuke warily inquired, unsure of Tanjiro's intentions.

"Nezuko." Tanjiro said seriously, his gaze focused.

...

"What?" Inosuke tilted his head, trying to comprehend the request.

"Say it with me now!" Tanjiro's smile returned. "Ne!"

"N-Ne..." Inosuke repeated.

"Zu!"

"Zu..."

"Ko!"

"Ko!"

"Nezuko!" Tanjiro declared, having completed the pronunciation.

"NEZUKO! NEZUKO!" Inosuke excitedly repeated, his voice filled with joy. Nezuko cheered silently from within her box.

"WHAT?! YOU GOT HER NAME RIGHT, BUT NOT MINE?!" Zenitsu couldn't help but protest.

"SHUT UP!" Inosuke fired back, his frustration evident.

"Oh my goodness! Great job, Inosuke! You did it perfectly!" Tanjiro praised him, a sense of pride swelling within him. Inosuke seemed to enter a trance-like state, where imaginary soft, white, fluffy balls surrounded him. He truly reveled in praise.

"So he CAN pronounce things correctly!" You chimed in, genuinely surprised. Tanjiro nodded happily in agreement.

"It seems like it... wait." Zenitsu abruptly stopped and smirked. "Inosuke!"

"What?"

"Zenitsu." Zenitsu spoke with a straight face.

"W-What? What are y-you planning!?"

"Say it after me. Zenitsu."

"Z-Zen..."

"Yeah! Yeah! Nit!"

"N-Nit..."

"Su!"

"ALASKA!" Inosuke confidently declared.

"A-ALASKA?! WHERE DID YOU GET THAT FROM?!" Zenitsu was taken aback, clearly bewildered by the unexpected response.

"It just feels right. Stop being a pussy."

"IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE! HE'S BEYOND STUPID, YOU GUYS!" Zenitsu turned to you and Tanjiro, exasperated. However, he soon noticed that you and him were engaged in an entirely different conversation.

"Aww, I really like your long hair!" You cooed, observing the flustered expression on Tanjiro's face.

"You do...? Thanks! I was actually planning to get a haircut, but after you mentioned that you liked it, I decided to leave it as it is!" Tanjiro confessed bashfully, a warm smile forming on his lips as he received compliments from you.

"Yay! I'm glad you did! Thank you!" You exclaimed with joy, jumping up and down in excitement, causing him to chuckle at your adorable behavior. "Can I style your hair? Please!" You pleaded, getting closer to him and wrapping your arms around his shoulders, your faces now mere inches apart. To support himself, he instinctively placed his hands on your waist.

He beamed. "But of course! It would make me very happy if you could also style Nezuko's hair! She misses you a lot!"

"I'll gladly do it! Yippee!" You jumped up and down in elation, causing Tanjiro to join in the enthusiasm, as he, too, had missed seeing you. You felt particularly close to him, and his presence brought you immense joy. You could say that he was one of the characters you felt the most comfiest with.

"HEY!" Inosuke shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at the two of you. "I want you to brush my hair too!"

"OKAY! WITH GREAT PLEASURE!" You eagerly agreed, thrilled at the opportunity.

"HEY! IT'S NOT FAIR!" Zenitsu protested. "All three of them have long hair! I'm the only one with short hair!"

Tanjiro attempted to console him. "Aw, don't worry, Zenitsu. Just let your hair grow again—"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! DON'T TALK TO ME! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" He exploded in anger.

Confused, you turned to Tanjiro, still holding onto each other in a warm embrace. "Tanjiro, why is he saying that?" You asked, a hint of disappointment in your voice. Tanjiro turned his head to the side, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Oops. I guess I got caught..." He sweatdropped.

"MY HAIR USED TO BE LONG, (Y/N)! IT WAS ALMOST THE SAME LENGTH AS TANJIRO'S, AND I DECIDED TO ASK HIM WHAT YOU PREFERRED! HE TOLD ME THAT YOU WOULD LOVE IT IF MY HAIR WAS SHORTER, SO I LISTENED TO HIM!"

"Tanjiro..." You spoke with a tinge of disappointment, releasing yourself from the hug and placing your hands on your hips. "You know I love long hair... Why did you tell him that?"

"Uuuuu! Monjiro is getting scolded!" Inosuke giggled, finding amusement in the situation.

"Well..." He tried to come up with an excuse. "I was just trying to teach him a lesson! I wanted him to learn that he needs to trust his own instincts more instead of always listening to what others say!" He explained, a cheerful tone in his voice.

...

Zenitsu smirked internally, thinking to himself, 'Idiot. There's no way (Y/N) will buy that-'

"Ohh! I get it now! Aw, you're so considerate!" You beamed, patting Tanjiro's head affectionately. His smile widened, and his cheeks turned a slight shade of red at your display of affection.

Zenitsu collapsed onto the floor, his face pressed against the ground as tears streamed down his cheeks. His sobs were muffled by the earth beneath him. Even Inosuke, usually rough around the edges, felt a twinge of sympathy and placed a reassuring hand on Zenitsu's shoulder. "Don't worry, Brazil. You have nice hair."

"...How do you even confuse Zenitsu with Brazil..." He cried even harder.

"Oh, Zenitsu, don't cry!" You said, moving to comfort him. Squatting down in front of him, you gently patted his head. "I love long hair, but I also love yours! Whether it's short or long, it's so beautiful, and your unique color makes you stand out even more. It looks good on you!" You beamed at him, hoping that your words would reach his heart. A moment of silence followed as Zenitsu slowly raised his head, his big teary eyes and pouting lips fixed on you.

"Really?" He said uncertainly. His hair was one of his biggest insecurities, so hearing the love of his life casually compliment it was difficult to believe. "You mean it...?"

"Yup!" You closed your eyes, emphasizing your sincerity. "If you want me to say it a thousand times so you can believe it, then I'll do it! I really love your hair, Zenitsu." He gazed at you, wiping away his tears. You braced yourself, expecting him to scream and embrace you tightly until you couldn't breathe. However, to your surprise, none of that happened. You both stood up, and he turned away, muttering a small "thanks."

"Ah... I think you broke him..." Tanjiro said with a sweatdrop.

"I did?" You tilted your head, finding it strange to see Zenitsu acting like this.

"Ugh, what's wrong with Monitsu?" Inosuke mumbled to himself as he ran over to where Zenitsu was, positioning himself in front of him. Suddenly, a look of shock washed over Inosuke's face. "YOU—AHAHAHAHA!" He burst into laughter. "YOU GUYS, COME SEE THIS! HIS FACE IS SO RED!"

Zenitsu spun around again, wearing a frown on his face. Inosuke was right; Zenitsu's face was completely flushed, and his hands trembled slightly. He was so flustered that he became timid. "Y-You! Shut up! Leave me alone!" He managed to say, his voice low and filled with embarrassment.

"Aw, Zenitsu! You're flustered! That's surprisingly cute coming from you!" Tanjiro cooed, not expecting such a reaction from him.

"S-Stop teasing me! This isn't funny!" He yelled as his two friends continued to tease him. Inosuke's laughter and Tanjiro's mischievous look only fueled his embarrassment. He huffed as he caught a glimpse of you. You were there, looking at him with a surprised expression. He gulped as he noticed a slight smirk on your face.

Then, you beamed at him. "If you're going to react like that more often, then I ought to say it more!" You meant no harm by your words, just captivated by his unusual response and finding him incredibly adorable. But Zenitsu interpreted your actions as teasing, and his face turned an even deeper shade of red. He turned around and started walking away.

"That's it! I'm going! I'm going to kill that demon by myself so, don't follow me!" He declared, still embarrassed by the whole situation. Inosuke laughed and bullied him, continuing to incessantly annoy him, while you and Tanjiro walked behind them.

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...

"This... is absolutely the worst day of my life..." You muttered, feeling utterly defeated.

"Agreed... I feel like I'm going to vomit..." Zenitsu nodded in agreement, clearly sharing your sentiments.

"YOU BABIES! IT'S NOT THAT BAD!" Inosuke exclaimed, puffing his chest out and placing his hands on his hips.

"Uhhhh, shut the fuck up? You boar looking bitch? You were raised by boars! Do you even know what the word clean means? This is probably normal for you!" Zenitsu retorted, igniting a heated argument between the two of them.

"Guys, calm down! At least... we defeated the demon, right?" Tanjiro interjected, trying to find a silver lining in the situation. However, it was difficult to see anything positive when all of you were now covered from head to toe in a repulsive substance—demon saliva. It was green, sticky, emitted a foul odor, and clung to your bodies with a slimy texture.

The demon you had been tasked with defeating had been wreaking havoc in several villages for days. It was an unusual demon—enormous, bulky, and not particularly powerful, but its ability lay in its bizarre saliva. Though you managed to vanquish the demon, just as it was about to meet its demise, its body exploded, showering everyone and the entire village with its saliva. While the villagers expressed their gratitude, you couldn't help but wonder what on earth you and the others were doing with your lives, standing there covered in disgusting demon saliva.

"I just want to get back to the Butterfly Mansion as soon as possible..." You cried, feeling the weight of exhaustion and despair. Zenitsu held your hand tightly, silently sharing in your distress. "But it's so far... we'll probably be mourning by the time we reach there."

"Pathetic losers. It's just a little walk. There's no need to cry like a bunch of pussies!" Inosuke insulted both you and Zenitsu, his usual brashness showing through.

"They're not wrong, though... this saliva is absolutely disgusting, and the Butterfly Mansion is really far from here... it'll take quite a while to reach it..." Tanjiro sighed, wearing a dejected smile with his eyes closed.

"Don't give up! We'll reach the Buttercup Mansion if we start running!" Inosuke attempted to cheer all of you up, but his efforts fell flat.

"It's Butterfly Mansion, not Buttercup..." Tanjiro corrected him.

"That's what I said. Butterscotch mansion." Inosuke responded with confusion.

"...I'm not even going to try to correct you. I don't have the energy." Tanjiro sighed in defeat.

"Caww! Caw!!" Suddenly, Dodo, along with Zenitsu's sparrow, Ukogi, appeared. Tanjiro's crow, Matsuemon, landed on your head. Ukogi and Dodo perched on your shoulders. "Head southeast! Head southeast! The Wisteria House is located in that direction, caw!"

Dodo chirped in agreement. "Rest until you feel better, caw! Caw!"

Ukogi hopped excitedly. "Chu! Chu! Chuchu!"

"H-Holy shit!" You inadvertently exclaimed, finding it hard to believe what you were hearing.

"We're saved! We're saved!" Zenitsu prayed fervently to the gods.

"WHAT ARE YOU GUYS WAITING FOR!? LET'S GO ALREADY!" Inosuke suddenly grabbed you and carried you piggyback-style, causing you to yell as he dashed forward at a breakneck speed. Tanjiro and Zenitsu pleaded with him as they trailed behind, struggling to keep up.

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As you arrived at the Wisteria House, Tanjiro and Zenitsu were gasping for breath, completely exhausted, while Inosuke struck a triumphant pose, reveling in his unknown victory. It was a mystery what he had won, but you were simply relieved to have been spared from walking or running. You felt like a princess, although a pang of guilt tugged at you for the condition of Tanjiro and Zenitsu.

"Take deep breaths, guys. In and out..." You comforted them as they gradually regained their composure. They appreciated your gesture and began to calm down.

"Ugh... I feel like I'm going to throw up..." Zenitsu whined, his legs trembling and unsteady.

"At least... we made it... huh?" Tanjiro exclaimed, examining the house more closely. "Is this the same house we visited before...?" He asked, his confusion evident.

"I don't think so. This house seems bigger, and there's a stronger presence of wisteria. I don't think it's the same one..." You commented, surveying your surroundings. You knocked on the door, waiting for a response. After a short while, an elderly woman opened the door, revealing herself.

"Hey! That's the old lady from the other house!" Inosuke exclaimed with excitement, as he had a soft spot for the elderly woman. He was about to pat her head, but suddenly he noticed something. "Wait... YOU'RE NOT MY GRANDMA!"

"...Your grandma? You dumbass..." Zenitsu muttered under his breath, frustrated by Inosuke's stupidity.

"ARE YOU A DEMON DISGUISED AS HER?! I'LL KILL YOU!" Inosuke was prepared to unsheathe his swords, but Tanjiro intervened and held him back.

"We're so sorry! We're so sorry!" You, Tanjiro, and Zenitsu all apologized simultaneously, while Inosuke continued his profanity-laden tirade.

"Oh, don't worry. It's not a problem at all..." The old lady said with a smile. "Your friend is probably mistaking me for Hisa..."

"...Hisa?" Tanjiro asked, tilting his head in confusion.

'Oh? So, she's not Hisa? Then who is she?' You also tilted your head. Being a devoted fan of Kimetsu no Yaiba, you were well aware of the old lady named Hisa. However, to your surprise, this grandma was not Hisa, yet they bore a striking resemblance.

"Yes, Hisa is my younger sister... I'm Yui, the owner of this house." You gasped in astonishment. You had no idea that Hisa had a sister. Upon closer inspection, you noticed some differences between them. Hisa wore a maroon-colored haori with a purple obi, while Yui wore a purple haori with a maroon obi. Hisa styled her hair in a medium-sized bun, whereas Yui sported a thick braid that cascaded down to her waist.

"Aww! Her sister? You two really look alike! You're both very beautiful!" Tanjiro exclaimed, closing his eyes with a warm smile. Yui chuckled and stepped aside, inviting all of you to enter.

"Please, come in." As you all walked in, Zenitsu and Tanjiro gasped in astonishment, captivated by what they saw.

"Damn, dude! This place is huge!" The yellow-haired boy expressed with big eyes, looking around him.

"Yeah! It's as almost big as Inosuke's ass!" Tanjiro commented surprised.

"Hehe, no it isn't, you guys~!" Inosuke giggled at the compliment.

Yui cleared her throat and began to speak, providing details about their family's history. "Our family was once attacked by demons, but we were fortunate enough to be saved by a group of skilled demon slayers. As a gesture of gratitude, we offered our house as a resting place for them, and this tradition has continued ever since. There are a total of five Wisteria Houses, each owned by one of us—me, Hisa, and our three other sisters. My house happens to be the largest among them, as it also features a hot spring and an abundance of wisteria trees. The presence of so much wisteria keeps demons away from this area."

"Wow, that's truly impressive!" You exclaimed, genuinely surprised by this newfound knowledge. "O-Oh... That's really... impressive..."

"(Y/N)...? Are you okay?" Tanjiro asked, concerned as he noticed you walking strangely and struggling to maintain your balance. He quickly came to your side to offer support.

"A-Ah... I don't know... I suddenly feel very... weak..." You managed to say between short breaths. Overwhelming tiredness washed over you, making you feel increasingly drained.

"Weak? But you were fine just a few seconds ago!" Zenitsu expressed his worry, joining the burgundy-haired boy in supporting you. He placed your hand on his shoulder to help stabilize you. Leaning on him, you found some relief while Tanjiro stayed close by your side.

"Hmm... that's peculiar. Wisteria usually has medicinal properties. It can help restore energy when you're feeling tired." Yui commented, tilting her head in contemplation.

"Now that you mention it... I actually started feeling much better after entering the house!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his body aching from the previous fight but now filled with newfound energy. Zenitsu nodded in agreement.

"(Y/N) is weak as a baby!" Inosuke laughed, finding amusement in your weakened state.

"F-Fuck you..." You muttered, resting your head on Zenitsu's shoulder for support.

"Well..." Yui pondered aloud. "It's possible that the battle with the demon drained all your strength. Alternatively, you might be allergic to wisteria—I've come across people who have had allergic reactions to the flower."

"Nah... I'm fine... I'm just tired... I need a bath..." You managed a weak smile, feeling as if you were on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion. But you didn't want to worry your friends any further.

"Don't worry, young lady. I'll guide you to the hot springs so you can all relax and have a pleasant time together." Yui reassured, gently squeezing your hand. You cooed inwardly, sensing her desire to pat your head, but realizing that your height made it a bit awkward for her petite frame.

"WILL YOU MAKE US TEMPORO TOO!?" Inosuke eagerly asked, his excitement evident.

"Tem-pu-ra! It's tempura, Inosuke! Not temporo!" Tanjiro corrected him, exasperated. But Inosuke paid no attention to the correction.

"Of course. Anything to make you all comfortable." Yui laughed, causing Inosuke to freeze in place, his face turning red under his mask. It seemed that Inosuke REALLY had a soft spot for kindhearted elderly people.

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Little note:
According to my investigation, in the Taisho Era, people of the opposite gender could bath together—whether they'll be strangers, family or friends—since this was still not seen as something lewd. For the sake of my mental health, I'll have you and the others wear a towel; you and Nezuko around your chest until a bit more below of your mid-section and the boys below their waists.
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"LET'S GOOOOO!!" Inosuke yelled excitedly, performing a flip and landing right in the center of the hot springs.

"Inosuke! Be more careful!" Tanjiro scolded him, slowly easing himself into the warm water and letting out a contented sigh as it enveloped him.

"Best. Day. Ever." Zenitsu declared, fully immersing himself in the water. Then, realizing something, he pouted. "Aww, (Y/N) is on the other side, right?" He asked, already missing your presence.

"Huh? No, she isn't. I think she's-" Tanjiro's explanation was interrupted by you, as you appeared.

"Nezuko! Nezuko! I missed you so much!" You cheered, embracing the demon girl. Nezuko was tearfully clinging to you, unwilling to let go. "Awww! Please, don't cry! You'll make me cry too!"

"Ew. She's with the demon." Zenitsu muttered under his breath. Tanjiro's smile only grew wider as he witnessed the heartfelt embrace between you and Nezuko. It truly warmed his heart.

"(Y/N)!! YOU DIDN'T SEE MY FLIP!" Inosuke yelled disappointedly.

"Oh! I'm sorry! Would you do it again?" You asked eagerly, your happiness evident as Nezuko began to calm down.

"HAHA! YOU REALLY WANT TO SEE ME THAT BADLY! FINE! I'LL DO IT! BUT HEY!" Inosuke suddenly exclaimed, capturing your attention as he exited the water. "LET'S DO IT TOGETHER! LET'S HOLD HANDS AND DO A DOUBLE FLIP!"

"Isn't that... too dangerous?" You sweatdropped at his enthusiasm.

"Dangerous is my middle name!" He smirked, approaching you and the demon girl. "Oh, Jessica! Join us! Then we can do a triple flip!"

"...?" Nezuko tilted her head in confusion at the name.

"Ne-zu-ko! Not Jessica..." Tanjiro deadpanned. "And please, don't attempt any more flips! Any one of you could get hurt!" He expressed genuine concern for your well-being.

"Huh...? Wait a moment..." Zenitsu stopped in his tracks as realization dawned on him. "(Y/N) IS BATHING WITH US?!" His face turned a deep shade of red as he finally noticed you, clad in a towel that exposed your skin, legs, and shoulders... Oh, he felt like he was going to combust.

"Yeah! This is a mixed-gender hot spring!" Tanjiro exclaimed happily. Deep down, he understood Zenitsu's reaction all too well. He, too, felt nervous in your presence. You looked so stunningly beautiful that his heart couldn't handle it. Although he had experienced mixed-gender baths before with his family, Zenitsu couldn't relate—this was his first time sharing a bath with a girl (completely disregarding Nezuko's presence).

"COME ON, (Y/N)! COME ON, CALIFORNIA!" He said, referring to Nezuko. "ON THE COUNT OF THREE, WE'LL DO THE FLIP!" Inosuke exclaimed, already preparing himself to jump. But before he could make his move, you stopped him.

"Let's not do it, okay? Tanjiro is right. We could get hurt, and this is a public space! We might be bothering anyone who wants to enter."

"B-But, but! The jump! I want to show you how awesome I am!" Inosuke said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"It's okay. I don't need you to do a flip to show me how awesome you are." You reassured him, a warm smile on your face. "In my eyes, you're the coolest person ever!"

...

"Really?"

"Really."

Nezuko watched the interaction between you and Inosuke, seeing your genuine smile and Inosuke's reddening face. The demon girl couldn't help but laugh. "HA! I already knew that! Nice to hear you say it, though!" Inosuke placed his hands on his hips and puffed out his muscular chest.

"Wow! (Y/N), you've tamed him!" Tanjiro applauded your achievement.

"HUH?! SHE DIDN'T TAME ME, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" With that, Inosuke jumped and tackled Tanjiro into the water. The poor burgundy-haired boy struggled for his life as you and Nezuko joined them in the water.

"I-Inosuke! G-Give me a break!" Tanjiro spluttered as he was being drowned by Inosuke. The boar-headed boy had challenged him to see who could hold their breath underwater for longer.

"Inosuke! Leave him alone! You'll drown him!" You yelled, watching the scene unfold. Nezuko was happily swimming around, while Zenitsu stood awkwardly beside you. His face, flushed red, revealed his deep embarrassment in your presence.

"That's enough!" You declared, swimming over to where they were and forcefully grabbing Inosuke's cheek, pulling him away from Tanjiro.

"A-Ah! OUCH! THAT HURTS! LET ME GO!" Inosuke screamed, and Tanjiro gasped for air, relieved to be free from the near-death experience. "What are you going to do to me?!"

"Relax... Just stay quiet." You ordered, lathering your hands with shampoo. Inosuke rolled his eyes but followed your instructions. As you got ready, you began massaging his scalp, your fingers working through his hair. Inosuke fell silent, melting into your touch, his body relaxing. He closed his eyes.

"Damn. He acts like a dog." Zenitsu muttered, deadpanning at the sight. Tanjiro chuckled in response. "Bark for us."

"Shut up! You dirty b..." You found the spot that seemed to relax Inosuke the most, and his cheeks turned red, perhaps from the heat or from the pleasure he was experiencing. "Ah..."

"Okay! Now for the conditioner, and we're done!" You announced as you applied conditioner to Inosuke's hair. When you finished, you released your grip, and Inosuke swam off with a silly smile on his face, joining Nezuko. The demon girl giggled at the unusual sight of a relaxed Inosuke. "Okay! Who's next?" You asked, beaming with happiness.

"Zenitsu, it's your turn! I'll play with Inosuke and Nezuko so they don't cause chaos!" Tanjiro chirped, swimming over to join them. Currently, Inosuke and Nezuko were engaged in a swimming competition to see who could swim faster. Zenitsu gulped nervously as he approached you. You chuckled and lathered your hands with shampoo, ready to start the process. You noticed how tense he was.

"God, you're so tense!" You exclaimed. "Why? Are you nervous~?" You teased.

"N-No..." He mumbled. You smiled because it was obvious he was lying—his entire face was red, and his body was stiff. However, as the moments passed, you could feel him gradually relax, sighing and becoming more comfortable. You worked your fingers into his sides, causing him to murmur incoherent sounds.

"Still, I have to admit that seeing you flustered is absolutely adorable!" You teased as you applied conditioner to his hair. Expecting him to become even more embarrassed, you were surprised when he turned to face you, his eyes looking up at you with a hint of disappointment.

"(Y/N)... boys don't like being called cute..." He said in a low voice, a touch of embarrassment evident.

"Eh? Why not? I see it as a compliment!" You tilted your head, genuinely curious.

"Yeah, but... at least, I don't like it that much... I don't know, it makes me feel pathetic when you call me cute because boys aren't supposed to be cute or anything..."

"Really? I understand your point, but I don't see it that way... In my opinion, calling someone cute is a compliment! It's a way of expressing love and affection!"

"Love?" He tilted his head, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

"Well, yeah... I enjoy it when people call me cute. It makes me feel good!" You admitted, feeling a slight blush rise to your cheeks. "My mom used to call me cute a lot, and it made me happy because it was her way of showing love. But if you don't like being called cute, then I respect that." You smiled warmly at him.

...

"Pff... I should've expected this from you..." He chuckled.

"What did I do?"

"The truth is... girls don't usually like me because I can be intense. Very intense. I know that, but it's just who I am. It's hard to change. If I love someone, I want to give them all my love and everything I have. Because of that, there were girls who hated me and girls who took advantage of me. They'd call me names and manipulate me into doing things... there was even a time when I was scared of girls."

"You?! Scared of girls?!" You asked, feigning surprise. In reality, you already knew this, but you decided to act surprised nonetheless.

"Yeah, it's weird to say it." He laughed. "I'm not the most manly guy. I get easily scared, I'm weak, I'm weird, I have an overbite, my hair is ugly and I can be overwhelming... I don't understand why anyone would want to be with me... maybe that's why I don't like being called cute or adorable—it feels like the person saying it is mocking me." Throughout his speech, he avoided making eye contact. You felt a pang of sadness for him. He was an amazing person, but he was often misunderstood and mistreated. But then, he gazed at you with eyes filled with affection. "But I feel like a hypocrite because... I don't mind you calling me cute at all now." He smiled warmly at you, causing your cheeks to flush slightly.

"Eh!? Can I call you cute then?"

"...Only you can call me cute." He confessed. Your heart fluttered at his words, unable to believe how incredibly attractive he looked in that moment. He laughed at your reaction. "But still, I think you're far cuter than me."

"Ehh? What are you talking about? I'm not cute at all!" You deadpanned.

"Really?" He tilted his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You're by far the cutest girl I've ever laid my eyes on. You're absolutely adorable." The tenderness in his gaze caused your cheeks to heat up, and you playfully pushed him away.

"Oh! Shut up! Stop teasing me!" You pouted.

"Hahaha~!" He chuckled. "God, you silly girl. You're making me fawn over how adorable you are."

...

"Nezuko! It's your turn! Come here, bro!" You called out, feeling utterly embarrassed as Zenitsu chuckled at your cute reaction. You get him off you as you quickly called the demon girl to protect yourself from him. "Ehhh?! Someone already cleaned your hair?! Tanjiro!!" You yelled at him, angry.

"(Y/N)!! I'm sorry! Please don't be mad!" He quickly apologized to you. "Nezuko seemed really sad that you weren't washing her hair, so she asked me to do it! Just like old times!"

"Hmh, hmh..." She nodded in agreement, her eyes pleading for your understanding.

"Really!? Aw..." You sulked, feeling a tinge of disappointment. Nezuko and Tanjiro internally panicked at the sight of your dejected expression and desperately tried to cheer you up.

"(Y/N)! If you want, Nezuko can wash your hair instead!! It's something she's always wanted to do, right, Nezuko?" Tanjiro suggested, and Nezuko eagerly nodded, excited at the prospect. This was actually true; she had expressed her desire to touch and care for your hair many times before. "Besides, that way, you can take a break! It's not fair for you to do all the work!"

"..." You looked at their eager expressions, waiting for your response. You let out a sigh. "Well, maybe? I don't want to be a bother or anything."

"MHMH! MHMHM!" Nezuko threw herself at you, trying to convince you with her gestures. You laughed at her, understanding everything she was saying. She essentially wanted to convey that her dream was to touch your hair and help you like you did for her.

"Okay! Okay! You can do it!" You relented, giving in to her plea.

"Hmh, mhmh! Mh!" She exclaimed with joy.

"Eh? You want to give me a head massage too? Isn't that a bit too much?" You asked, slightly surprised by her request.

"Hmhmh!" She confirmed, her eyes shining with excitement.

"If you say so... be my guest!" You beamed at her, and she tightly hugged you. She had missed seeing you and felt lonely without your presence. "But! I'm still going to play with Tanjiro's hair first!" You eagerly smiled at Tanjiro, who sweatdropped at your comment.

"Thank you for taking care of me..." He expressed his gratitude as he got closer to you, ready for you to work your magic. Nezuko detached herself from you and swam over to join the others. Inosuke and Zenitsu were attempting to do flips underwater, but they looked more like floundering idiots than graceful swimmers. Nezuko smirked smugly and, with a perfectly executed flip both above and below the water's surface, she amazed the two boys. You and Tanjiro exchanged bewildered glances before bursting into laughter at the spectacle.

"Alright, let's begin!" You started massaging Tanjiro's head, your fingers skillfully maneuvering through his hair. "Wow, you're quite tense too!"

"A-Ah, am I? I'm sorry..." Tanjiro apologized, feeling a bit guilty. You were quick to object.

"No! Don't apologize! It just means you're under a lot of stress!" You reassured him in a gentle tone, wanting him to feel as relaxed as possible. "You can tell me anything, you know. I've already told you this, but you'll never be a burden or bother to me. So feel free to share whatever is on your mind!"

Unbeknownst to you, Tanjiro's eyes widened with a touch of tears. He fought to hold them back, not wanting to burden you with his emotions. Yet, a genuine smile emerged on his face, and a warmth spread throughout his chest. "I... I don't know... I think about everything..." He confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

"I'm scared... What if I can never turn Nezuko back into a human? What if she can never walk under the sun again? She deserves to live a happy life. If I can't save the only surviving member of my family, then I would be a terrible brother." He paused, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his words. "Sometimes, moments like this, where we're having fun... I cherish them deeply. I'm having a really good time..." His gaze shifted to the sight in front of him—his sister teaching Inosuke and Zenitsu how to do flips. They looked genuinely happy together, which surprised him, as even Nezuko and Zenitsu were getting along now. "But I can't help but think that these moments won't last forever... We live in constant danger, always risking our lives. I have this dreadful feeling that someday, everyone will die, and there's nothing I can do to save them..."

"Tanjiro..." You whispered, tears already welling up in your eyes as you applied conditioner to his hair.

"Is it selfish of me to... to be happy with all of you? I've pondered this, and I really wish to live with you four in a cozy house. Every day would be chaotic, but it would also be filled with pure joy. Just the thought of it brings a smile to my face... but I can't help but feel like it's too selfish of me to wish for that, right?" He chuckled, but it held a melancholic undertone. "I should focus solely on turning Nezuko back into a human and defeating Muzan. Nothing else matters— (Y/N)?" He trailed off as he heard sobs behind him. Concerned, he turned around, only to see you with tears streaming down your face, your lips puckered as you tried to suppress your cries.

"TANJIROOO!" You suddenly stood up, causing him to instinctively move back, his face turning red. You clenched your fists.

"W-What are you going to—" He couldn't finish his sentence as you leaped towards him, both of you sinking underwater. However, he quickly wrapped his arms around you, making sure you were safe. As you resurfaced, you clung to him like a koala. "(Y/N)!! What's wrong?!" He asked, his worry evident as his hands held you securely by the back of your thighs (sorry, my bad yall i just moaned💪) to prevent you from slipping away. You then cupped his cheeks, gently caressing them with your thumbs. Your eyes were filled with tears. He grew increasingly anxious until you began to speak.

"Tanjiro... it's okay for you to be selfish, okay? You're allowed to be selfish! You can have wishes and dreams!" You cried between sobs. You were just so sad to see him like this, knowing he carried too much on his shoulders. "We're here for you, so don't worry! Take breaks! Don't be so pessimistic... Nezuko will become human again, I know you can do it..." He couldn't tear his gaze away from yours, feeling a profound touch as if he had unconsciously waited for countless lifetimes to hear someone say those words to him. "Don't worry," You said, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

"I promise I'll save everyone. No one will die under my watch."

"(Y/N)..." He muttered, hiding his face on your shoulder, feeling a profound sense of comfort he didn't knew he yearned until now. You were truly something else, huh?

...

"Tanjiro...!" Zenitsu called out, and the mentioned boy flinched in your arms, his anxiety evident as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "What on earth did you do to (Y/N)...?" He demanded, his fists clenched and ready for action.

"Z-Zenitsu! You've got it all wrong! Come on, (Y/N)! Tell him the truth!" Tanjiro pleaded, hoping for your support. But his heart sank as he realized you were crying too much to speak coherently. 'Oh shit...'

"MONJIRO! HOW DARE YOU HURT HER?!" Inosuke bellowed, his rage boiling over. "YOU'RE DEAD!"

"Hold on, guys! I didn't make her cry!" Tanjiro shouted desperately, fearing for his life. "Nezuko! You believe me, right!?"

"Hmh." Nezuko emitted a soft noise, a mix of disbelief and disappointment. She was upset that her dear brother had made you cry.

"Ah... you've got to be kidding me..." Tanjiro sighed sadly, knowing he was in for a beating. Inosuke proceeded to hold him underwater while Zenitsu forced him to perform endless flips, causing dizziness and disorientation.

As chaos ensued, Nezuko swam with you to a quieter spot, away from the commotion. She had intended to clean and massage your head, and she hummed cheerfully as she poured shampoo onto her hands. However, before she could begin, you turned to face her, locking eyes.

"Nezuko... I appreciate your offer, but I really want to thank you first! I'm excited for you to play with my hair!" You exclaimed, beaming at her with a bright smile. Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red, and she was about to envelop you in a hug. But then, she paused, looking at you with confusion. "Nezuko...?"

"Hmh!" Nezuko carefully covered your lips with her fingers, gently opening your mouth and inspecting the inside as if searching for something.

"Nwxucko! Wgat aru ye diing?" You tried to ask, muffled by her touch. Did you have bad breath? She eventually stopped and let out a sigh of relief, leaving you puzzled. You asked her what was wrong, but she simply shook her head, assuring you that everything was fine. Giving up on understanding, you resumed your position.

Moments later, she began massaging your scalp with utmost tenderness. The sensation was heavenly, and you couldn't help but release a contented sigh as you melted into the water, eliciting laughter from Nezuko. Once she finished shampooing your hair, she proceeded to massage your shoulders. Though you couldn't see her face, you could sense her dedication and desire to please you, which warmed your heart. You closed your eyes, and a memory crossed your mind.

...

"Mom!" You exclaimed with excitement as you saw her arrive at the house. "You're here! Yay!"

"(R/N)! I missed you!" She said, a warm smile on her face. You ran towards her and embraced her, planting a kiss on her cheek as part of your usual greeting. "How did your karate lessons go?" She asked.

"Ah, let me help you with these!" You interrupted her, quickly grabbing the shopping bags she was carrying. It seemed that she had made a detour to the supermarket after work. "They were fucking terrible!"

"Language." She reminded you gently.

"I'm just stating the truth. They were fucking terrible! Master Ben is treating me like I'm not even human! It's frustrating!" You pouted, organizing the groceries and placing them in their designated spots.

"Why do you feel that way?" She inquired.

"He makes us work so much! My body feels like shit  and I can barely move! And those stretching exercises... he knows I can't do them!" You complained, your frustration evident in your voice.

"But he's assigning those exercises to help you improve..." She pointed out.

"Yeah, I know. I just wanted to vent and bitch around because I'm tired." You admitted, eliciting a chuckle from your mother. You laughed too, seeing her reaction, but then something dawned on you. You groaned and rolled your eyes. "Ugh! Mom, not again!"

"What?" She tilted her head, confused.

"Are you taking care of yourself?! Look at you, you're getting skinnier and you look sick!" You scolded her, your concern turning into anger.

"Oh, (R/N)... I'm just working a few extra hours to earn some extra money... it's not that bad!" She tried to reassure you.

You clenched your fists, feeling your anger rise. "I told you! I don't want you overworking yourself! We've had this conversation!"

"I know, I know, and I'm sorry. It's just an opportunity I couldn't pass up. They're offering more money." She explained, her voice filled with regret.

"Why do you need more money? We're not poor! We're fine!" You approached her, feeling the heat of the argument building up.

"I just want to make sure you have enough to buy things for yourself!" She exclaimed, the tension affecting her as well. "It's not a big deal, honey..."

"It is to me! I don't want you to get sick or something and then... and then die!" You choked on your words, your eyes welling up with tears.

She stood silently for a moment, her smile softening as she approached you. "Dear, I'm not going to die... you've been watching too many k-dramas—"

"Don't joke around right now, fuck!" You panted, tears streaming down your face. "You want me to focus on school, on things I love and my martial arts classes. You don't want me to get a job and help you the fuck out, so the least you can fucking do is not overwork yourself! IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?!" You yelled, the air growing tense as the weight of your words hung in the air. You looked at your mother, anger and sadness mixing in your gaze. Your throat felt sore.

...

"I-I'm sorry, Mom! I didn't mean to yell at you!" You trembled, realizing the magnitude of your outburst towards your own mother. "I-I'm... my emotions are all over the place... I'm sorry!"

"No. I'm sorry... you're right." She admitted, her expression carrying a tinge of sadness. You wanted to kill yourself for making your mother look so dejected. "I... I'm sorry!" She hugged you.

"No... no, don't apologize... I lost control!" You hugged her back, seeking comfort.

"No... you have every right to be angry with me!" She cupped your cheeks, holding your gaze. "(R/N)... I'm just worried about you."

"About me?"

"I might be wrong, and I hope I am, but... I want you to enjoy your life. I want you to have a good time at school, make friends, and excel in the things you love. It breaks my heart to think that I might be holding you back from that."

"What? How can you say that?" You asked, utterly confused.

"I say it because... you're a wonderful daughter. The best I could ask for," She said, her smile genuine and warm, melting away your anger. "You have this urge to work and help me, I know that, but I don't want you to feel obligated... I don't need your help. What I need is for you to be your age!"

"Huh?"

"I worry that your need to assist me is preventing you from being happy. (R/N)! You're sixteen! You're young! Be carefree! Be a teenager! Make mistakes, but not the kind that involve drugs or unwanted pregnancies. Have fun! Create memories! I don't want you to grow up and remember solely you filled with work and responsibilities. I want you to smile and look back on the things you've done. It's not that I don't trust you, and I'm not calling you immature. I just want you to be a bit more selfish, okay?"

"O-Okay... I'm sorry." You mumbled, your lips pouting.

"Don't apologize. You're allowed to be angry. I promise I won't overwork myself, just like I promised you." She pointed at you. "But promise me, you won't force yourself to help me. Enjoy your life. I'm only letting you handle the household chores because you begged me!"

"Okay..."

...

"(R/N), for heaven's sake, are you crying?" She crossed her arms playfully.

"WAHHHHH! I'm sorry!" You cried, throwing yourself into a big hug with her, and she happily reciprocated. "I'll do my best!"

"Hahaha!" She laughed, and the two of you stayed like that. "Hey, doesn't your body ache from training?"

"Yes, it does..." You pouted.

"Sit down. I'll give you a massage. My co-workers taught me a few tricks!" She smirked.

"Hey, that's not fair!" You protested, but you sat down anyway. "I'll give you a massage too!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! Where would you like it?"

"Hmm..." She hummed, her hands starting to work on your shoulders. "How about my head? I'd like a head massage."

"Deal! In two days, I'll be the best head massager you've ever known! Ahh..." you paused mid-sentence, succumbing to the blissful sensation of her touch.

"Hahaha! What's with that reaction?" She laughed.

"It just feels so good."

"I'm glad it does."

...

"Hmh, hmh!" Suddenly, you woke up, realizing that you had dozed off for a few minutes. You felt incredibly relaxed, a content smile spreading across your face.

"(Y/N)! It seems like you really needed that massage!" Tanjiro chuckled at your sleepiness. "Do you feel better now?"

"Yeah, I really do. Thank you, Nezuko!" You turned around and hugged the demon girl, feeling the warmth of her embrace. She blushed slightly but hugged you back with equal enthusiasm. "Oh, what about the others? Weren't they giving you a hard time earlier?"

"Haha, don't worry. I managed to explain everything, and they calmed down!" Tanjiro reassured you, watching as his sister gently picked you up and placed you on her back. You secured yourself by hugging her neck.

"Thank god you did! I was about to send you back to your family." Zenitsu muttered bitterly.

"Zenitsu, don't joke like that!" Tanjiro smiled, causing you to choke on your saliva.

"Tanjiro! Get more angry! What the heck?" You scolded him, demanding Nezuko to bring him closer so you could playfully pull his ear. "He just insulted your deceased family! Aren't you going to do anything about it?"

"Why should I? He was just joking! He's my friend!" Tanjiro defended himself, while you continued to angrily tug at his ear.

"I'm worried! You should learn to defend yourself more!" You expressed your concern, wearing a serious expression.

"I know how to defend myself, don't worry! I'm just in a good mood right now!" Tanjiro cheerfully responded.

"I don't believe you..." You deadpanned, looking at him skeptically. "Hey, Zenitsu!"

The mentioned boy turned around as you called his name. "Inosuke, hold on a moment! (Y/N) is calling me!" He informed Inosuke before swimming over to where you three were. "What's wrong, angel?" Zenitsu playfully addressed you, earning a smack on the head from Nezuko for using the pet name.

"Insult Tanjiro! We need to teach him how to defend himself!" You exclaimed with enthusiasm. "Listen, Tanjiro! When someone insults you, you need to hit them where it hurts—with words!"

"Isn't this a bit..." Tanjiro tried to object, but his protest fell on deaf ears.

"Can I say anything to him?" Zenitsu innocently asked.

"Yeah, anything!" You eagerly responded, hugging Nezuko tighter as you anticipated the forthcoming exchange. Even Inosuke swam over to your side and joined in the hug, showing his support for the impending lesson.

"Hmh..." Zenitsu pondered for a moment, his gaze becoming serious as he looked at Tanjiro. "Hey, just thought I'd remind you to put sunscreen on your big fucking forehead because it's probably going to burn like a crisp in this heat." He snickered as Tanjiro sadly touched his forehead with a sad look. "You dirty bitch."

...

"Is my forehead that big :( ?" Tanjiro asked dejected. Nezuko was ready to beat the shit out of Zenitsu but was stopped by you and Inosuke, who was laughing at the comment.

"Tanjiro! Now defend yourself! Don't mind what the other person say! It's pointless! Focus on hitting them where it hurts so they can cry like a bitch! Come on!" You cheered for him. Nezuko and Inosuke raising their fists in excitement for the burgundy-haired boy.

"Uhhh..." Tanjiro pondered, trying to think of an insult. "Uhh, my forehead is so- is as big as... My forehead is as big as..."

"You can do it! Don't give up!" You silently cheered with comic tears on your eyes.

...

"Uhh— my forehead is as big as the hole of your ass."

...

"PFFF—" Zenitsu chocked on his laugh as he was having difficulties to speak correctly. "Fuck! That was a cute insult! I-I'll give a solid 5 out of 10— you know what? I actually give it a 6 out of 10."

"Aw, I didn't do it good, right?" Tanjiro asked with a sad smile.

"Don't worry. You did a great job. You'll do excellent!" You encouraged Tanjiro, patting his head as he smiled gratefully.

"Huh? You gotta be fucking kidding me." A new voice suddenly echoed through the area, causing everyone to turn their attention towards the entrance. There stood Sanemi, wearing a disgruntled expression. "Great. Just my luck." He scoffed, clearly not thrilled about the situation.

'SANEMI! AND HE'S ALMOST NAKED! HELL YEAH!' You couldn't help but cheer inwardly at the sight of Sanemi's near-nudity. "Hello, Sanemi! Long time no see!" You greeted him cheerfully, the excitement evident in your voice. You could swear his gaze softened for a moment as he looked at you. However, your enthusiasm quickly faded as you noticed the displeasure in his eyes when he saw Nezuko giving you a piggyback ride. His gaze hardened, and his annoyance became apparent.

"Wow, who's this guy? Why does he look so weird?" Zenitsu whispered fearfully, hiding behind you and Nezuko.

"Ew, we've got an eyebrow-less behavior here." Inosuke muttered, clearly unimpressed.

To your surprise, Tanjiro swam towards Sanemi, still wearing a bright smile on his face. Flower petals floated around him, creating a serene atmosphere. "Oh hello! If it isn't the bitch who stabbed my sister twice for no damn reason and embarrassed himself in front of the Master, haha! You made a fool of yourself for no reason and in front of everyone, how funny!" Tanjiro laughed cutely. "Nezuko! Come on! Greet him! Greet the bitch that stabbed you twice! Where are your manners? Show him that you're perfectly fine now! Say hi!"

"Hmh, hmh!!" Nezuko happily waved at Sanemi, imaginary flowers and hearts surrounding her figure.

Sanemi clenched his fits so hard that you thought they were going to bleed. 'Tanjiro!! I told you to defend yourself but not like this! He's going to make a tornado if you keep going!!' You cried.

"I'll admit it. You've got some balls there, dipshit."

"Balls? More than you? I think everyone does honestly! Even a baby has more balls than you, hahaha!"

'KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA! TANJIRO, SHUT THE FUCK UP!'

...

To your surprise, the wind hashira just looked at him and scoffed again. Getting away. "I'm not going to take a bath here with these pussies."

"HEY! PUSSY IS MY WORD! GET YOUR OWN WORD, DAMN PUSSY!" Inosuke yelled at him but it was too late, as the man already had gone away.

"Tanjiro... I'm scared of you." You muttered, looking at him with shock.

"Hmh? Why, though? I just said the truth?" He tilted his head innocently as if he just didn't insult the fuck out of a hashira.

'Nahh, this Tanjiro is wild...' You deadpanned as Inosuke kept yelling profanities at the now gone man since he had steal his favorite word.

———————————————————

After the surprising appearance of Sanemi, you five resumed your activities at the hot springs. Once you finished bathing and changed into your pastel purple yukatas, you headed to the dining area to enjoy a meal. Inosuke was ecstatic as he indulged in his favorite tempura, while Zenitsu scolded him for his messy eating habits. Surprisingly, you found yourself unusually hungry and ended up eating three times your usual portion. Weird... Satisfied and content, you all made your way back to the bedroom, reminiscent of the old wisteria house.

As you walked hand in hand with Nezuko through the hallways, you unexpectedly encountered someone again. "Hello, Sanemi! It's nice to see you again!" You greeted him cheerfully.

"Hmh, hm!" Nezuko echoed your greeting.

"..." Sanemi merely glanced at both of you with a deadpan expression before scoffing and walking away, completely ignoring your friendly gestures. Frustration welled up inside you, and you clenched your fist in anger.

"Well, that just happened." You muttered, feeling disappointed.

"Nezuko? (Y/N)? Who were you waving to just now?" Tanjiro walked in, a puzzled look on his face.

"It was Sanemi, but he didn't acknowledge me. I thought we were starting to become friends. What a jerk." You replied, still annoyed.

"Hmh..." Tanjiro pondered for a moment before breaking into a cute and innocent smile, surrounded by imaginary stars. "Then, don't pay attention to him. Pay attention to me instead."

...

'WHAT?!' Your heart skipped a beat as you turned to look at him, surprised by his unexpected comment. Tanjiro's sweet and adorable expression made you wonder if you had misheard him.

In the bedroom, you found five futons laid out. Inosuke, Zenitsu, you (with Nezuko joining you in the same futon), and finally Tanjiro. Zenitsu and Inosuke continued their bickering, occasionally interrupted by Nezuko's interjections, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Feeling tired and eager to sleep peacefully, you wished they would stop arguing. However, their quarrel only came to an end when Tanjiro's laughter filled the room.

"Hahahaha!" Tanjiro's laughter was melodic and filled with warmth, causing everyone to melt at the sound.

"Why are you laughing?" Zenitsu asked, curious about his sudden burst of joy.

"N-Nothing... It's just..." He paused, a gentle smile adorning his face. "It reminds me of when we were at the wisteria house, our first time together..."

"Aw, you're right! It feels like such a long time ago!" You chuckled, reminiscing about the memories.

"Yeah! The time when Jessica and Samuel first met!" Inosuke chimed in excitedly, causing the two mentioned individuals to scoff.

"Don't remind me of that." Zenitsu grumbled.

"Hmhm..." Nezuko added.

"Haha... I'm happy... Happy that we're still together... Glad that I get to stick around with all of you." Tanjiro said, his voice filled with warmth and gratitude.

"Yeah... It's nostalgic, isn't it? I'm grateful to have met all of you... except Nezuko." Zenitsu admitted, earning a gentle kick from her.

"I'm glad too... I hope we can stay together for even longer." You confessed, feeling a tinge of embarrassment. The once-frightening and isolating feeling of being alone had become foreign to you as time passed, and you were grateful for that. Unconsciously, you found yourself holding both Zenitsu's and Tanjiro's hands, while Nezuko slept peacefully atop you. Inosuke, in his own way, held onto the edge of Zenitsu's yukata.

In that moment, you hoped that times like these would never end.

———————————————————

"Damn. All that emotional bonding just for me to not be able to sleep." You muttered, annoyed, as you walked through the hallways. For some reason, you couldn't fall asleep, and you didn't want to risk waking any of your friends, so you decided to take a walk. It was late, and for some reason, just like when you first arrived here, you started feeling dizzy and weak. "I should go back to my room..." You panted, feeling your strength wane. As you made your way outside and sat on the wooden floor, you focused on regaining your energy.

"The fuck are you doing here?" A familiar voice startled you. You turned to your side to find Sanemi sitting there, wearing a loosely fitted purple yukata that exposed his toned chest.

'Shit. What a great chest.' You couldn't help but get momentarily distracted, forgetting to respond. Suddenly, you felt a hard flick on your forehead, causing you to wince in pain as you gently held it. "Ouch! That hurts, you jerk!" You protested, glaring at him.

"You started it. Stop looking at my chest." He scoffed. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

"I would gladly do it if I had a camera, but unfortunately, I don't. It's better to burn the image in my mind." You joked, shifting your feet to distract yourself. "Hey, thanks for the book! It really helped me."

"It was nothing." He bluntly replied, his gaze fixed on the moon. "Um..."

"Yeah? What is it?" You tilted your head, curious about his sudden hesitation.

"How is your... you know?" He asked, his voice trailing off as he gestured toward your wound.

"My...? Oh! My wound!" Understanding his question, you smiled in confusion. "It's healing very well! Shinobu said I'm recovering remarkably fast. Do you want to take a look at it?" You asked innocently, starting to undo your yukata without realizing that it would expose your entire naked body. Sanemi, realizing your mistake, quickly jumped in front of you and grabbed your yukata to prevent it from falling off.

"YOU IDIOT! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? DON'T YOU HAVE ANY MORALS?!" He yelled, his face turning slightly red. "YOU SHOULD ONLY DO THIS WHEN YOU'RE MARRIED, YOU DUMBASS!"

"Huh?! What the hell are you talking about?" You responded, annoyed at being scolded. "Ohhh! Right! My body!" Realizing your mistake, you burst into laughter. Sanemi scoffed as he fixed your yukata, making sure it was tightly secured.

"Thank you! I didn't even notice! How dumb of me!" You chuckled, grateful for his intervention.

"Yeah. Fucking dumb. How are you even a demon slayer when you're this distracted?" He grumbled, his annoyance still evident.

"I have my tricks! Despite being easily distracted, I'm very strong!" You retorted, laughing at his comment. 'Well, I mean, even Douma told me I was strong. I was able to break his head with one punch!' You recalled, chuckling dryly at the memory.

"Well... it's good to hear that your wound is healing." He said, his face still tense, but a hint of relaxation in his demeanor.

"Right?! Oh my god! You're so cute! You were worried about me!" You fawned over him, expecting him to yell at you, but to your surprise, he simply ignored your comment, neither confirming nor denying it. The urge to kiss him for being so adorable overwhelmed you. "And what are you doing here?"

"...I fought some demons, and one of them injured me. Nothing significant." He replied, his gaze fixed on the sky. His sword had broken during the battle, and he would need to obtain a new one.

"Oh... does your sword break often?" You asked, curious about his experiences.

"Yeah, it does. I have a bad reputation with swordmakers because I'm always breaking my sword." He admitted, reminiscing about the past. It wasn't that he was bad with a sword; it was simply that his pent-up rage and fury often found an outlet in battling demons. He blamed himself for everything that had happened in his past and carried a heavy burden of self-loathing. Killing demons became a means for him to release those negative emotions.

"No way! Haha! I can imagine the chaos! Swordmakers take their craft very seriously!" You laughed, holding your stomach.

"Glad you understand. There was this one swordmaker—I don't remember his name—but after I broke my sword, he chased me with sharp knives until morning. What a lunatic." He deadpanned, recalling the bizarre encounter.

'Haganezuka...' You thought, sweatdropping at the memory. "Hmh?" As you observed Sanemi, you noticed something on his chest. "Hey, is that a new scar?"

"Huh?"

"Right here." You crawled closer to him and touched the area on his chest where the new scar was. "Is it new? I don't remember seeing it before." Looking up at him, you tilted your head, a few strands of hair falling across your face.

"How did you even notice that?" He asked, removing your finger gently, a faint blush on his ears.

'Because I used to check your fanart every day and watch edits of you on TikTok.' You thought, but decided against sharing that information. "Because I paid attention to you the day you trained me with Giyuu!" You exclaimed, not entirely lying.

"You paid attention to me, huh?" He tilted his head, his gaze squinting as he stared at you.

"What? Embarrassed, you virgin?" You teased, moving closer to his side.

"Me? Embarrassed? How funny." He scoffed. "And who are you calling a virgin?"

"I'm just saying~ No need to get defensive, Mr. Virgin!" You raised your hands, feigning innocence.

"You talk too much for a virgin." He retorted.

You laughed. "Aw, you're so embarrassed that you're resorting to name-calling now, hehe!"

"I'm not embarrassed." He replied, annoyed by your teasing.

"Pff— what's wrong with you? You look so nervous." You giggled, playfully taunting him.

"What are you talking about? I'm not nervous." He quickly defended himself.

"Oh, yeah?" You asked, moving your hair back. "Because when I touch you right here..." You murmured, getting closer and placing your hand on his chest, tracing some incoherent patterns delicately with your finger. "Your ears turn all red!"

"That's just a natural reaction." He said, placing both of his hands on your shoulders, feeling slightly flustered but refusing to admit it.

"Hahaha!" You felt something strange inside you. You didn't understand why you were acting this way, why you felt dizzy. There was something about Sanemi that made you lose control and behave oddly. You wanted to be near him, and your actions seemed to be driven by an unconscious impulse. "We both know that's not just a natural reaction~" You continued, inching closer until you could hear his breath hitch. Leaning close to his ear, you whispered,

"You like it~"

...

Suddenly, you felt yourself being grabbed and pushed away as Sanemi quickly distanced himself from you. "Kyaaaa!!" You screamed, enjoying the momentary thrill. He didn't throw you forcefully, just enough to keep you from getting any closer. "Sorry! Haha, sorry! Did I embarrass you? Don't go! Don't leave me!"

He stood up and started walking back inside. However, as his hand touched the wall, he turned around and looked directly at you. You wanted to yell as you saw a red-faced Sanemi, clearly embarrassed. "D-Don't bother me, fuckface! I don't know what's gotten into you, but you're abnormal!!" He yelled, obviously flustered.

"Noooo~ don't leave! I was just joking around! Don't leave me!" Your pleas fell on deaf ears as he scoffed at you and walked away, leaving you alone. You couldn't help but giggle as you fell onto the floor. Were you drunk or something? Just as he walked away, you regained your senses, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion.

"What the hell did I just do?!" You yelled, grabbing your cheeks in embarrassment. What was happening? Why were you acting this way? "DID I JUST FLIRTED WITH SANEMI?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

———————————————————

Several days had passed since you had entered the Wisteria House, but you couldn't shake off the embarrassment you felt whenever you thought about Sanemi. The mere memory of him made you blush uncontrollably, and you dreaded the idea of facing him again. You couldn't comprehend what had come over you, but the thought was too embarrassing to dwell on. Currently, you were taking a break from your training at the Butterfly Mansion.

Suddenly, you heard the sound of someone crying, catching you off guard as you tried to locate the source of the sobs. You peered out the window and spotted a tearful figure. It surprised you to encounter someone like him in this place. Without wasting a moment, you hurriedly went outside to search for the young boy.

"...HELLO!" You called out.

"Wahhh!" The boy yelped as you suddenly appeared in front of him.

"My name is (L/N) (Y/N)! (Y/N) meaning smile! Yay!" You struck a cute pose and winked.

"..." The boy continued sobbing, his cheeks red and his eyes puffy.

"What's wrong?" You asked, sitting down beside him and rubbing his back. He cried a bit more before raising his head to look at you. "What's your name?"

"You... you don't know who I am?" He asked, surprised.

'Of course I know.' You replied with a sweet smile. "No, could you please tell me?"

He looked at you in disbelief but managed to compose himself and wipe his face, making himself presentable. "I'm Ubuyashiki Kiriya." He introduced himself, bowing slightly.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ubuyashiki!" You exclaimed. "My name is—"

"You already... introduced yourself."

"Ah, right, haha!"

"...But I also know you." He confessed, feeling embarrassed.

"Eh?! You know me?!" You exclaimed, taken aback. He timidly nodded.

"Yes, you're the woman who defeated a lower moon with a frying pan, right? My sisters, Nichika and Hinaki, were laughing about you... and ah! Don't feel bad!" He panicked, seeing you clenching your fists.

"Haha, me feel bad? For being remembered in such an embarrassing way? Never!" You reassured him. Sensing your anger, he tried to console you.

"(L/N), don't feel that way! You were awesome! It would've been amazing if I could have seen you in person! Someone must possess incredible ability and strength to do that, so I think you're definitely cool!" He blurted out, his cheeks flushed. This was the first time he had ever raised his voice at someone. You looked at him, shocked, which only made him more embarrassed until you spoke again.

"Kya! Ubuyashiki, you're so cute!" You squealed, playfully pinching his cheeks.

"W-Wait, (L/N)!" He tried to resist, but you were just so happy that it made him flustered. He was being treated like a kid. After a while, you stopped, and he muttered in amazement. "Wow..."

"What happened?" You asked, curious.

"You're brave. Most people don't talk to me since I'm the next head and commander of my family..." He said, surprised, as he rubbed his sore cheeks.

"Really? I mean, don't get me wrong, I totally respect you, but you're just a little girl, you know?" His eyes widened in astonishment. "I mean, how old are you?"

"...8." He muttered timidly, looking down.

"See? That proves my point." You laughed. Then you paused, realizing something. "Ah! I forgot to ask! Why were you crying, Young Mistress?"

"Young Mistress?" He was taken aback.

"Should I not call you that?" You tilted your head.

"I-I mean, uh..." He became nervous and couldn't speak correctly, making him even more nervous as he realized he was making you wait. Seeing this, you smiled and patted his head.

"It's okay. Take your time. I'll wait for you."

He calmed down after hearing your words. "Is it really not a bother... if I tell you what's troubling me?"

"Never! Feel free to speak!"

"Well... it's just... I've been feeling sad lately. I have too many responsibilities. And it's not like I can go out much due to my weak health. So... I know it may sound selfish, but it makes me feel saddened that I can't do much. And since I'm the next head of my family, I have to be ready for anything..." He trailed off, lowering his head. His cheeks flushed as he realized he had just vented to a total stranger. His surprise grew as he felt a hand on his head, and he looked up at you.

"Ubuyashiki, it's okay, alright? I must tell you, you're someone very admirable!"

"Admirable...?" He tilted his head, unconsciously melting into your touch.

"Yes. You're a kid, and yet you're doing an adult's job. That's very awesome in my opinion. But remember, you're a kid. Kids are supposed to have fun, to be curious, and to enjoy their time. I'm not saying you should escape from your responsibilities, but I'm telling you that you're allowed to take breaks and make mistakes. Because you're still an innocent kid who deserves to have fun too, you know?"

...

"A-ah... I'm sorry, I..." He tried to wipe his tears, but they just wouldn't stop falling. "It's just... nobody has told me that before, and..." He broke down, sobbing. He didn't realize how much he yearned for someone to say those words to him, to acknowledge that he was just a kid and that he was allowed to make mistakes and take breaks. "Please, call me K-Kiriya..." He said between sobs.

"Hehe, then you must call me (Y/N)!" You teased him. "Let's take you home, okay? Your family must be worried sick about you!" He nodded, and you helped him stand up. "But let this be our little secret."

"Eh?" He muttered before you leaned closer, whispering in his ear.

"If you ever feel tired, come to the Butterfly Mansion. I'm always around here, so come and find me!" You said with a big smile, one that made Kiriya's cheeks turn even redder as he smiled too. "Let's go!" You exclaimed, extending your hand. He timidly took it. He felt overwhelmed because this was the first time someone was treating him like a kid instead of an adult with supreme authority. He couldn't deny that he liked this new experience.

———————————————————

"That's what happened! I got lost, and the Young Mistress helped me!" You explained, now facing Ubuyashiki Amane, who had a serious expression on her face. Kiriya stood beside you, nodding in agreement with every word you spoke.

"If you were lost, then what are you doing here?" She asked. You wanted to smack yourself for your thoughtless response. Kiriya seemed on the verge of fainting from nervousness.

"T-To ensure she would get home safe, of course!" You said, your voice betraying your nerves. Kiriya sought refuge behind you, visibly scared. Escaping his home was an unfamiliar and daring act for him. He didn't want to be scolded or grounded; he simply wanted a little break. Now, he would have to face the consequences of his actions.

"Is that so?" Amane asked, dumbfounded. She looked kind of cute. Suddenly, two figures appeared behind her. They were Kuina and Kanata, the youngest siblings of the quintuplets. "Girls, I told you to stay inside..." She scolded them lightly.

"We're sorry, Mother." Kuina apologized, bowing slightly, while Kanata simply gazed at you. "We were worried about Kiriya."

Kanata slowly stepped forward, moving closer to her brother. Then she hugged him tightly. "Kiriya... don't ever do that again!" She said, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, which touched Kiriya deeply.

"I'm sorry..." He apologized, his voice filled with remorse.

"..." Kuina stared at them intensely, making her mother chuckle.

"...Kuina, you can join the hug, dear." Amane said with a sweet smile, as she hurried over to them. The three siblings embraced each other, and the sight even brought a tear to your eye. You had always longed for siblings. "(L/N)..." Amane called out to you.

"Y-Yes?!" You stammered nervously, wondering what she was going to say. A few moments of silence passed before she closed her eyes and smiled. She moved closer to you and patted your head.

"Thank you for reaching out to my daughter."

"Ehh?! What are you talking about? I told you I was lost—"

"No need to lie. You're terrible at it." She chuckled. Your heart shattered a little, but you managed to let out a dry laugh. "But it's okay. I'm glad she got to meet someone nice."

"No, the pleasure is mine. Thank you for not being angry."

"Why would I be angry? You helped her and brought her here. Look at her." Both of you turned to gaze at Kiriya, who was laughing with his sisters, and it melted your heart. "She's very happy, and I thank you for that. You're a good girl, you know?"

'Good... girl...?' Her words echoed in your mind. "Um... can you say it again?"

...

"What?" She tilted her head, amused by your request, and burst into genuine laugh before patting your head once more. "Yes, you're a good girl, (L/N)."

...

'EEEKKK—MY MOM! MOMMY ISSUES HITTING ME HARD RIGHT NOW!' You fought back the tears and overwhelming embarrassment as you thanked her. Before leaving, you felt a tug on your clothes. You turned around to find Kiriya standing there.

"...Thank you for helping me." He shyly said.

"No problem! Remember, our little secret!" You winked at him, and he laughed.

"Um... is it okay if I... call you Big Sis...?" He asked, his face turning red. Seeing your lack of response, he was about to say it was a joke, but then you replied.

"Okay. You can call me Big Sis." You affectionately patted his head. "Oh! And if you end up passing at the butterfly state, then I can lend you some clothes so you can be more comfortable, okay? Im sure it must be pretty tiring dressing up as a girl!" You beamed at him after whispering those words.

"Goodbye, Miss Amane! Kiriya, Kuina, and Kanata!" You bid them cheerful farewells as you walked away.

"Huh... she knew our names." Kuina mused. "She seems nice."

"She does... isn't she the one who fought a demon with a frying pan?" Kanata tilted her head.

"Yes, she is. That's funny." Kuina snickered.

"It's very funny." Kanata laughed, an unusual occurrence for her as she was usually timid.

'S-She knew I was a boy!! But how!?' Kiriya thought worried, trembling as his facade was discovered.

"Kids, let's go inside already." Amane said tenderly, and they obediently followed her. Kiriya looked back one more time before entering, hoping to meet you again soon.

———————————————————

After arriving at the mansion, you were taken aback by Rengoku's sudden appearance. Blushing, you couldn't help but recall your last interaction with him. He had attempted to greet you with a kiss but was stopped by Tanjiro and the others.

"Ah, Rengoku! What are you doing here? I thought Shinobu said you weren't allowed to enter the Butterfly Mansion after the little incident..." Tanjiro asked, clearly confused by his unexpected presence.

"Well, I, of course, needed to see my dear beloved!" Rengoku declared, making direct eye contact with you, causing your embarrassment to intensify.

"Hoe, you better be talking about Tanjiro or Inosuke, because if it's (Y/N), I swear—" Zenitsu's voice was cut off by the burgundy-haired boy.

"Hahaha! You're so funny!" Rengoku laughed, deftly evading Zenitsu's threats. "Yes, even though I came here to see how (Y/N) was doing, I also came to invite her to my house!"

...

...

...

"T-T-T-T-T-T-T-To your house?!?!?!" You stammered, your face flushing at the unexpected comment. Your mind, having been exposed to countless fan fictions on Ao3 and Wattpad, couldn't help but conjure up inappropriate thoughts from that statement.

"Over my dead body will I allow my precious (Y/N) to go to your damn house!" Zenitsu declared, positioning himself protectively in front of you. "Do you think you're so smooth? Smoother than my ass, I do not think so!"

"Um, Rengoku? Are we allowed to come too?" Tanjiro asked politely.

"Oh, well, of course! The more, the merrier!" Rengoku replied with a cheerful demeanor. Tanjiro's mood visibly brightened upon hearing that. He had been wary of Rengoku, knowing now that he had a crush on you. Leaving you two alone in his house was definitely out of the question.

"But how would we manage that? Shinobu will never allow me to go if it's with you..." You voiced your concerns aloud.

"And who said she has to know~?" Rengoku responded with a slight smirk.

You gulped nervously at his words, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

———————————————————

"MISS KOUCHO! MISS KOUCHO!" Kiyo went running towards the woman.

"Oh? What's wrong Kiyo?" She asked, worried about her panicking.

"(Y/N)! (Y/N) and the others!"

"Aha, what's wrong with them?"

"THEY'RE GONE! THEY ESCAPED! THEY'RE MISSING!"

"Eh?" Shinobu froze after hearing that.

"They left this note here!"

"Really?! Pass it to me, please!" Kiyo gave her the note and oh god, if Shinobu wasn't mad before, she was certainly mad now.

Some veins popped out of Shinobu's face as she was gripping the paper a little bit too hard. 'This bitchass really have some nerves...!' She cursed at him, the aura around her getting darker and darker.

Meanwhile, you stood off to the side as the others engaged in a heated discussion.

"No, no... like I was saying, I wouldn't mind giving (Y/N) a piggyback ride all the way to your house! It would be a pleasure!" Zenitsu said with a smile, though a hint of hostility laced his words.

"Haha! It's okay, young boy! Someone strong should be the one to assist her!" Rengoku responded in a similarly cheerful manner, but with a touch of competition.

"WHICH IS WHY I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO CARRY HER! TO SHOW YOU ALL I'M THE STRONGEST!" Inosuke yelled, already making his way toward you. "Damn, are you bitches like in heat or something?"

"STOP SAYING STUPID SHIT!" Zenitsu smacked his head.

"Come on, let's stop this argument!" Tanjiro intervened, stepping in to halt the escalating fight.

'Finally! I knew Tanjiro was the voice of reason—'

"I can carry her since I'm the one who has known her the longest!"

'Or not.' You deadpanned internally.

"BITCH! DON'T FLATTER YOURSELF! I LITERALLY KNEW HER JUST TWO MINUTES AFTER YOU DID!" Zenitsu crossed his arms defiantly.

"Still, two minutes can make a big difference. I'm the first one." Tanjiro smirked, confident in his claim.

"YEAH, YOU'LL BE THE FIRST ONE TO GET KICKED IN THE CROTCH!" Zenitsu went to throw a punch, but Rengoku restrained him by grabbing his arms.

"Pfff—" You couldn't help but burst into laughter. They were so funny and aggressive. It wasn't quite like the original plotline, but who cared? It was absolutely hilarious. You already told them that they didn't need to carry you, but they still insisted. Deciding that you should put an end to this before it escalated further, you declared, "Okay, okay! Rengoku, I choose you to carry me since I believe you're the strongest!"

The Kamaboko Trio glared daggers at him, annoyed at the decision, but he simply responded with a nonchalant, "Well, the princess has spoken. There's nothing I can do about it!" Rengoku knelt down, offering his back for you to hop onto. Once you were settled, he carefully grasped your thighs and rose to his feet. "Is this comfortable for you?" He asked, his concern evident in his voice. However, there was also a teasing undertone, as he had noticed your flustered state.

"Y-Yes, bro, this is fine." You responded nervously.

"Hang on tight, okay?" Following his instructions, you held onto him tighter, gripping his neck.

The group set off in the direction of Rengoku's house, which wasn't too far but not exactly close either. It took them a few minutes to reach their destination, and as they arrived, they found Senjuro outside, cleaning some dirt near the front door. Rengoku grew visibly nervous, having mentioned that he hadn't visited his family since the incident. He must have been feeling anxious. Wanting to ease his nerves, you reached out and gently held his cheek, causing him to tilt his head towards you.

"It's okay. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you, Kyojuro." Hearing you say his first name inexplicably sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He smiled and nodded, feeling reassured.

As Senjuro heard the footsteps, he turned around, his surprise evident. In his shock, the broom he was holding slipped from his hands.

"OH GOD, WHAT THE HELL?! THERE'S ANOTHER RENGOKU!" Inosuke yelled, pointing at Rengoku.

"That's not another me, that's my adorable little brother! Rengoku Senjuro!" Kyojuro happily declared, his eyes filled with fondness as he looked at his younger sibling. You descended from Rengoku's back, allowing the brothers to share a heartfelt reunion. As Senjuro laid eyes on his brother Kyojuro, he couldn't contain his overwhelming emotions any longer. Tears streamed down his face as he ran towards Kyojuro, his sobs becoming louder and more uncontrollable with each step.

"Kyojuro! Big brother!" Senjuro cried out, his voice choked with intense emotion. "I-I thought I had lost you forever! I'm so relieved to see you alive! You're a-alive"

Kyojuro, deeply moved by his brother's outpouring of emotion, opened his arms wide, welcoming Senjuro into a tight embrace. Tears welled up in his own eyes as he whispered soothing words to his younger sibling. "Senjuro, it's alright now. I'm here. I'm sorry for worrying you." He murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and regret. "I should have come back sooner. I promise I'll never leave you again."

Senjuro clung to Kyojuro, his body shaking with sobs. "Kyojuro... I was so scared. I thought I had lost you. I missed you so much." He managed to say amidst his tears.

Kyojuro held Senjuro even tighter, burying his face in his brother's hair. "I'm sorry, Senjuro. I never wanted to make you feel that way. I-I missed you too, more than you can imagine. But I promise, I'll always be by your side, okay?"

"WAHHHH!!" You sobbed.

"(Y/N) WHY ARE YOU SHITTING TEARS?!" Inosuke asked worried.

"THIS IS SUCH A EMOTIONAL REUNION!!" You sobbed. You were feeling so happy that you managed to save Rengoku from his fate. This was so much better than the original plot.

"(Y-Y/N)...?" Senjuro's voice quivered as he finally noticed you. "(Y/N)!" He called out, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. Kyojuro, sensing his brother's emotions, allowed him to join in the hug.

Without hesitation, you ran towards Senjuro, ready to envelop him in a warm embrace. However, surprise spread across your face as Senjuro suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing his head and clasping his hands together. You came to a halt, confusion evident in your eyes.

"S-Senjuro...?" You called out, your voice laced with concern.

"(Y-Y/N)!" Senjuro's tears fell onto the ground as he trembled. "W-Words cannot express how thankful and indebted I am to you for saving my brother in the battle... I know what you did and verything, and... and..." His words trailed off as he struggled to find the right ones. The weight of his gratitude and emotions overwhelmed him. He couldn't fathom a life without his dear brother, and the thought alone was unbearable.

"Aw, Senjuro!" You exclaimed, your own tears welling up. Kneeling in front of him, you gently held his squishy cheeks, ensuring that he met your gaze. His face was flushed, tears streaming down, but you could see the determination in his eyes. "Bro! Sweetie! Don't cry, because if you cry, I-I'll cry too!"

Your voice wavered with sincerity as you tried to comfort him. Guiding him to stand up, you pulled him into a tight hug, pouring all the love and support you could muster into that embrace. Though your strength was limited due to your own emotional state, it was enough to convey your unwavering support. Senjuro, blushing from the proximity, returned the hug with equal intensity.

On the other side, Rengoku couldn't help but wear a wide smile. Witnessing his dear, adorable little brother, someone who held an irreplaceable place in his heart, and the girl who had managed to capture his own heart, coming together in such a tender embrace—it was a heartwarming sight to behold. A faint blush colored his cheeks as he silently savored the moment, cherishing the bond shared between the two people he cared for deeply.

...

"And what the hell is happening here? Where did all this kids came from?!" Kyojuro's Dad, Shinjuro, said. He looked messy and had a bottle of sake on one of his hands. Unlike the original plot-line, he had some dark circles under his eyes.

"OH SHIT! THERE'S ANOTHER RENGOKU! THEY ARE MULTIPLYING! THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!" Yelled Inosuke, terrified.

"BITCH, SHUT UP!" Zenitsu slapped over his mouth.

You felt a wave of panic wash over you as you realized the presence of Shinjuro. The fear was palpable, and it overshadowed any inclination to find the situation humorous. 'Oh no, oh no! Kyojuro's dad is here! What am I going to do? Are Tanjiro and Shinjuro still going to fight? Would Kyojuro get involved too? I'm absolutely terrified!' You thought, your mind racing with worry and apprehension.

Shinjuro's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Kyojuro, his own son standing before him with a determined expression on his face. The air was thick with tension, and you could feel the weight of their unspoken history hanging heavily in the atmosphere. Without warning, Shinjuro's trembling hands caused him to drop his sake, shattering it on the ground. "K-Kyojuro...!" In that moment, he called out to him, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and longing, as if he couldn't quite believe that his son was truly standing before him.

"..." Kyojuro, taken aback by his father's unexpected reaction, watched as he ran towards him, his arms outstretched. Before he could even form a question, Shinjuro enveloped him in a tight embrace, his body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. It was a sight that left him stunned, for he had never seen his father display such raw emotion before. The years of distance and strained communication seemed to melt away in that heartfelt embrace.

"K-Kyojuro! Agh! Ah...!" Tears streamed down Shinjuro's face as he clung to his son, his voice choked with emotion as he began to speak, apologizing for his failures as a father. His words poured out in a torrent, his voice filled with remorse and regret. "Kyojuro... son, you fucking idiot! How dare you to almost d-die?! I a-am truly sorry! Im so sorry!" Shinjuro's voice trembled as he continued, his tears intermingling with his words. "I failed you as a father. I was terrible! I know h-how many times I apologize, it would never be enough for what I did... I treated you and Senjuro horribly... When they told me you almost died, when I thought I might lose you... fear consumed me. I realized then how much I had neglected my role as to you two as father, and it broke my heart. D-Don't scare me like that, ever again... you're my dumb son and I-I love you..."

"...!" Kyojuro stood there, his initial confusion slowly giving way to a mix of emotions—surprise, disbelief, and eventually, a glimmer of acceptance. The sincerity in his father's voice and the genuine pain etched upon his face. "Father... I... I didn't expect this..." His voice quivered, his own tears welling up. "For so long, I yearned for your presence, for your guidance. I believed that you had abandoned me, that you didn't care... you don't know h-how happy it makes me... to hear you say that!"

The two stood there, locked in a heartfelt embrace, their tears mingling as the weight of their shared pain began to lift. It was a moment of redemption, of healing, as the walls that had stood between them for so long crumbled away. "Senjuro... please come here, son..." In that vulnerable moment, Shinjuro called out to Senjuro. He approached, his own eyes filled with tears of relief and joy, and the three of them came together in a powerful embrace. It was a hug that spoke volumes—a symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation, and a renewed sense of unity.

No words were needed in that tender embrace. The sobs from the three Rengoku's was the only sound around.

"AHHHHHHHHH!! MY HEART! I CANT—WAHHHHHHHH!" You began accidentally crying at loud, making Zenitsu and Tanjiro trying to make you shut the fuck up and not ruin the family moment.

———————————————————

After the exchange, Shinjuro went to buy more sake for himself. However, he spoke to you and said that he would thank you properly next time. He was embarrassed since he hadn't cried that much in a long time and thought he needed to be more presentable to thank the person who had saved his son. You all entered the room and seated yourselves on the floor.

"I brought tea, please drink it." Senjuro said gently while sitting on the floor. He had brought enough tea and some snacks for everyone, arranging them in the middle of the circle.

"And (Y/N)..." Senjuro didn't pay much attention to your conversation. "Thank you so much for everything you did for my brother, thank you so much for saving him." He bowed at you, and you didn't know how to react. Kyojuro found his brother's action amusing and decided to do the same.

"He's right, (Y/N). I could never thank you enough for saving me." He bowed as well.

Due to your nervousness of having two of the Rengoku brothers bowing at you, you just did the same. "Oh no, please... Kyojuro saved me a lot of times too, I should be the one giving my thanks!" You exclaimed while some red tinted your cheeks.

Senjuro stopped bowing, and he had tears in his eyes. "Huh? Damn, how many times have I cried already..."

"SENJURO!" You cried with him and landed yourself on top of the little Rengoku, hugging his waist and hiding your face in his lap. He did the same and hugged your head, hiding his face in your hair.

While you were at it, Kyojuro went to look for some weird notebook. "Young Kamado, something you said to me before rang a bell. This is a book that my father often read. I believe it must have information on what you're looking for."

"T-Thank you very much!" He said, bowing a little. He went to look at the book, but to his surprise, almost all of the pages were torn off, and it was impossible to read or get something out of it. Even Kyojuro was surprised.

"What does it mean?" The burgundy-haired boy asked.

"Shit... I believe it was my father who tore those pages, I'm so sorry, young Kamado." Kyojuro apologized.

"No... it's not your fault... Please don't feel bad about it." Tanjiro said calmly. "But I do have one thing in mind, though..."

Everyone turned their attention to him. "I will have to train harder... Even when it comes to Hinokami Kagura, though I know how to perform the dance, I still haven't managed to master it. I'm to blame for that; I can't physically keep up with it. I'm not enough, but that's why I will become stronger by all the forces I need to, no matter what!"

...

"HAHAHA! WELL SAID, ALEJANDRO!" Inosuke gave him a one-armed hug. "IT'S GOOD TO HEAR YOU WANT TO BECOME BETTER, BUT NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, I WILL ALWAYS BE STRONGER THAN YOU!"

"Just as he said! I will be right by your side and become stronger as well!" You went and hugged him too, with a big smile.

"Yeah, yeah, I will too, even if it's scary..." Murmured Zenitsu, joining the hug as well.

"Guys..." Tanjiro became a little bit emotional.

"You're right, young Kamado! Life is not an easy path, and we must do our best to accomplish our goals!" Kyojuro said, smiling. "And Senjuro!"

"Y-Yes?" He got scared hearing his name suddenly.

Kyojuro went and grabbed him by his shoulders. "You're and you'll always be my little brother, it doesn't matter what you choose to do. If you want to keep training to be a swordsman, then so be it, but if you want to stop and start doing something else, then that's perfect by me too. Whatever you decide to do, I will make sure to support you to my best."

"Brother..." Senjuro cried again. You broke from the Kamaboko group hug and kneeled in front of him.

"I will support you to the fullest too! If anyone dares to badmouth you, I'll personally kick the shit out of them! I'm sure Tanjiro and the others would help too, right, guys?" Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke elegantly posed, agreeing with what you commented.

"Um, thanks, but I don't think that's a good idea..." Said Senjuro nervously.

"GAH-"

———————————————————

"Senjuro and I, will restore the Flame Hashira Chronicles." You heard Kyojuro say. "Senjuro will also look into other books. I'll ask my father too, and if we find out anything, we'll send a word through my crow. Thank you all for coming here. Get home safely." Senjuro and Kyojuro bow as they finish speaking.

"No, I'm the one who should be thanking you!" Tanjiro exclaims and also bows.

"BAM!" You jump onto Tanjiro's back. "I want to thank both of you for everything! I hope we can see each other more often!"

"I hope I can see you more often too, (Y/N)!" Senjuro smiles, clearly enjoying your company. You walk over to him and give him a warm hug.

"Please take care of yourself!"

"Thank you for your words! I wish you well!" Senjuro's smile grows wider. You let go of the hug and turn to say your goodbyes to Kyojuro.

"See you later, Kyojuro!" You hug him tightly.

"See you later, (Y/N)!" He returns the tight hug.

Just as the Kamaboko squad is ready to leave, Kyojuro says something. "Hey, (Y/N), aren't you forgetting something?"

"Huh? DID I FORGET SOMETHING?" Just as you're talking, Kyojuro gently gave your cheek a sweet peck.

"...!!!" Everyone gasps at the audacity of his action.

"Oh..." You manage to say as you hold your own cheek with embarrassment.

"I FUCKING KNEW IT, GODDAMMIT! I CAN'T LEAVE YOU TWO SECONDS ALONE WITH HER BECAUSE THE MOMENT I GET DISTRACTED, YOU START MAKING YOUR FUCKING MOVE TO WIN HER HEART! YOU DESERVE TO DIE!" Zenitsu yelled and cried out loudly. The Kamaboko squad was ready to attack him, but he's just laughing loudly. The situation had become utterly ridiculous.

'H-He... kissed her cheek?! Are they THAT close...?' Senjuro thought, feeling as if his soul has left his body.

———————————————————

"Tanjiro...? Are you feeling alright?" Zenitsu asked, worried about his friend. He noticed that Tanjiro was walking in a strange manner. Zenitsu had ended up carrying you on his back after winning at rock, paper, scissors.

"I... I don't think so... I think I have a fever..." Tanjiro replied, sounding dizzy.

"SHIT, REALLY?! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING LIKE THIS!?"

"I don't know... since we arrived at the Rengoku house...?" Tanjiro's condition seemed to be worsening, and he was on the verge of passing out.

"Inosuke, carry him! I think he's going to faint!" Zenitsu ordered.

"HAHAHA, NO NEED TO TELL ME TWICE!" Inosuke swiftly picked up Tanjiro, giving him a piggyback ride.

"Aw, Tanjiro... Don't worry! We've arrived!" You reassured him as you approached the butterfly estate. To your surprise, Haganezuka was also there, holding two knives and having two more knives wrapped around his head. He didn't look happy at all.

"HYAAAAAAAAA, YOU DAMN BRAT! YOU LOST YOUR SWORD?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND, YOU FOOL? YOU DESERVE TO DIE TEN THOUSAND TIMES OVER!" Haganezuka charged towards Inosuke and Tanjiro. Inosuke, being the one carrying Tanjiro, had to run for his life. Tanjiro had already passed out.

"WEIRD-LOOKING CLOWN, STOP FOLLOWING ME! I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH JASPERINO!!!" Inosuke yelled.

You quickly got down from Zenitsu's back and ran towards Inosuke, positioning yourself in front of him with your arms extended.

"HAGANEZUKA! PLEASE!" You screamed with your eyes closed. "HAVE MERCY ON HIM! IT WAS A ROUGH TIME! WE'RE TRULY SORRY!"

...

"...(Y/N)?" Haganezuka asked, surprised. "Oh my god! (Y/N)!!"

He dropped the knives and went to squish your cheeks. "How have you been doing!? I was told what happened to you on the train!! How's your wound!? Are you feeling well!?"

"The wound really took a toll on me, but I'm getting better! Shinobu and the other girls have been taking care of me!"

"YAY! I'M HAPPY TO HEAR THAT!"

"Yayy!! And I'm happy that you're not mad anymore!" You said, still not used to seeing this side of him.

"You and I have a lot to talk about that sword! Come on, let's go inside already! What the heck are we doing here in the first place?" He held your hand and took you inside the mansion as if it was his own house.

———————————————————

The next day, the Kamaboko squad sat down for breakfast.

"Thank god (Y/N) was there. If it wasn't for her, Haganezuka would've chased you all afternoon until daybreak!" Zenitsu commented.

"I'm scared of him..." Inosuke muttered to himself, having been traumatized by his encounter with Haganezuka.

"I'm sorry for all the trouble..." Tanjiro said sadly, barely touching his food.

"Um, what's Haganezuka up to now?" Zenitsu asked, noticing the calmness in the room.

"Haganezuka? Oh, he's outside with (Y/N)!" Aoi replied nonchalantly. "That guy hasn't done anything to you since (Y/N) has been by his side all this time! They even slept in the same room!" She shook her head in disappointment.

...

"THEY WHAT?!" The Kamaboko trio exclaimed as they rushed outside, only to find you and Haganezuka engaged in a conversation.

You and Haganezuka were engaged in a playful conversation about his passion for swords. As he passionately described the intricacies and craftsmanship of different blades, you found yourself nodding along, agreeing with his every word. His enthusiasm was contagious, and you genuinely appreciated his knowledge and dedication to his craft.

"And you know, this particular sword right here, the way the blade is forged, it enhances its cutting power tremendously!" Haganezuka explained with excitement.

"You're absolutely right, Haganezuka! That attention to detail and craftsmanship truly makes a difference!" You replied, matching his enthusiasm.

Haganezuka's eyes sparkled as he listened to your agreement, clearly delighted to find someone who shared his passion. Then, his gaze shifted to your side, where your own sword was sheathed.

"Ah, and what about your sword? What style of swordsmanship do you practice?" Haganezuka asked, genuinely curious.

You grinned mischievously. "Well, my sword is quite unique. I practice the Mirror Breathing style, which allows me to copy other breathings. I created it!"

Haganezuka's eyes widened in surprise. "Mirror Breathing? That's incredible! The ability to mimic other breathings must be truly powerful. I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE AN AWESOME BREATHING STYLE!"

You nodded. "Indeed, it's an amazing technique!"

Haganezuka couldn't help but playfully pinch your cheeks as he complimented you. "You're not just talented, but also incredibly adorable. Mirror Breathing suits you perfectly!"

Blushing at his playful gesture, you couldn't help but laugh. "Well, thank you, Haganezuka! Your flattery is too kind."

Just as you were enjoying the lighthearted moment, your crow, Dodo, arrived, delivering an urgent message. You had a mission with a Hashira, and it meant you had to leave immediately. You were taken aback by the sudden news. "Oh no, I have to go on a mission with a Hashira! I didn't expect this."

Haganezuka's expression fell, and he looked visibly saddened. He sniffled and wiped away a fake tear. "You're leaving so soon? But I'll miss your cheerful presence!"

You couldn't help but be touched by his dramatic display. You reached out and gently wiped away his imaginary tears. "Don't worry, Haganezuka. I promise we'll meet again soon. In the meantime, you can continue to forge amazing swords, and I'll be sure to bring back tales of my adventures with the amazing sword you made for me."

Haganezuka's face brightened, and he gave you a warm smile. "You're right! I'll keep creating masterpieces! Don't die, (Y/N)! I'll be waiting for you!"

"I promise I won't die, my dear!" You dramatically said.

"You better keep our promise, my darling. I'll root for you..."

"Haganezuka..."

"(Y/N)..."

'What in the motherfucking telenovela is this...?' The kamaboko trio thought as they gazed at your playful exchange with the sword-maker.

———————————————————

You went in the late afternoon to the designated location. It was a serene and tranquil place, with a small peaceful village surrounding it. Finding a spot under some trees, you settled down and waited. The Hashira you were assigned to accompany hadn't arrived yet, and you found yourself growing bored. Maybe it was one of the Hashira you were already friends with! Or maybe it was Sanemi... You sighed, realizing that stressing over it wouldn't help at all. You decided to go with the flow and see what would happen. Gazing up at the sky, even though it was late and the sun cast a warm orange glow, you could still make out the clouds above.

'Looking at clouds... makes me feel sleepy...' You murmured to yourself, feeling your eyelids grow heavy. Just as you were about to doze off, you sensed someone's presence nearby. Looking up, you were surprised to see none other than Tokito Muichiro.

...

TOKITO MUICHIRO?!

"T-Tokito Muichiro!" You stammered nervously, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety in his presence.

"...Are you the girl I'm supposed to accompany?" He asked, his voice soft and soothing. Every word he uttered carried a gentle and tranquil aura.

"Y-Yes! That's me!" You quickly stood up and bowed respectfully. "I'm (L/N) (Y/N)! The girl who defeated Lower Moon Five with a frying pan!"

...

...

...

"...Who?" Muichiro responded with a blank expression.

'I'm doomed! He doesn't remember me at all!' You thought, a wave of disappointment washing over you.

"Y-You know! The one who became a Demon Slayer without going through the final selection...?"

"...Doesn't ring a bell."

"BRO, I'M THE FOREIGNER! I SPEAK ENGLISH!" You cried out, tears welling up in your eyes.

"...You speak English? Good for you, I guess. I don't care."

"AHHHHHH! I'M THAT FORGETTABLE!!" You exclaimed, falling to the ground and giving up.

"Um..." Muichiro felt unsure of how to comfort you. "...Sorry. I have a bad memory... I tend to forget things easily, so it's not your fault if I don't remember you... don't cry." He awkwardly patted your back, trying to console you.

"No, no! I'm the one who should be apologizing! That was immature of me!"

"Okay..."

...

...

...

"The mission is in the village over there. Let's get going." Muichiro stated, already walking towards your destination.

"Aye, yes sir!" You quickly got up and ran after him, determined to fulfill your duty and make a memorable impression this time.

As you and Muichiro walked around the peaceful village, you mustered up the courage to ask him a question that had been on your mind. "Hey, Tokito, would you like to be friends?" You asked, knowing well that the answer was likely to be no. After all, he barely remembered you and seemed uninterested in socializing.

Muichiro looked at you with a deadpan expression and responded, "No. I don't know you." You couldn't help but burst into laughter, finding his straightforward response amusing. Deep down, you had already anticipated his rejection, but you still wanted to give it a try.

"Ahaha! I knew you would say that! But don't worry, Tokito. Even though you said no, I'm determined to become friends with you!" You said, grinning at him.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly finding your persistence odd. "Why? I don't see the point."

You shrugged, maintaining your cheerful demeanor. "Well, for one, you're cute."

"...Huh?"

"You're adorable." You pinched his cheeks as he slapped your hand away.

"And you're annoying."

"Glad you have a solid opinion of me!"

Muichiro's expression remained unchanged, and he gave you a puzzled look. "But I don't understand why my appearance would be a reason to be friends." He pondered for a moment until gazing at you. "You're weird."

You smirked. "You think I'm weird AND annoying!? You'll definitely not forget about me!"

"Yeah, sure, whatever. Shut up."

As you continued walking together, you couldn't help but notice that Muichiro's gaze occasionally shifted towards you. This caught you by surprise, and a playful thought crossed your mind. "You're staring at me quite a bit, Muichiro. Did you happen to fall for me or something?" You teased, a mischievous smile on your face.

Muichiro's expression remained unchanged, and he quickly responded, "No. It's not that."

Intrigued by his response, you pressed further. "Then, what is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"

He hesitated for a moment before answering, "You remind me of someone."

"Who do I remind you of?" Curiosity piqued, you couldn't help but ask.

"..." Muichiro fell silent, his gaze drifting away as if lost in thought. It became evident that he couldn't recall the person he was referring to. "I don't remember..." He finally replied, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

You couldn't hide your own disappointment at his lack of recollection. Still, you understood that memories could be elusive, and there was no point dwelling on it. "It's alright, Muichiro. Sometimes memories can slip away. Maybe it will come back to you someday." You reassured him, offering a warm smile as you went to pat his head. He gazed at you, something feeling different inside of him. He couldn't quite describe it so to ignore it, he simply nodded in acknowledgment, not before slapping your hand away, his attention returning to the present.

———————————————————

The night air hung heavy with tension as you and Muichiro found yourselves in the midst of danger. The village, typically serene, now harbored a lurking demon presence that put the innocent villagers at risk.

"Tokito...?" You called out, hoping to gain his attention and devise a plan to protect the villagers. To your surprise, however, Muichiro appeared tired. Bro, what were you even tired of?

Letting out a sigh, you scanned your surroundings, keenly aware of the looming threat. Then, amidst the quiet darkness, a glimpse of movement caught your eye. There, to your left, you spotted a demon inching closer, its sinister intent evident. "Tokito! I found the demon! We need to protect the villagers... TOKITO! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!?" You exclaimed, realizing that Muichiro was kneeling on the ground.

"...Is this little crow yours?" With a weary expression, Muichiro looked up at you and murmured.

Surprised by his sudden shift in focus, you followed his gaze to your loyal companion, Dodo. "Huh? Yes, that's Dodo! Is something wrong with him?"

His response was tinged with exhaustion. "Oh, nothing. It's just... he seems to get along well with my crow. It's rather unusual. Look, they're playing together..." You turned your attention to see Ginko, Muichiro's crow, engaging in playful interaction with Dodo. Despite the dire circumstances, the sight brought a brief smile to your face.

"Alright, it's adorable, but we need to focus! The demon is still a threat!" You urged, your voice filled with urgency. The demon poised to strike, and time was of the essence. With the demon advancing, there was no time to dwell on such distractions. You braced yourself for the confrontation ahead.

"Hehehe, hahaha! Look at that! You know martial arts!" The demon taunted, its voice dripping with amusement. "I didn't think I would encounter a girl who knows how to defend herself! I thought you would be quivering in terror!"

A sarcastic chuckle escaped your lips. "Why would I do that? Do you take me for a basic bitch?"

"HAHAHA, you're quite entertaining! A woman with a sense of humor, now that's something truly unbelievable!" The demon exclaimed, clearly amused by your banter.

Your eyebrows furrowed with a mixture of anger and disbelief. 'Was he a sexist man before he turned into a demon? Ugh, I despise people like that.'

"Well, I'm tired of your presence, so I'll put an end to you swiftly!" You threatened, preparing yourself with your sword.

"As if you can kill me, you r*******!" The demon retorted back, insulting you. "Don't flatter yourself just because I say you knew martial arts. Women are weak and useless. Go back to the kitchen and make me a sandwich."

...

...

...

A charged silence settled between you and the demon. Muichiro, usually composed, couldn't hide his astonishment at the demon's use of such offensive language.

"What the fuck did you just call me?!" You roared, your face flushed with anger, veins pulsing with intensity.

"I CALLED YOU A R******* WOMAN! WHAT?! ARE YOU GOING TO BEAT ME UP NOW!? AS IF YOU CAN!" The demon jeered, seemingly oblivious to the dangerous territory it had entered.

"Grr-!!!!!!" Your grip tightened around your sword, a mixture of fury and determination coursing through your veins. You contemplated letting your weapon do the talking, but then something changed within you. "FINE!" You declared, dropping your sword to the ground. "I'll beat the shit out of you with my bare hands!"

"...Wait what?" The demon's confusion was palpable as you lunged at it, seizing it by the neck and squeezing tightly. A surge of primal strength surged through you, propelling you to deliver a series of resounding slaps, each strike punctuating your fierce determination.

"NOBODY. MESSES. WITH. ME!" You yelled, emphasizing each word with a powerful slap. "FUCK WITH ME IN PUBLIC, AND I'LL FUCK YOU BACK!" With each strike, your fury intensified, your resolve unyielding. The demon trembled in agony, overwhelmed by the relentless barrage. In a desperate plea for help, it turned to Muichiro, hoping for salvation.

"LITTLE KID! HELP ME! PLEASE! THIS CHICK IS CRAZY-" The demon pleaded, its cries of agony interrupted as you scratched its eyes, causing it to wail in pain. "AHHHHHHH!!! MY EYESSS! FUCK!!"

"DON'T LOOK AT HIM, LOOK AT ME!!" You commanded, your voice unwavering, your determination unwavering.

With the demon reeling in pain from your relentless assault, you sensed Muichiro's presence behind you. Turning your attention to him, you couldn't help but maintain your cheery demeanor, as if your hands weren't currently covered in the demon's blood. "Huh? Tokito? Can I help you?" You asked, your voice laced with innocence and a touch of playfulness.

Muichiro remained silent, his expression unreadable. Without uttering a word, he swiftly delivered a powerful kick to the demon's nose, causing it to whimper in agony. The sudden display of strength and skill caught you off guard, but you couldn't help but be impressed.

"Damn! Good kick! Slay!" You exclaimed, applauding his swift and precise attack. It was a moment of unexpected camaraderie, as both of you unleashed your pent-up frustration and anger upon the demon.

"He called me a little kid." Muichiro murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and anger. "Piece of shit."

With his words echoing in the air, he continued to unleash a flurry of well-placed kicks upon the demon. Inspired by his actions, you renewed your assault, delivering powerful punches with all your might. The demon writhed in agony, its cries of pain echoing throughout the night.

"AHHHH! LEAVE ME ALONE! THIS IS BULLYING! AHHH!" The demon pleaded, its voice filled with desperation and anguish.

But neither you nor Muichiro relented, driven by a shared determination to rid the world of this vile creature. In a synchronized dance of brutality, your punches and Muichiro's kicks rained down upon the demon, intensifying its suffering.

"Pff—"Muichiro, unable to contain himself, covered his mouth to stifle a snicker at the unexpected turn of events. A small flicker of amusement danced in his eyes, though he made sure to conceal it, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

———————————————————

As daybreak approached, the sky began to fill with soft hues of orange and pink. Yet, you and Muichiro continued your relentless assault on the demon, inflicting blow after blow upon its battered form. The demon's face was unrecognizable, a horrifying testament to the merciless beating it endured.

"P-Please, stop! Stop it!" The demon pleaded, its voice filled with agony and desperation. Each word was choked with pain, but neither you nor Muichiro showed any signs of relenting.

"N-Never... not until you retract yourself..." You declared. With each punch you delivered, you hoped to imprint upon the demon the gravity of its actions. The demon's pleas grew louder, filled with despair. It begged for release, offering to end its own life to escape the torment. This revelation caught you off guard, causing you to pause mid-strike. "Wait, you're going to kill yourself?" You asked, your head tilting to the side in confusion.

"YES! JUST GET OFF ME AND I'LL KILL MYSELF RIGHT AWAY!" The demon cried, its voice filled with desperation and a longing for release.

A realization dawned upon you. The demon's desire for death was so strong that it would willingly take its own life if it meant escaping the pain inflicted upon it. You wanted to laugh at loud. This demon was utterly pathetic. "Seriously, I could've just left you alone, and you would've killed yourself?" You mused, a mix of disbelief and contemplation coloring your words.

"DAMN RIGHT! NOW LET ME GO! LET ME DIE! I DON'T WANNA BE HERE ANYMORE!" The demon exclaimed, its voice trembling with a mix of anguish and desperation.

You released your hold on the demon, ensuring that Muichiro did the same. "Come on, Tokito. Leave it alone." You had to take his hands because he wouldn't stop torturing the demon. He got really mad at being called kid.

And just as the sun began to rise above the horizon, its golden rays casting a gentle glow upon the world, the demon fulfilled its promise. It swiftly took its own life, severing its own head with a swift and final motion. The lifeless body crumbled into ash, carried away by the wind. A heavy silence settled over the scene, broken only by the soft sound of the wind rustling through the surrounding trees. You and Muichiro stood side by side, gazing at the remnants of the demon.

"HA! PUSSY! IT KILLED ITSELF! HOW FUNNY!" You couldn't resist laughing a it. What an experience.

"Mh..." Even Muichiro laughed a tiny bit, his small laugh not being hears at all by you. "Serves it right." He uttered coldly, his expression remaining stoic.

You turned to face him, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Well, we make quite the team, don't we, Tokito?"

Muichiro's eyes flickered with a hint of amusement, though he quickly masked it with his usual composure. "...Don't get too comfortable. We were simply dealing with a common demon."

You giggled, brushing off his dismissive remark. "Oh, come on, Tokito. We make a great pair. And besides, I had fun fighting alongside you. We should do this again sometime."

He regarded you with a mixture of confusion and bemusement. "You find enjoyment in this...?"

You nodded emphatically. "Absolutely! I really like fighting with my hands. Plus, I think we make a pretty badass duo."

"We don't."

"I just saw you ears get red!" You lied to him, teasing him with a giggle.

"...Goodbye." He walked away from you but you were quick to grab his uniform to prevent him from going further.

"Um, I know this sounds weird but before going, would you like to watch the clouds with me?" You asked cutely.

"Why would you ask me that...?"

"I dunno... you just seem like someone who would enjoy that."

You gazed at the sky, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the day. It felt like a peaceful respite from the chaotic world you inhabited. As for Tokito, he couldn't help but question his decision to join you. He barely knew you, and this encounter would likely be forgotten in the passing days. Nevertheless, something about your invitation intrigued him, drawing him to this moment beneath the tree.

You settled in, finding a comfortable spot on the grass. The sky stretched out above you, an expanse of blue with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily by. Your respective crows perched on your laps, observing the scene with curious eyes.

"That cloud over there!" You said, pointing to a particularly round and fluffy cloud. "It kinda looks like you, Tokito!"

He yawned, feeling a wave of drowsiness wash over him. It was a strange sensation, as if your presence alone had a calming effect on him. Despite his fatigue, he listened to your words. "How... How does that cloud even look like me?" He murmured, trying to stifle another yawn.

"Well, it's cute! Just like you!" You exclaimed, playfully booping his nose.

"I'm not cute." He retorted, slapping your hand away.

"Yes, you are!" You insisted, your voice filled with sincerity. "You may act all cold and distant, but deep down, I can sense that you're a kind person. And that kind of makes you cute."

The words lingered in the air, and he found himself momentarily speechless. It was a sentiment he had heard before, but the details eluded him. His memory was hazy, unable to recall who had uttered those words or when they had been spoken.

"Don't worry..." You reassured him, patting his head gently. "I'm sure you'll remember someday. Until then, just know that I believe in you."

There was a gentle warmth in your touch, and he allowed himself to lean into your presence. In a surprising turn of events, exhaustion took hold of you, and you drifted off to sleep, your head resting against his shoulder/head. The sudden weight caused him to startle slightly, but he made no attempt to move. Instead, he found comfort in the quiet stillness of the moment.

'...this doesn't feel bad...' He thought, allowing himself to nuzzle a bit closer to you, his head nestled against yours. The soft strands of your hair tickled his face, and he could feel the gentle rise and fall of your breathing. It was a simple intimacy, a shared warmth and tranquility that enveloped both of you.

As the peaceful scene unfolded beneath the tree, he, too, succumbed to the soothing atmosphere. The weariness in his body gave way to a peaceful slumber, his breathing becoming synchronized with yours. The world around you faded into the background, leaving only the serenity of your shared rest.

After several hours, the peaceful slumber came to an end, and reality beckoned you back to your daily lives. Reluctantly, you stirred from your shared rest, aware that you had to resume your respective duties.

"Thank you for everything, Tokito!" You exclaimed, beaming with gratitude.

He glanced at you, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, okay." He replied simply, his eyes meeting yours briefly.

"Well, I have to go now! Goodbye! See you later!" You waved, blowing him playful kisses as you prepared to return to the butterfly estate. But before you could fully depart, Muichiro's voice reached your ears, causing you to freeze in surprise.

"Wait, (L/N)..."

"HUH!? YOU REMEMBER MY NAME!?" You gasped, unable to contain your astonishment.

He blinked, his features betraying his own surprise. "Wow, I remember your name." He admitted, even he taken aback by this unexpected development.

"AW!! I KNEW DEEP DOWN YOU LIKED ME!!" You playfully teased, winking at him.

"...That's not the point..." He mumbled.

Curiosity piqued, you eagerly awaited his next words, wondering what could have prompted him to call you back. "What's wrong then?" You inquired, genuinely concerned.

There was a brief pause, a silence that hung in the air as Muichiro struggled to find the right words.

Finally, he spoke. "I would like to do this again."

"What?" You asked, momentarily caught off guard by his unexpected request.

His gaze met yours with a newfound clarity. "Watch the clouds, I mean... I would like to lay down and watch the clouds again... with you..." He clarified, his voice soft and earnest.

You were taken aback, surprised by his vulnerability and genuine desire to spend more time with you. For a moment, he thought you would tease him or playfully prod at his admission, but as you looked into his eyes, he saw something sincere. "Okay." You replied, a genuine smile spreading across your face. "Let's watch the clouds again someday. I had a great time with you."

His stoic demeanor cracked ever so slightly, his eyes widened as light flickered within them. It was a rare sight, a glimpse of the genuine joy that your company had brought him. To have someone express enjoyment in spending time with him was a novel experience for Muichiro. Though, it didn't last long as the light slowly disappeared while you walked away.

It didn't matter, right? He was going to forget you anyway...

After both of you went your separate ways, you arrived at the mansion. Whenever you returned from a mission, the Kamaboko Squad would typically be waiting for you at the front door, ready to greet you with their usual enthusiasm.
To your surprise, however, the mansion was eerily empty. There was no trace of the trio anywhere. The silence hung heavily in the air, creating a disquieting atmosphere that didn't sit well with you.

"Aoi! Naho, Sumi, Kiyo!" You called out, hoping to summon the butterfly girls.

"Yes, (Y/N)?" Aoi appeared from behind you.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Aoi's sudden appearance made you jump in fright.

"Whoa, (Y/N)! Are you alright!?" Aoi asked, clearly concerned.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm alright... I just wanted to ask something..."

"Go ahead, ask me anything." Aoi replied, offering a reassuring smile.

"Where are Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke? It's strangely quiet here, and it's not like them to be so calm..."

"Oh, they went on a mission."

"All three of them?"

"Yes... They left on a mission with a Hashira named... uh... what was his name again— ah! Uzui Tengen." Aoi said, trying to recall the name.

...

...

...

"What?"

"Yep, they left about three hours ago. They're probably pretty far away by now."

"What?" You asked again, feeling your world crumble.

"Yeah, that's right. Uzui Tengen requested their assistance..." Aoi confirmed. "AHHHH! (Y/N)! WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?! DONT DIE!"

Suddenly, you felt an odd sensation. You began to disintegrate, as if your body was turning into sand and merging with the air and the earth. It was a terrifying experience of fading away into nothingness.

'Did I just miss my chance to be part of the Red District arc...?' You wondered, your voice fading as youdisappeared completely.

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Xoxo, azamishomie.