LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH WARABIHIME — CHAPTER #39 — ZENKO JUST GOT WRECKED!

As Daki strolled through the grand halls of the infinity castle, a surge of delight washed over her. However, her elation was short-lived when Kokushibo passed by her side. She shot him a disdainful glance and scoffed as she walked past him. Now alone again, her anger began to simmer. "Ugh! If only I were Upper Moon One! I would receive the respect I deserve! Why does everyone underestimate me?!" She cried out in frustration. "It's not fair! I want all of Muzan's attention for myself, and for that, I need to attain a higher rank! Isn't that right, Akaza?" She turned to her friend who was by her side. He smiled warmly at her.

"Of course, Daki. I believe in your potential to grow stronger. So, don't worry, whatever happens, I'll be right by your side." He reassured her, gently patting her head. She had a deep fondness for Akaza, and his words brought a smile to her face.

"I knew it! I only wanted to see your reaction! Hahaha!" She laughed, feeling momentarily relieved.

"Warabihime."

Startled by a new voice calling her name, she turned her head and was taken aback to see you standing there. Wait, you?! "Huh?!" Daki's eyes widened in surprise. How did you manage to find your way into the infinity castle? "Hey, how did you get here?! This is the infinity castle! Humans are not allowed to enter!" She exclaimed, crossing her arms in anger.

"That doesn't matter." You replied coldly.

"What do you mean it doesn't matter!? Are you out of your mind—"

"I want you." You said, your expression devoid of emotion.

...

"...What?"

"I want you, Daki." You repeated, your voice unwavering.

"Wait! How do you even know my real name—"

Suddenly, you lunged at her, pinning her against a wall. Your hands firmly held her wrists, preventing her from escaping. "I want you." You stated once more. "All for myself."

Daki's face flushed red, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. "WH-WHAT?! Uhhh, what's the meaning of this!??" She stammered, completely flustered. You were a human! How could you overpower her and corner her against a wall like this?

"I want you." You repeated, a small smirk playing on your lips. "I know you feel the same way. There's no need to hide it, cutie." You said, your hand gently caressing her cheek.

"A-Ah! Uh, AHHH, stop it! Stop this right now!" Daki pleaded, her face burning with embarrassment.

"Why...? Don't you enjoy my touch...? Don't you like it when I do this...?" You leaned closer to her neck, hiding your face against her collarbone. You showered her neck with kisses and gentle pecks, eliciting a mix of embarrassment and pleasure. Although she resisted, Daki couldn't deny the sensations she was experiencing.

"Daki."

"WHAT? Gh! W-What do you want!? Stop making me feel like this!" She exclaimed, her face still flushed.

"Let's kiss." You said with a serious expression. "I'm going to kiss you now."

"AHHHHHHHHHHH! Wait!" Daki stopped you from approaching her face. "A-As the great Upper Moon Six, I must say I'm quite f-flattered by your feelings towards me, but this is wrong!"

"Why is it wrong? Is it because we are both women? Are you suggesting that women can't kiss?" You asked, disappointment evident in your gaze.

"That's precisely what I'm saying!"

"Oh..." You replied, your tone tinged with sadness. "Well, I suppose I won't kiss you after all."

...

"...what?" Daki looked at you, surprised by your unexpected retreat. "That's it?"

"Of course." You admitted. "I'll only kiss you when you are comfortable with the idea of women loving other women."

"I'll never be okay with that!"

...

"No kiss, then." You said coldly, retrieving your frying pan and preparing to decapitate her.

"W-WAIT!" Before she could utter another word, you swiftly swung your frying pan, severing her head.

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Daki jolted awake, rising from the floor as she gasped for air. She clutched her neck, relief flooding over her as she realized it was all just a dream. "Was that... was that a fucking frying pan!?" She muttered, a mixture of disbelief and confusion washing over her.

Daki panted, relief washing over her as she realized it was all just a dream. But wait, a dream? Demons don't sleep! They don't have dreams! How did she even fall asleep in the first place? And why did she dream about you? Why did you appear in her dream? Before she could ponder over what had happened, she heard a knock at the door. She composed herself and allowed the person to enter the room. It was Omitsu, a middle-aged woman who was the owner of the Kyogoku house.

"Warabihime, are you alright...?" Omitsu asked with concern, noticing the distress on Daki's face.

"I'm alright, thanks for the concern." Daki replied, offering a forced smile. "So, may I know why you're here, Omitsu?"

Omitsu squinted her eyes and her face contorted with annoyance. "I-I... I want you to stop it right now!" She blurted out, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Stop causing problems. Stop making people here suffer and resort to self-harm or suicide! You even fought with the new girl for a petty reason! Zenko and (L/N) are well-liked by both the staff and the clients. Just because you dislike them, it doesn't give you the right to behave this way!"

Daki turned her head to face Omitsu directly, her expression becoming indescribable. "That's quite harsh of you to say, madam. So, you're not going to take my side? You don't think it's THEIR fault for irritating me?"

"Until now, I've turned a blind eye countless times! But there is something seriously wrong with you! I can't defend your actions any longer!" Omitsu's voice trembled as she spoke, her nervousness apparent.

Daki tilted her head to the side, visible veins of irritation pulsating on her forehead. "And exactly whose earnings have allowed this establishment to flourish so much, you damn hag?"

Omitsu swallowed nervously. "When I was a child, the old lady from the tea house told me a story about a certain Oiran. They were incredibly beautiful but twisted in nature. These Oiran often assumed names ending with 'hime.' Whenever something irritated them, they would tilt their heads to the side, a common habit they shared..." Omitsu's trembling intensified, her hand clutching a knife concealed behind her back. "You! What are you!? You're not human! Could it be... t-that you—"

Suddenly, the room plunged into darkness, and Daki and Omitsu found themselves suspended in a deep blue sky, unseen by anyone below. Daki's obi floated in the air, wrapping around Omitsu's body, who was now paralyzed with fear.

"This is what happens when you realize something you should have kept to yourself... How foolish of you. Don't be scared! I won't devour you. You're repulsive!" Daki's voice took on an eerie tone as she held Omitsu's petrified face in her hands.

"S-STOP—AHHHHHHHH!" Daki released her grip, allowing Omitsu's lifeless body to hit the ground, causing a commotion and cries of terror from those who witnessed it. Daki calmly walked away along the rooftop, a twisted smile adorning her face. Returning to the room she had been in earlier, she was taken aback by the presence of someone else.

"M-Master Muzan!" Her eyes widened, and she quickly dropped to her knees, bowing before the figure seated in a chair. He wore a white hat and a white-black suit, and as he raised his face, his red demonic eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

"How are you doing?" Muzan's voice reverberated, his expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and malevolence. "I can see that you've devoured numerous humans. You've gained even more power. That's a good thing."

"Yes!" Daki responded eagerly, her face blushing with adoration.

"But you mustn't let your guard down. The more things go your way, the more likely you are to face unexpected obstacles." Muzan warned, his tone turning cold as he carefully chose his words. Then, his unsettling smile returned. "You know... there's a girl here by the name of (L/N) (Y/N), along with some demon slayers who are hiding among you..."

"..." Daki's body tensed as she heard your name. How did Muzan know about you?

"That woman possesses an ability that I need to confirm for myself. I'm certain a Hashira will be arriving soon. I want you to eliminate all the demon slayers and bring that woman to me alive. Do whatever you want with her. Cut off her limbs, I don't care. As long as she can still speak, it doesn't matter. I need her." Muzan commanded.

Yes, Muzan needed you. You were someone who intrigued him. Your abilities, your past, your very existence fascinated him. You were an anomaly. Normally, he despised change and believed that things should remain the same. But perhaps, your arrival could aid him in his goal. Who knows? Maybe there was more to you than even he realized. You were truly something remarkable that had captured his attention.

"I shall carry out your command, Master Muzan!" Daki responded obediently.

"Daki, I have high hopes for you." Muzan said, drawing closer to her, his hand caressing her face. "No one is as beautiful or as strong as you. You will become even more powerful. An extraordinary demon."

"A-Ah..." Daki let out a murmur as she let herself melt into his touch.

"And don't worry. That despicable woman doesn't know what she's saying. I know you're not a lesbian, my dear." Muzan smiled in delight.

"I'm not and I'll never! I only have eyes for you!" She said with every inch of determination she got.

Muzan's smile lingered in Daki's mind as he vanished, leaving her alone once again amidst the whispering winds. The realization that you held significance to him stirred conflicting emotions within her. She couldn't fully comprehend why, but a small part of her felt unsettled by the knowledge.

Letting out a deep sigh, Daki rose to her feet. If you were important to Muzan, she understood the need to exercise caution around you. There was no room for mistakes or carelessness. She had to be vigilant and strategic in your interactions, for the sake of both her own survival and her mission to carry out Muzan's orders.

————————————————————
2 days at Kyogoku house...

"Oh, if it isn't Warabihime!" You exclaimed with a cheerful tone, catching her attention. Her eye twitched at the sight of you. Why did you insist on pestering her with your disgusting presence?

"Yes, now get out of my sight." She retorted dismissively.

"Aw, don't be like that! Let's talk a bit!" You beamed at her, undeterred by her cold demeanor.

"And why should I?" Daki scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly.

"I know you want to." You replied with a mischievous twinkle in your eye.

"I don't." She asserted firmly, her voice laced with irritation.

"You do~" You teased, playfully inching closer to her. Daki's eyes flickered for a moment, a flicker of fear crossing her face as she instinctively pushed you away. "Eh? Warabihime...?"

"Ah!" Daki yelped, realizing what she had done. She quickly composed herself, attempting to regain her composure. "You're so disgusting that I can't stand being near you."

"Oh." You responded simply, seemingly unfazed by her words.

Daki held your gaze defiantly, but deep inside, she felt a pang of embarrassment for her earlier reaction. 'Dammit! All because of that stupid dream! I thought she was going to corner me against the wall again! Fuck!' She cursed inwardly, frustrated with her own actions.

"I'm disgusting?" You tilted your head, wearing a playful smile. "Then you're disgusting too, haha!"

"...What?" Daki's vision darkened as she stared at you with intense hatred.

"I mean, you're calling me disgusting because I like women... so by your own logic, you're disgusting too—"

"I DON'T LIKE GIRLS! IM NOT GAY!" Daki yelled, her anger rising to a boiling point. She raised her fist, aiming to deliver a punch, but just as her knuckles were about to connect with your face, she stopped. A gust of wind blew, causing your hair to flutter, yet you stood there with a silly smile. Daki retracted her hand, clenching her fist tightly. 'Calmdowncalmdowncalmdown. Don't hit her. Don't lose your cool. This is all for Master Muzan!' She repeated in her mind, desperately trying to regain control over her emotions and prevent herself from causing a scene.

"Haha, you're funny!" You said, laughing as if it was all a joke.

"Ugh. If you have nothing else to say, then excuse me." Daki declared, attempting to walk past you. However, her steps were abruptly halted as she felt your hand tightly gripping her wrist. She clenched her teeth and stared at you, a mixture of annoyance and wariness in her eyes. "...What do you want?"

"I actually have something important to tell you. Can you wait here?" You said abruptly, without giving her a chance to respond. And just like that, you left, leaving Daki standing there alone, sighing in irritation. The workers and girls around them trembled in fear, unable to fully comprehend the enigmatic presence you exuded.

Daki waited patiently as you disappeared, curious about what you were going to reveal upon your return. When you came back, there was something hidden behind your back, teasing her with its mysterious presence. She couldn't help but question you about it, her curiosity getting the better of her. But you only smiled, keeping the secret hidden as you continued to playfully taunt her.

"What's behind your back?" Daki asked, unable to hide her intrigue.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know?" You replied with a sly grin, reveling in the mystery of the moment.

Daki crossed her arms, growing more impatient. "Stop being so cryptic and just show me already!"

You chuckled, enjoying her reaction. "Alright, alright. I'll give you a hint. It's something I wanted to show you as a peace offering."

Her interest piqued, Daki's stern expression softened slightly. "A peace offering? Why would you..."

You interrupted her, your voice sincere. "I wanted to apologize for what happened the other day. Calling you a lesbian was immature of me. I hope we can start over and maybe even be friends."

Daki's eyes widened, caught off guard by your unexpected apology. A small part of her was touched by your sincerity, though she knew she had to remain cautious. With a flourish, you revealed what you had been concealing—a bouquet of flowers adorned with ajisai, hydrangeas. The vibrant blooms captivated Daki, surprising her with their beauty. You extended the bouquet toward her, offering the flowers as a symbol of your apology.

"These are for you. A peace offering and an apology gift!" You explained, your smile warm and genuine. "I thought you might appreciate their beauty."

Daki hesitated for a moment, contemplating her response. She accepted the flowers, albeit with a hint of pride still intact. "Fine, I'll accept them. They're... somewhat pretty." She conceded, unable to deny their allure. "But don't think I won't throw them away later."

You laughed sweetly, undeterred by her retort. "Well, at least you find them somewhat pretty. That's progress." As you laughed, a warmth spread across Daki's chest. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one she couldn't quite comprehend. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to this encounter than meets the eye.

"...Goodbye then."

"Haha, why do you want to escape from me?" You teased her playfully. "I don't bite, you know. Come on, let's chat!" You expected her to simply ignore you and walk away, but to your surprise, she actually listened to you, albeit with an air of defiance.

"Fine." She huffed, crossing her arms and defiantly looking at you. The fact that she was willing to humor your conversation made you feel a surge of happiness. A blush tinted your cheeks as your smile widened, unsettling Daki slightly. Was it really so easy to satisfy you? "Come on, I don't have all day."

You chuckled and put your hands behind your back, closing your eyes with a mischievous smile. "Well... I want to talk about lesbians!"

...

Daki's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Piss off." She declared, attempting to walk past you and end the conversation.

But you simply laughed, undeterred by her dismissal. "Warabihime, you need to accept people for who they are, including yourself! Embracing one's identity is a powerful thing!"

"FOR GOD'S SAKE, I'M NOT A LESBIAN! STOP THAT!" Daki retorted, frustration lacing her voice.

You took a step closer to her. You were being dramatic, you were just having fun bothering her about lesbians. "Warabihime, it's not just about you. It's about accepting diversity, embracing love in all its forms. There's nothing wrong with being a lesbian, and there's certainly nothing wrong with you."

Daki clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with irritation. "GOD! APART FROM DUMBASS YOU'RE DEAF! I said I'm not interested! Stop bothering me about this!"

But you persisted, following her as she tried to walk away. "Warabihime, I understand that this may make you uncomfortable, but it's important to challenge our preconceived notions. Acceptance starts within ourselves. It's about being true to who we are."

She rolled her eyes, trying to shake you off. "GOD GIVE ME PATIENCE, IM NOT GAYYYY!"

"YES YOU AREE!!" You continued to trail behind her, your voice resolute. "You can't ignore this forever. Embracing your own identity is a powerful act of self-love and acceptance. It's about being true to yourself, regardless of what society may dictate."

Daki stopped abruptly, turning to face you with a mixture of anger and frustration. "Shut up! I don't care! Im not a lesbian and I'll always despise them! I have only eyes for one man!"

"Warabihime, with all my respect; You're so gay that you make gay people look straight!"

...

She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "I don't know why I even bother with you. You're so fucking stubborn."

A mischievous glint sparked in your eyes as you grinned. "Thank you."

"That's not a compliment."

"Anything from you is a compliment to me." You smiled, making her roll her eyes.

"Are we done? Can I leave?" Daki asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion. Your presence had worn her out, and she yearned for some respite. Damn, you're here making an upper demon get tired of your bullshit.

"Can we chat a bit more? I promise not to bring up the topic of lesbians!" You pleaded, hoping to keep the conversation going.

Daki groaned and let out a heavy sigh. You were truly becoming a thorn in her side. But she reminded herself that enduring your company was all for the sake of her dear Master Muzan. "And what about your partner? Zenko. Why don't you go bother her instead?"

A sheepish smile formed on your lips as you scratched the back of your head. "I would love to, but Zenko is quite busy at the moment. She's being dragged around to play instruments and entertain clients. Poor her, she's going to be exhausted by the end of the night."

"You have to work too, you know?"

"Nah, no thanks."

...

Daki rolled her eyes, the weariness apparent in her gaze. "Fine, but this is the last conversation. After this, no more talking."

"Okay." You agreed, relieved that she was willing to engage in conversation once more. But before you could catch up with her, Daki had already walked past you, heading towards her room. You quickly followed, determined not to miss out on another opportunity to connect with her.

As the two of you arrived at her room, you took a seat on the floor, while Daki settled herself in-front of you, keeping a it of distance. You didn't fail to notice how she before sitting, carefully placed the flowers you gave her on a little table. The room exuded a sense of tranquility, the soft glow of the paper lanterns casting a warm ambiance.

"So," You began, breaking the silence. "Tell me something about yourself that not many people know. A secret, perhaps?"

Daki raised an eyebrow, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity in her eyes. "Why should I share a secret with you? It's none of your business."

You chuckled softly, your voice laced with sincerity. "Because sometimes, sharing a secret with someone can create a bond, a connection. It's a gesture of trust, a way of saying, 'I see you, and I trust you with a part of me.'"

Daki's gaze softened ever so slightly, contemplating your words. After a moment of silence, she let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine. But don't think this means anything."

A small smile tugged at your lips as you leaned in, a twinkle of anticipation in your eyes. "I won't."

'...I'll just tell her something trivial. There's no way I'll open myself with her.'

"...I like flowers." Daki admitted, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. She didn't offer any further explanation, expecting judgment or ridicule from you. When you gasped in response, she couldn't help but feel defensive. "Huh?! If you're going to judge me, then just get out of here!"

"No! I'm not judging you at all!" You quickly reassured her, your eyes wide with sincerity. "I'm just surprised, that's all. It's very cute."

Daki's guard slowly began to lower, her gaze flickering back to you. She found herself captivated by your genuine interest in her confession, unsure of how to react to your kindness. "Hmph." She scoffed lightly, still trying to maintain a facade of indifference.

As you continued the conversation, curiosity burning in your eyes, you probed further. "Are you very interested in flowers? Do you enjoy gardening?"

"I haven't tried gardening." She explained, her voice tinged with regret. "I don't have the time for it, and it requires a lot of work. Plus, I don't want to get myself dirty."

"I understand." You replied, trying to empathize with her. "So, what is it about flowers that you like then?"

She paused for a moment, contemplating her answer. "Well, they're beautiful and pretty." She finally admitted. There was something about flowers that captivated her. They possessed a unique kind of beauty and charm that surpassed that of humans. Flowers could be appreciated without judgment, and they held symbolic meanings. Their diverse designs and vibrant colors made them a pleasure to behold. However, like humans, they could be delicate and easily damaged.

"I like flowers too! Do you know about their meanings and symbolism?" You asked, curious to know more.

She blushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yes, I do." She confessed. She seemed surprised by the fact that she was discussing this topic with you. She thought it was ridiculous but couldn't help herself.

"Ah, then I suppose you know the meaning behind the flowers I gave you." You teased.

"Of course I do." She replied instantly, sensing your attempt to gauge her knowledge. "They symbolize heartfelt emotions, like apologizing or being thankful to someone."

"Bing-Bong! Hahaha!" You laughed, finding her flower enthusiasm endearing. "I'm not much of a flower person myself, but I searched high and low to find a type of flower that could convey my feelings. Did it work?" You playfully asked.

"..." She didn't answer, choosing instead to huff and look away, not meeting your gaze.

"Haha, meanie!" You whined, but silence enveloped the conversation, leaving you unsure of how to continue. It was getting late, and you assumed Daki wouldn't initiate further discussion. Sighing, you thought it was okay for the day. You had already spoken enough. You planned to bid her goodbye and leave, but she spoke up before you could act on your plan.

"...What about you?" She asked abruptly, her tone somewhat angered by your lack of response. "Aren't you going to share something with me too? I'm waiting!"

You tilted your head in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden demand. "...Eh?" You muttered, trying to gather your thoughts.

"Well?!" She pressed, her impatience evident. "I'm not going to be the only one sharing!"

You couldn't help but smile at her persistence as you settled into a more comfortable position. "Well... I actually like martial arts!"

"Martial...arts?" She genuinely asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"It may not be very feminine, but I find it cool. I'm quite advanced!" You proudly declared.

"Hmm..." She pondered aloud, her mind drifting as she thought about someone she knew who practiced martial arts. Nostalgia glimmered in her eyes, suggesting that it had been a while since they had last met. "I have a friend who practices martial arts..."

"Oh! What's their name?" You inquired, curious to know more about her friend.

"None of your business." She retorted sharply, shutting down any further discussion on the matter.

"Anyways," You continued, not letting her dismissiveness deter you. "As I was saying, I'm pretty good at martial arts! Look!" With that, you stood up and began striking poses, demonstrating your skills. You attacked the air, showcasing your talent, though it made you look silly and somewhat foolish. "Whaassshhh! Piu! Bam!"

"..." Daki watched you with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. She couldn't help but think you were acting like a child, but there was also something endearing about your enthusiasm. She found herself captivated, unable to take her eyes off you.

"And then! I go like BOOM—" You continued, but before you could finish your sentence, Daki interrupted you purposefully, coughing to get your attention.

"Ahem!" She coughed loudly, her voice cutting through the air. "May I remind you that you're wearing a very short revealing kimono?"

"A—" You froze, your face turning as red as a tomato as you slowly sat back down, crossing your legs this time. The embarrassment was evident on your face.

"Uh... sorry." You mumbled, feeling a profound sense of shame.

"Tch." Daki scoffed, scolding you. "You're a woman. Show some decency. Is this how you'll act when there are clients around?" Oddly enough, the thought of others seeing you behave like this or witnessing an intimate moment made her uncomfortable. She didn't like it one bit.

"I apologize. I'll be more careful!" You said, feigning tears of shame.

"You better be." She replied curtly, but then she remembered something— you already had a partner, a woman named Zenko. The realization darkened her expression as she clenched her teeth. You two were supposedly a couple, which meant you must have an intimate relationship. Which meant you two had already... done things... Why did she even care about this? Why did it bother her so much? Annoyance coursed through her veins, overwhelming her. She gave you a questioning look, her eyes filled with confusion and frustration.

"Hmm? Why are you suddenly mad?" You asked, genuinely puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor.

"Me? Mad? Of course not." She replied with a forced smile, but it only served to make her anger more apparent.

"It's quite obvious! No need to hide it! Just say it!" You said, smiling mischievously.

"I don't need your help." She scoffed. "Why don't you go to your damn wife then?"

"Huh?" You furrowed your brow in confusion. "You mean Zenko?"

"Yeah, she's so perfect and dreamy!" She exclaimed sarcastically. "You wouldn't have to be bothered by her having mood swings. Go be with her."

"What does Zenko... wait, are you jealous of Zenko?" You asked, a grin spreading across your face.

"Huh?! Why would I be jealous of that peasant?!" She retorted, her voice filled with indignation.

"I don't know, just saying. No need to get so worked up." You teased, trying to provoke a reaction from her.

"I'm not angry." She replied stubbornly.

"But you are though." You insisted, your tone laced with amusement.

"And I'm telling you that I'm not!" She snapped, her frustration evident.

...

...

...

"You're so cute when you're jealous—"

"I'M NOT JEALOUS!" She exclaimed, cutting you off abruptly, her face flushed with embarrassment and annoyance.

————————————————————

After a while of teasing Daki and her retaliating with curses, you both surprisingly found yourselves engaged in a conversation about trivial matters. The atmosphere lightened, and you had a great time. Although you couldn't be certain of Daki's feelings, you hoped she enjoyed the interaction as well. Now, the two of you sat side by side, gazing at the night sky. The full moon cast a soft glow, and the stars twinkled above. It was a serene and picturesque scene.

"You think the wind is ever trying to tell us something we don't know how to hear anymore...?" You mused, your words filled with a touch of wistfulness. For some reason, you yearned to delve into a deeper conversation with Daki, but you sensed her guardedness and decided to speak whatever came to your mind.

Daki gave you a side eye, her expression tinged with exasperation. "I just want you to stop saying odd shit."

"Okay." You responded, stifling a yawn. You felt that it was time to call it a night. Standing up, you bowed slightly towards Daki and made your way towards the exit. "Well, it was nice talking to you, but I'm tired!"

"Finally." Daki breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have some solitude again.

"But I'll annoy you tomorrow, so don't celebrate just yet!" You chuckled, and she rolled her eyes in response. "See you later, Warabihime!" You blew her a playful kiss, accompanied by a wink, before leaving the room. Daki couldn't help but scoff at your ridiculousness. After some moments of contemplation, she suddenly called one of the workers over.

"Yes, Warabihime? Is there a problem?" The worker asked, concerned.

"...I want (L/N) (Y/N) to no longer work with clients." She stated plainly.

"Eh? So, uh, do we remove her from the establishment, or...?" The worker inquired, unsure of how to proceed.

"No, she will stay here. I simply don't want her to engage with clients." She clarified, feeling a sense of repulsion at the thought of you interacting with men who acted in a degrading manner.

"But why?!" The worker asked, concerned about the potential loss of income. "She's very popular, along with her partner! We've made so much money. It would be a waste not to utilize her talents."

"Do I need to repeat myself? I don't want her working with clients. They're too disgusting." She sighed in annoyance, frustrated by the worker's persistence.

"O-Okay..." The worker replied, reluctantly accepting her decision. She didn't want to defy the Oiran, aware of the consequences of doing so.

————————————————————
3 days at Kyogoku house...

"Hello, Warabihime!" You greeted her with anticipation, approaching her with a hopeful smile.

"Oh... it's you." She responded, looking at you with an unsurprised expression.

"What do you mean by that?! I came here to be with you, just like I promised!" You sulked, disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm.

"I know that! It's not like I was waiting for you or anything!" She defended herself.

"Well, to make you happy, I brought you another bouquet of flowers to convey my feelings!" You said, your voice filled with eagerness. You had hidden the bouquet behind your back so she wouldn't see it.

"Huh!? Another one? I don't need more flowers!" She exclaimed angrily. The truth was, she hadn't disposed of the flowers you gave her yesterday. Instead, she had asked one of the ladies to put them in water and keep them in her room.

"Can you guess what flower I'll give you?" You asked, genuinely curious. You wanted to capture her attention and engage her in the moment.

"Hmm..." Warabihime pondered, actually listening to your question. "...Sumires? Umes?"

"Incorrect!" You laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed by her incorrect guess.

"Well, just give them to me already then!" She demanded, growing impatient as you continued to laugh.

"Here!" You revealed the flowers, presenting her with the bouquet. Warabihime's face displayed surprise as she stood there silently, taking the flowers and inspecting them with a shocked expression.

"...H-Himawaris...?" She stammered, finding it hard to believe.

"Yeah! Do you like them?" You asked innocently.

"Gh—" Warabihime's face turned red as she carefully examined the bouquet. You couldn't help but notice how she began counting the number of sunflowers. Whistling mischievously, you already knew the answer.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!" She exclaimed, flustered.

"Yes, I do, madam!" You playfully stuck out your tongue.

"Y-YOU'RE ASKING ME FOR MARRIAGE!" Warabihime yelled, finding it difficult to believe. "What a sick joke!"

In Japanese culture, Himawari sunflowers held various meanings depending on the number of stems. For instance, three sunflowers represented love, seven signified secret admiration, eleven indicated strong and genuine feelings, and a bouquet of one hundred eight sunflowers symbolized a marriage proposal.

"But wait, there's more!" You exclaimed.

"Huh?!"

"Here!" You handed her another bouquet of flowers, leaving Warabihime astonished. What was your intention with all these flowers? "You told me you liked flowers, so I'm doing my best here!"

Warabihime, with a surprised expression, accepted the second bouquet. It was a bouquet of asagao flowers, commonly known as morning glories. The flower symbolized both innocence and love. Her cheeks turned crimson as she struggled to find the right words to say in that moment.

"Are you flustered?" You teased.

"No!"

"Aww, I want you to be flustered!"

"And I'm not flustered! How sad for you!" Warabihime retorted, her voice filled with embarrassment.

(Spoiler alert: you two got to hangout and chat together after this.)

————————————————————
4 days at Kyogoku house...

"Hey, girls..." One of the employees whispered.

"What's going on?" Another asked.

"Don't you think Warabihime has been acting... odd these past few days?" The first employee said, concern evident in her voice.

"Odd? I'm more than happy that she's acting like this!" The second employee replied, sounding delighted.

"Me too! But it's weird. It's like she's more... relaxed?" The first employee continued.

"I totally get what you mean. The other day, I accidentally bumped into her, and instead of starting a fight, she just let it go!" The second employee shared.

"Today, I dropped some sheets right in front of her, and you know what? Instead of insulting me, she actually helped me pick them up!" The first employee added, astonishment lacing her words.

"Wow..."

"Exactly!"

"It must be because of that (L/N) girl! I heard they're spending time together almost every day!" The second employee speculated.

"Do you think... do you think (L/N) is cheating on Zenko with Warabihime? That would be a bold move!" The first employee pondered.

"Poor Zenko, though. She's working so hard, and (L/N) doesn't have to do anything!" The second employee sympathized.

"Girls!" Suddenly, another girl joined their conversation, cautioning them to lower their voices.

"Why?" They both asked, curious.

"Warabihime actually gets mad if she hears someone talking about (L/N)! Just now, a girl got punished by her because she was speaking ill of (L/N)!" The newcomer revealed.

"No way! It's obvious that Warabihime has a soft spot for her!" The first employee exclaimed, realization dawning on her.

"I know, but I think (L/N) is just making her dumb!" The second employee shared.

"Why do you say that?"

"She's acting all dumb around (L/N), and she's not even aware of it... Oh, speaking of the devils!" The third girl pointed to the side, where you and Warabihime were engaged in a lively and happy conversation, leaving the three girls surprised and eager to catch snippets of what you were discussing as they cautiously approached.

"Okay, Warabihime, hear me out." You said seriously, with a cold expression.

"I'm listening."

"If your leg gets cut off... would it hurt?"

Daki squinted her eyes as she judge you with her gaze. She didn't have very much acknowledge of the human body because she doesn't remember much, but that question was plain obvious. "...Duh!"

"But how though?"

"BECAUSE YOUR LEG GOT CUT OFF, FOOL!" She yelled at you.

"But where would you feel the pain?!"

"IN YOUR leg..." She stopped yelling as her shoulders went down and a surprised face of the realization that just hit her took over her figure.

"Exactly, bro." You answered, noticing that she realized too.

You then started talking again. "How will you feel pain in your leg—"

"IF YOUR LEG IS GONE!!" The both of you said at the same time with shocked and perplexed expressions.

...

...

...

'Yup. She's definitely making Warabihime go dumber...' The three girls thought as they looked at you interacting with her.

————————————————————
5 days at Kyogoku house...

As Zenitsu walked aimlessly through the hallways, a swirl of thoughts plagued his mind. The struggle with his identity weighed heavily on him. "Being a girl has made me lose sight of who I was... am I Zenko or Zenitsu? Am I a girl or a boy?" He wondered, feeling lost and confused. You and him were supposed to be searching for Uzui's wife, Hinatsuru, but honing his shamisen and koto skills seemed futile in that moment. He was all ears but hadn't heard any information about her.

Suddenly, a collision interrupted his thoughts. "A-AH! Shit! I-I'm so sorry... Wait, (Y/N)?" Zenitsu exclaimed.

"Zenko! I've been looking for you!" You whispered urgently.

"What's wrong? Have you found something?" Zenitsu asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

You scanned your surroundings and grabbed Zenitsu's arm, pulling him into a secluded corner.

"I haven't found anything, but it's strange that the owner of the house passed away..." You informed him, concern evident in your voice.

"I know! It gives me the creeps! It can't be a coincidence... right?" Zenitsu replied, sharing his unease.

"Yes, I think so too. That's why we have to..." Suddenly, Zenitsu's finger pressed against your lips, signaling you to be silent. His usually carefree face turned serious, a rarity for him. This unexpected change made you blush slightly, finding him oddly attractive in that moment.

...

"We have a crisis! There's a girl crying!" Zenitsu exclaimed, turning to you, as if he had just discovered something terrifying.

"Oh, damn! What are we still doing here?" You responded, realizing the seriousness of the situation. A crying girl required immediate attention. Zenitsu grabbed your hand and led you to the source of the crying. As you entered the room, you were greeted by a chaotic and disheveled scene.

"Hey! It looks like a disaster struck here! What happened in this room?" You exclaimed, your concern evident, though, you already knew about this but you needed to act. Your attention was then drawn to the girl on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

"HUH?! W-WERE YOU IN A FIGHT!? ARE YOU OKAY!?" Zenitsu worriedly questioned, his voice filled with genuine concern. The girl's sobs only intensified, worsening the situation.

"Zenko! Shut up before I beat your ass!" You screeched, annoyed by his loud outburst. Meanwhile, you knelt down in front of the girl, trying to comfort her.

"Hey... are you okay? It's alright to cry, there's no problem. Everything is and will be fine... my partner didn't mean to scare you, so there's no need to be afraid..." You soothingly cooed, trying to offer comfort. The girl looked at you, tears still streaming down her face, before finally mustering the strength to hug your waist.

Zenitsu quickly rushed over, kneeling beside you and gently rubbing the girl's back. "Yeah! Come on, calm down, alright? I wasn't angry with you, I'm sorry about that. If you're in any kind of trouble-"

"Hey, you..." A new voice suddenly interrupted, emanating a terrifying and defiant tone. "What the hell are you doing in my room?" Fear gripped Zenitsu as he froze in place. He hadn't even noticed her presence until she spoke. His body was paralyzed, unable to move due to the tense and oppressive atmosphere.

'This demon... it's an Upper Rank, right...?' He thought, trembling with fear.

"Hey! Are you hard of hearing or something?" Warabihime asked, her irritation evident in her voice.

"Warabihime!" You greeted her with genuine happiness. "Pleasure seeing you here!"

"...(L/N)? The hell are you doing in my room?" She asked, her tone initially hostile but softening a bit after hearing your voice.

"This girl was crying, so I—I mean, we were worried..." You explained, feeling a bit flustered.

Daki scoffed as she glanced at Zenitsu standing beside you. Suddenly, veins visibly throbbed on her face as she stared at him intently. Contrary to what one might expect, Zenitsu didn't flinch or cower in fear. Instead, he locked eyes with her, as if engaged in a silent contest of wills. It seemed as though he was ready to defend you and the little girl at any moment. "Is this... your wife?" Daki asked, her voice dripping with disgust.

"Y-Yeah! This is Zenko!" You introduced Zenitsu to her, a touch of pride in your voice.

"Nice meeting you." Zenitsu replied curtly, clearly not impressed by Daki's hostility.

"Tch," Daki scoffed dismissively. "This bitch is ugly. Couldn't you have done better or something?" She then turned her attention to Zenitsu. "Bitch, could you be any uglier? You really make me ill. Wouldn't you be better off dead?" Your heart sank as Daki hurled insults at Zenitsu's appearance, his hair color, and even his desire to stand out.

"..." Zenitsu responded with silence, his expression devoid of emotion, seemingly unaffected by Daki's random attack on his looks.

'Even though I worked so hard on the makeup! It didn't change a thing!' You thought sadly, feeling hurt and bothered by Daki's harsh words. Although, deep down, Daki knew that Zenitsu was actually quite handsome, but her intense hatred towards him prevented her from acknowledging it.

"Damn, sorry, I guess." Zenitsu rolled his eyes, not giving Daki the satisfaction of a strong reaction.

"..." Daki continued to glare at the two of you until two other trembling girls arrived, their fear palpable.

"Warabihime Oiran! T-These two women just started here a few days ago, so...!"

Daki's anger flared at their interruption. "Do I look like I give a shit about that?" She retorted, causing the two unfortunate girls to collapse to the floor, seeking solace in each other's embrace amidst the unnerving situation. Without warning, Daki forcefully grabbed your face, squeezing your cheeks with an alarming strength. You braced yourself, expecting the worst. You couldn't help but feel that Daki's anger surpassed what was depicted in the original plot, and there was a hint of disgust and disappointment in her expression. "...(L/N—"

Suddenly, someone intervened, grabbing Warabihime's arm with incredible strength. It was none other than Zenitsu.

"...What?" Daki's voice turned darker, her eyes narrowing at Zenko's audacity.

"Please, take your hands off her!" Zenitsu demanded angrily. He looked at Daki with a mix of hatred and disgust. How could someone treat his beloved soon-to-be-wife in such a manner and expect to get away with it? It infuriated him that you defended him, and he hadn't done anything in return. If risking his life was the only way to protect you, so be it.

"What the fuck did you just say? Say that again." Warabihime's expression grew even more menacing.

"I said, take your damn hands off her."

"...Up close, you're even uglier than I thought."

"Take your—"

"How dare you... touch me!" Warabihime slapped Zenitsu's hand away and before she could give him the super meg punch that made him go unconscious, you stepped in.

"Warabihime! Please! Have mercy!" You pleaded desperately, causing her to pause in her actions. "Warabihime! She, Zenko, is my wife! Y-You see, her dad was very strict with her! And Zenko, unfortunately, wasn't born very intelligent! As a result, her dad would often hit her on the head, making her even less intelligent! Dumber than a donkey!"

...

...

...

"...What?"

Tears streamed down your face. "SHE'S SO DUMB! A BRUTE! EVEN A MONKEY IS MORE INTELLIGENT THAN HER! SHE WAS SO DUMB THAT HER DAD TOOK HER TO THE HOSPITAL, AND THE DOCTORS SAID SHE WAS TOO DUMB TO LIVE! SHE HAS NO GRASP OF WHAT SHE SAYS OR DOES! PLEASE, FORGIVE HER! SHE'S JUST A POOR IDIOT! STUPID! A MORON! A FOOL!" You cried uncontrollably, your emotions overwhelming them. Zenitsu gave you a deadpanned expression. Yeah, he knew you were doing this to help him but damn...

"Hey! What are you on about—"

"I cannot believe how incredibly stupid she is. I mean rock-hard stupid. Dehydrated-rock-hard stupid. Stupid so stupid that it goes way beyond the stupid we know into a whole different dimension of stupid. She is a trans-stupid stupid. Meta-stupid. Stupid collapsed on itself so far that even the neutrons have collapsed. Stupid gotten so dense that no intellect can escape. Singularity stupid. Blazing hot mid-day sun on Mercury stupid. She emits more stupidity in one second than our entire galaxy emits in a year. Nothing in our universe can truly be this stupid. Perhaps this is some primordial fragment from the original big bang of stupid. Some pure essence of stupidity so uncontaminated by anything else as to be beyond the laws of physics that we know. I'm sorry. I can't go on. This is an epiphany of stupid for me! Please, forgive her!" You hid your face in your hands, sobbing inconsolably.

...

"Pff—" Daki emitted a sound before covering her mouth.

'...Did it work?' You wondered, cautiously peeking through your hands.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! What the hell? I didn't know your wife could be such a moron!" Daki burst into laughter. Her laughter, though mocking, held a hint of genuine amusement.

"Yup! Everything I said is true and not something I invented just now! Please, forgive us!" You pleaded once more, desperately hoping for forgiveness.

Warabihime wiped away a tear from her eye and regarded you for a moment. "...You and the annoying brat are excused." A smile of relief brightened your face upon hearing those words. "But there's no way I'm forgiving this bitch!" Warabihime exclaimed before landing a powerful punch on Zenitsu. He was sent flying, crashing through walls and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

"AHH!" The three girls screamed in fear.

"ZENI—ZENKO!!" You shouted, worried for his well-being.

"You! Don't you dare touch me in such a familiar way! Don't flatter yourself, you rotten little punk! It looks like you're in need of some discipline!" Warabihime scolded Zenitsu, as if he could hear her. Daki glanced at you one final time before leaving the room. "I'm heading off to work, so get this place tidied up right now."

...

'That little brat, from what I can sense, his injuries are only minor. He's no civilian; he's probably with the Demon Slayer Corps! But he doesn't possess the skills of a Hashira. And (L/N)... I can't tell if she's also involved with him... My guts are telling me that there's a possibility she is...' Warabihime contemplated, her instincts keeping her on guard. Though, the thought of you being with the demon slayer corps made her heart ache a little but she ignored it.

————————————————————

"Zzz..."

"She's still sleeping, huh..." Girl 1 observed, looking at Zenko with concern.

"Well, that punch she received was too extreme... I'm not surprised she hasn't woken up..." You sadly commented, your gaze fixed on Zenko. You couldn't help but feel guilty for not being able to prevent Zenitsu from getting hurt. However, your main priority now was to stay by his side, as this was the scene where he gets abducted by Daki.

"You're right, but..." Girl 2 approached your side, mustering up the courage to say something.

"...but...?" You tilted your head, curious.

"THANKYOUSOMUCHFORHELPINGME!" The little girl exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at you with gratitude and admiration.

"Oh?"

"If it wasn't for you and Zenko, things may have gotten really bad for me. But you two helped me, so thank you so much!" She expressed, a genuine smile brightening her face. Her sisters echoed her gratitude.

"Thank you so much for saving my sister!"

"Thank you for your help! We can't thank you enough!"

...

'Is it illegal to kidnap kids?' You wondered, your expression dead serious for a moment. 'AWWW! THEY ARE SO CUTE! THEY REMIND ME OF KIYO, NAHO, AND SUMI!'

"Hehe! It was no problem! I'm glad I could help!" You responded with a warm smile, causing the girls to giggle and hug them tightly. You felt a surge of warmth, as if you were an older sister to these girls. It was truly one of the best moments of your life. However, the peace was short-lived as a knock interrupted their joyful exchange.

*KNOCK! KNOCK!*

"Come in!" As you invited the person inside, a young-looking NPC woman entered the room.

"Um, excuse me! But Warabihime is asking for you! She wants you to go to her room!"

"...What?"

"Yeah, you should go right away. It wouldn't be good to keep her waiting or put her in a bad mood! Come on!" The NPC woman pushed you gently, interrupting your sweet moment with the little girls. As you made your way towards Warabihime's room, conflicting thoughts flooded your mind.

'Bro, this might be the end for me. Why would she call me? To eat me? To kill me? FUCK! I NEED TO STOP THINKING THESE THINGS! I'M GETTING NERVOUS! ...Well, at least I changed things! The little girl didn't get hurt, and thanks to that, the master of the house didn't have to go and beg Daki for forgiveness! That's a positive outcome! Also, I made her laugh!' You tried to shake off your nervousness, reminding yourself of the positive impact you had made.

Upon arriving at Warabihime's room, you stood before the door and announced your presence. "Warabihime! I'm here! Someone said you called me...?"

"...Come in."

You entered the room and found Daki sitting near her mirror, seemingly arranging her makeup. From that position, Daki could observe all of your movements. "Take a seat." You settled on the floor, waiting for her to begin the conversation.

"(L/N)."

"Yes?"

"..."

"..."

"...rry..."

"Eh? I couldn't quite hear you!"

"Ugh, I said i'm ...orry..."

"Sorry, what?"

"I SAID I'M SORRY!"

"..." You gasped in awe, trying to process the sudden change in Warabihime's demeanor. Daki coughed lightly and continued speaking.

"I was rude, you know? My mood has been all over the place lately." Warabihime said, offering a fake smile reminiscent of the one she had displayed in the anime when the master was pleading with her. "It was my mistake for lashing out like that. Please convey my apologies to your wife and the little girls as well." Her expression soured and you even think you saw her almost gagging at the mention of Zenitsu.

"Wait, really?!" You exclaimed, unable to contain your surprise and relief.

"Yes, now that's all I wanted to say. Good night." Warabihime concluded, giving off an air of dismissiveness.

However, little did you know that Daki's words were far from genuine. She had no intention of truly apologizing or making amends. Her actions were merely a facade, designed to deceive and manipulate, just as she had done with the master in the anime. After all, maintaining her reputation was of utmost importance to her. The more people she could manipulate, the better it would be for her.

You looked at Warabihime and smiled genuinely, feeling an inexplicable warmth in your heart. "Warabihime... you really are a good person."

"...Huh?" Daki stammered, taken aback by your unexpected words.

"I... I can't fully explain it, but from the depths of my heart, I believe that you are a good person. It's just my opinion, and I trust my instincts." With those words, you stood up, bid her farewell, and began to leave the room. However, you were abruptly stopped when she called out to you. "Mhm?"

"..." Daki seemed troubled, as if she herself wasn't entirely sure why she had stopped you. After a few moments of hesitation, she retrieved something from her table and revealed a flower to you. With a gentle toss, she sent it your way, and you barely managed to catch it. You examined the flower in your hand—it was a beautiful red rose. "For you. That's it, you can go."

"Awww! For me!? That's so sweet!" You cooed, holding the rose delicately. "What's its name?"

"...Akaibara."

"And what does it mean?" You asked, curiosity piqued.

"Figure it out yourself." Daki scoffed, not willing to reveal the meaning.

"Ehhh? Just tell me, I'm curious!" You whined playfully.

"No. Go away already." She retorted, growing slightly irritated.

"Alright, alright. Goodnight, Warabihime. See you later." You said with a gentle smile, blowing her a kiss along a wink before turning to leave.

Warabihime stood there, dumbfounded by the entire encounter. Eventually, a laugh escaped her lips, but it was not a genuine one. Her chuckle sounded dry and bitter, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. She muttered to herself. "Haha... Me? A good person?"

Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, for a brief moment, Warabihime saw someone she didn't recognize—a girl with white hair and beautiful blue ocean eyes. Suddenly, the image vanished, and her own reflection returned. She couldn't make sense of what had just occurred, but she dismissed it as unimportant.

"Yeah, right... Like I could ever be a good person." She murmured to herself, pushing aside any lingering thoughts as she went on her way to capture Zenitsu.

————————————————————

I don't know shit about flowers so the meanings might be wrong

Update: yeah I fixed the mistake of daki calling zenko your sis instead of wife srry yall (tell me please if there are more mistkaees😭)

Xoxo, azamishomie