MAKING BREAKFAST FOR MY LOVE! I STEER AND MIX! — CHAPTER #51 — SOMEONE IS CATCHING FEELINGS AND IT'S NOT ME!

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Little note:
This chapter turned out so different from how it was originally going to be!! It was going to be around 3000+ words but I lost myself into writing and got so focused trying to make it perfect haha
I love to deepen (Y/N)'s perspective of things and how you view this world, others and yourself!! 😋
This chapter it's literally Uzui appreciation (xd)
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Three days had passed since the battle against the Upper Moon demons, and the atmosphere in the Butterfly State was as normal as ever.

Morning light filtered through the curtains, and the room was filled with a tranquil hush. Suma, who had provided you with a warm and comforting embrace throughout the night, was still wrapped around you, her gentle snores and mumbled dreams creating an endearing backdrop.

You, however, were starting to feel a bit stifled by the cuddles and murmurings. Gently disentangling yourself from Suma's embrace, you let out a soft groan, your muscles stiff from being held in a fixed position for so long.

"Lord Tengen, not there, hehe..." Suma continued to murmur in her sleep, a goofy grin gracing her lips. Her sleepiness-induced silliness brought a faint smile to your face, but you knew it was time to slip away. "That's my, hehe, sensible spot..."

You cringed. '...ok.'

You carefully extracted yourself from Suma's grip, her arms shifting and then flopping back down onto the bed as she settled into a more comfortable position. Your freedom was met with a moment of relief, and you stretched your limbs before sitting on the edge of the bed.

With the others still fast asleep, you pondered what to do next. The room was filled with serenity, and you didn't want to disturb their peaceful slumber. A thought suddenly struck you, and your eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"That's right! Maybe I should cook breakfast!" You murmured to yourself, your eyes alight with the prospect of preparing a meal for your favorite characters. With a grin, you made your way out of the room, making sure to step lightly and avoid any creaking floorboards that might rouse the others.

The hallways of the Butterfly State were quiet as you made your way to the well-appointed kitchen, feeling an odd mix of excitement and serenity.

You moved with grace, gathering the ingredients and utensils needed to create a hearty breakfast for them. The idea of surprising them with a delicious morning meal filled you with delight.

"What should I make~? What should I make~?" You sang to yourself, a mischievous smirk on your lips as you scanned the well-appointed kitchen. It was a rare opportunity for you to play chef, especially for others rather than yourself, and you wanted to make it special.

It was still very early in the morning, and the others were likely deep in slumber. With a determined nod, you decided on your culinary masterpiece and pumped your fists into the air. "Alright! I know what I'm going to—"

"Oh? What are you going to make~?" Before you could finish your sentence, a voice right in your ear startled you, causing you to let out a shrill scream. Uzui had appeared out of nowhere, standing close enough to whisper into your ear.

"KYAAAAAA!" You screamed, your body instinctively tensing up as you assumed a defensive posture, ready to deliver a punch to the intruder's face. Your fist shot out, but before it could connect with Uzui's startled expression, he managed to intercept it, catching your wrist in the nick of time.

"U-Uzui?!" You stammered, your heart pounding in your chest as the adrenaline rush began to subside. "What the heck?"

Uzui, still wide-eyed and holding your fist, slowly relaxed and let out an exasperated sigh. "What the fuck is wrong with you?! You were about to punch me!"

You couldn't help but be honest about the jolt of surprise that had nearly caused you to throw a punch. Your heart still pounded in your chest as you exclaimed, "I was about to smack you! Why would you sneak behind me like that?"

Uzui couldn't help but laugh at your candor. "Well, you know, it's in my nature to keep things interesting. Plus, I wanted to see what got you so fired up."

You sighed in exasperation and rolled your eyes. "Honestly, what are you even doing here? How did you know I was in the kitchen?"

Uzui, grinning ear to ear, gave you a playful wink. "Well, I OBVIOUSLY heard you getting out of the room. I am the Sound Hashira, after all."

Your eyes widened as you mentally smacked yourself for forgetting about his extraordinary hearing abilities. Uzui had a knack for appearing when you least expected it.

"Right," You muttered, feeling a bit embarrassed by your oversight. "Of course, the Sound Hashira. I should've known."

Uzui, clearly enjoying your flustered state, raised an eyebrow. "So, what are you doing here in the early hours, my dear (Y/N)?"

"Don't call me dear." You pinched his cheek as he laughed. You hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to reveal your plans, but then decided to confide in him. "I wanted to surprise you and your wives with breakfast, but you just had to ruin my grand entrance."

Uzui chuckled heartily. "Ah, I see. Well, I apologize for crashing your surprise party." You grumbled under your breath but Uzui didn't mind and leaned in, saying, "Alright, since I foiled your grand entrance, how about I make it up to you by helping you cook?"

You considered his offer, recognizing that an extra pair of hands in the kitchen wouldn't hurt. "Fine, you're forgiven. But you better not mess up my cooking."

Uzui grinned and clasped his hands together dramatically. "You have my word, (Y/N). So, what were you planning to make?"

You thought for a moment before replying, "Tamagoyaki, rice, and natto."

Uzui's eyes gleamed with interest. "Sounds delicious! Let's get to it, shall we?"

"Yeah, let's get into it! In fact..." You grinned ear to ear. "Imagining the happy surprised faces of your wives is enough to make my heart go doki-doki!!"

"I'm going to smack you."

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Preparing the Natto!!

You handed Uzui a small package of natto and showed him how to open it carefully. "Here, Uzui, this is natto. You open it like this!" You said, demonstrating with a deft flick of your wrist. Uzui watched with curiosity and mimicked your movements. "Now, mix it with the condiments provided. It's usually soy sauce and mustard. You can also add some finely chopped green onions for extra flavor."

Uzui diligently followed your instructions, his focus on the task at hand. As he mixed the natto, you couldn't help but smile at his concentration. "You're doing great, Uzui!"

...

Wait a moment.

Uzui turned to look at you with squinting eyes.

"Hmh? What's wrong?" You asked looking at him while nonchalantly making the Natto. You wore a (F/C) apron which hugged your figure pretty good.

"Aren't you like, I don't know," Uzui seemed to struggle to find the right words. "A BIT TOO GOOD AT THIS?!"

"Yeah, your point is?" You scowled at him.

"I thought you were a good for nothing..." He honestly admitted, looking at you with a hint of admiration.

"I'm going to punch you for reals..." You said angered as you effortlessly finished your part. If his pride wasn't so big, he would admit that you looked very cool right now.

Preparing the Rice!!

While Uzui worked on the natto, you took a moment to check on the rice. "Now, let's make sure the rice is warm," You instructed. "If you don't have leftover rice, you can prepare a fresh batch of short-grain rice." You showed him the steaming pot of freshly cooked rice, its aroma filling the kitchen.

Seeing you act so dependable made him think, 'Ugh, why does this chick makes me feel less of a man?' He grunted at you but you obviously didn't notice the dirty looks he gave you.

Preparing the Tamagoyaki!!

Moving on to the Tamagoyaki, you began cracking eggs into a bowl, adding a pinch of sugar, a dash of soy sauce, and a small pinch of salt to create the perfect mixture. Uzui observed, his eyes attentive as you expertly prepared the ingredients.

"See, Uzui, the sweetness from the sugar balances out the flavors!" You explained as you beat the egg mixture to perfection. "Now, let's heat up the tamagoyaki pan."

Uzui joined you at the stove, the pan warming up over the medium-low heat. You handed him a paper towel soaked in oil to grease the pan. "You can spread it evenly with this or use a piece of yuba for a subtle flavor." As he greased the pan, you realized how he was doing something wrong.

"Wait—you're not doing it right! Ugh, let me just teach you!" You positioned yourself behind him, grabbing his hands to guide him. Realization hit you as you though of something. Teaching someone how to cook and getting close to them to teach them... ITS LITERALLY SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN EVERY ANIME OR SHOUJO MANGA!!

But of course, the moment between the two of you couldn't be romantic in any sort since he was much taller than you, making you not being able to help him and being totally useless, ruining the possibility of a romantic moment.

Pouring the first layer of the egg mixture into the pan, you allowed it to set just enough before demonstrating how to roll the omelet. Uzui watched with a blend of curiosity and fascination. "Now, you give it a try," You encouraged.

With a bit of practice, Uzui was able to roll the omelet from one end to the other, greasing the empty part of the pan before adding another layer of egg. The two of you worked in tandem, creating layers of rolled omelet that adhered seamlessly.

"Oh shit, I'm so good at this." Uzui murmured to himself. "I think I could be a really good Housewife."

"You? Being a Housewife...?" You gave him the massive side eye, not being able to imagine him doing such thing.

"AND WHY THE HELL NOT? Are you saying that MEN can't be Housewives?"

"I'm not saying that!" You quickly defended yourself. "I'm just saying that imagining YOU as a Housewife is weird."

"Ugh, excuses, excuses." He dismissed your comment. The two of you were doing your own thing, keeping up the work into creating the layers of the omelets. You didn't notice how Uzui's eyes landed in you—being focused on doing a good job with the food. "Hmh... and what about you?" He asked, resting his figure with his elbow on top of the table, nonchalantly looking at you.

"What about me?" You didn't take your eyes off your work.

"Would you make a good Housewife?"

...

"Pff—me? A Housewife?" You asked, not believing what you heard. "That is if I can even get myself a special someone."

"Didn't Rengoku confessed to you?" He abruptly asked out of nowhere. "Don't you like him? He has tons of fans and admirers..."

"I mean..." You thought for a moment, stoping your work to ponder about his question. "I DO like Kyojuro but... mhm, it's complicated." You averted your eyes.

"How so?" Uzui seemed invested in the conversation, leaning closely onto you but kept his distance to not invade your personal space.

You took a deep breath to gather your thoughts. "Like, as a charac—I MEAN AS A PERSON! As a person, I really like Kyojuro. I'm attracted to him; his personality, physics and all, BUT! I don't really feel like I'm worthy of him? Or maybe is that it doesn't feel right? It's not wrong of course but—ugh! It's difficult to explain this to you."

"Why is it so difficult?" He inquired, confused about how much indecisive you were acting. "Just say yes or no."

"It's not about saying yes or no! It's like—wait, let me give you an example."

"Go ahead." At this point, the two of you forgot about cooking (😭).

"Imagine that you are attracted to people that are part of your life, right?"

"Yes?" He nodded.

"You are attracted, um, romantically to all of them, BUT!"

"But?" He tilted his head slowly.

"You don't take your feelings seriously since you think that you don't even have a chance with ANY of them."

"Your point?"

"Basically, if one of them were to confess their feelings towards you, you'll be surprised but, you don't know whether to say yes or no since you ALSO love the other people that are part of your life."

"Then just choose the one you love the most!"

"THAT'S THE THING!" You said, raising your arms. "You love all of them equally but it's not like you can be with all of them! And you feel it's not right! And that you do not deserve this! And that it's better if you choose none of them! Because you also have things you need to do in order to allow yourself to be with someone else!"

"..."

"..."

"Soo, is it a yes or no?"

"...Both." You admit. "I don't mind being in relationship with someone but... I sometimes wonder to myself if I even have the right to do something like that."

"Everybody has the right to love and to be loved." Uzui casually said, not understanding what your point was since you were literally running in circles. "There's nothing wrong with that. If you can't decide, then it's not wrong either. Nobody is perfect and unless you're being forced to decide quickly, it's not like you need to make your choice in a matter of seconds. You should take your time since I'm sure you wouldn't want to hurt the other's person's feelings."

"And I agree with you!" You point your finger at him but slowly began to point your finger at yourself. "But I just—don't think that applies to me...?"

...

"You're contradicting yourself."

"ANYWAY, LET'S KEEP MAKING BREAKFAST! YAYY!"

Once the tamagoyaki was cooked through and had a slightly browned exterior, you transferred it to a cutting board. Uzui observed as you sliced it into bite-sized pieces with precision.

Serving!!

"Now, for the final touch," You said, your voice soft and inviting. You prepared the plates and arranged them perfectly. "Ta-dahh!! They're finished!!"

As you and Uzui stood side by side, admiring the spread of food you had prepared, a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled the air. The kitchen was now filled with the enticing aroma of the dishes you had created together.

Uzui's eyes gleamed with genuine appreciation as he surveyed the meal. "You know, I'm really impressed with your cooking skills. I didn't expect this level of culinary talent from you."

"Thanks!" You laughed, playfully nudging his side as you took off your apron. "And you're not so bad yourself. You're pretty good if you ask me."

"Why, thank you." Uzui chuckled and leaned in a bit closer. "Well, let's just say that your versatility is quite... enchanting."

"Hehehe, don't say that! Don't full my ego!" You giggled to yourself, grabbing your red cheeks from embarrassment.

"I'm actually quite surprised that you know how to cook," Uzui admitted as he cleaned up the mess around him. "Have you always been good at cooking?"

You responded nonchalantly. "No, I wasn't always good at cooking. I don't even particularly enjoy it. I learned because my mom used to work a lot, and I decided to help her by learning basic household chores."

Uzui hummed in response, not quite expecting your answer. "You don't like it?"

You started arranging the plates and explained. "Not necessarily. I didn't learn because I wanted to. It's good that I know how, but it's not a hobby or anything. In fact, this is my first time cooking in a long while."

He nodded understandingly. "I get it. Well, if you ever decide to cook again, I wouldn't mind lending you a hand. You could say I had a decent time." Uzui winked at you.

"I'll keep that in mind." You chuckled at his comment, making him crack a small smile too.

Your laughter died down, and for a moment, the two of you shared a deeper, more contemplative gaze. Uzui seemed on the verge of asking you something, but you decided to cut through the moment by changing the subject.

"Enough of that," You said, shaking your head with a faint smile. "We should bring this delicious breakfast to the room and share it with your wives. I'm sure they'll love it."

Uzui's gaze lingered on you, and he held your eye contact for a moment before finally looking away. There was a hint of awkwardness in his demeanor, but he sighed, prompting your curiosity. He mustered a gentle smile and playfully ruffled your hair before picking up a few plates.

"Alright." He said, his tone slightly reluctant. "Let's head to the room."

"...?" With that, he turned and began walking away, leaving you with a sense of uncertainty, wondering if you had unintentionally done something to make him act like that.

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"Oh my God! Where are they? Where could they have gone? WAHHHHH!" Suma cried, her tears soaking her pillow. She, Makio, and Hinatsuru had woken up a few minutes ago, but Suma's distress came after noticing that neither you nor Uzui were in bed with them. "I miss my man!"

"Ugh... could you please be quiet? I just woke up..." Makio groggily muttered, squinting as the morning light pierced her sleepy eyes. Mornings seemed to be her weakness, judging by her tired appearance, and her hair was slightly disheveled.

"I CANNOT SHUT UP!" Suma exclaimed, leaping closer to Makio and grabbing her shoulders, shaking them urgently. "I NEED TO KNOW WHERE COULD THEY HAVE GONE! WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THEM!?"

"Suma, dear," Hinatsuru called gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. They are fine. They probably went for a walk or to the bathroom... there's no need to worry."

"Exactly," Makio agreed, allowing her body to collapse onto Suma's chest as she hugged her waist and buried her face there. "Let's just get a little more sleep until they come back..." Makio slowly raised her head to meet her eyes. "Please..."

"Should we really?" Suma was reluctant to the idea of resting. "I was so comfortable cuddling with (y/n), and now she's gone!"

"Wait—cuddling with (Y/N)?" Makio raised her head from Suma's chest, her sleepiness seemingly vanishing as she looked at her with intensity.

"Yeahhh!" Suma whined. "Oh, by the way, she was so soft and comfy! I felt so warm and fuzzy cuddling her! It was so nice! I wish I could keep doing it—AHHHHHHHH!" Suddenly, Makio started pulling Suma's hair with considerable force, causing the young woman to whimper in pain.

"Makio!" Hinatsuru exclaimed, calling out to her. "What are you doing? Stop that!"

"CUDDLING WITH (Y/N)!? AND WITH WHOSE PERMISSION?!" Makio yelled.

"Wahhh! Why are you mad? It hurts! It hurts!" Suma cried even harder as Makio now tried to suffocate her with one of the nearby pillows. "Why are you mad at me? Cuddling is harmless!"

"Oh Lord, why can we never have a peaceful moment here?" Hinatsuru sighed inwardly, observing her wives' fight.

"BUT M-MAKIO! WAIT, STOP! AHHHH!" Suma cried louder since Makio was now attempting to smother her with the pillow. "WHY ARE YOU MAD WITH ME?! CUDDLING IS NOTHING!"

'Hold on—' Makio paused for a moment, her grip loosening. 'She's right. Why am I even mad at her? Cuddling is nothing. Am I mad because she's my wife? Or am I mad because she cuddled with (Y/N)...?'

...

'I don't care,' Makio thought and continued to try to kill her.

"GOOD MORNING, MY SUNSHINES!" Uzui burst through the door, using his foot since both his hands were full.

"Helloooo! We have arrived—HUH?!" Your eyes widened at the sight of Suma and Makio's brawl, and Hinatsuru's exasperated expression. But as soon as you entered, her tired demeanor visibly lightened.

"Oh, (Y/N)! You're here! Good morning!" She warmly smiled at you. "Huh? Is that breakfast?" Hinatsuru's observation prompted Suma and Makio to cease their fight and focus on you and Tengen.

"LORD TENGEN!! (Y/N)!!" Suma called out both of your names and rushed toward you. It seemed like she was about to leap and hug you, but she halted as she noticed the food. "Ehh?! Breakfast!?"

"Yup! Uzui and I prepared it! We were hoping to eat together!" You grinned, your radiant smile causing the other three to shield their eyes since it was so dazzling.

"Yes! Just as she said! We made this food with love! Flamboyantly, of course!" Uzui posed dramatically flashy with the plates.

"You... you cooked for us?" Makio asked, her voice filled with surprise.

"Yeah!" You replied.

"...!" Makio, Suma, and Hinatsuru stood in silence, gazing at you. You could see their eyes welling up with tears and their cheeks turning rosy. They were so touched by the fact that you had cooked for them (and Uzui) that they found it absolutely adorable, and they had to muster all their strength to keep themselves from jumping on you and expressing their gratitude.

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Shinobu uncomfortably glanced at the four of you, her eyes exhibiting a subtle twitch at the sight before her.

"Hi, Koucho! What brings you here—" Uzui inquired with enthusiasm.

"Why has (Y/N) been staying in this room?" Shinobu's question was to the point. It had been four days, and you had been residing with Uzui and his wives, and she seemed to be raising a valid concern.

"Can... can I not?" You ventured, your nervousness palpable. Shinobu's tone made you second-guess your presence in the room, as if you were doing something wrong.

"I-It's not that," Shinobu replied with an uncomfortable smile.

"Then what's the problem?" Suma tilted her head in curiosity.

'YOU FOUR ARE THE PROBLEM!' Shinobu wanted to scream, but she held it in. Initially, she had no issue with the five of you sharing a room, but it appeared that the others were becoming excessively affectionate toward you.

"There are no problems! Right, (Y/N)?" Makio asked, leaning her head on your shoulder.

"I think so?" You answered, unfazed by her physical closeness.

"In fact, I think I'm healing faster since I'm staying with you!" Suma chimed in, jumping and hugging your waist while resting her head on your chest. Shinobu clenched her fist but maintained her usual smile.

"But, um... Koucho, is there actually a problem...?" Hinatsuru asked, her uncertainty evident. She was positioned by Makio's side.

"I think it's better for (Y/N) to return to her room." Shinobu finally said.

"EHHHHHH?! NOOOOO! DON'T TAKE HER AWAY FROM MEEEE!!" Suma wailed, rubbing her head against your figure. "NO! NO! NO!"

"B-But why?!" Makio pleaded.

"Oh gosh, have we been causing too much trouble?" Hinatsuru expressed her concern. She didn't want you to be in a separate room.

"Oh, come on, Koucho! Don't be like that!" Uzui implored, trying to win her over with a charming smile. "We're happier together, can't you see?" As he said that, he moved from behind you, hugging you along with his wives. "Please?" He encouraged everyone to join in.

"Please!" Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma pleaded simultaneously.

"...no means..." She began, then stopped mid-sentence when she observed your face. Your lips were puckered, and your eyes appeared bigger and glossier as you tried to manipulate her with puppy-dog eyes.

"Please, Shinobu..." You murmured, and it seemed your act was actually working. However, the truth was, you weren't acting. You genuinely didn't want to be alone in your room. You really didn't want to be alone again.

"..." Shinobu was at her breaking point. You were her ultimate weakness, and seeing you make that face tugged at her heartstrings.

...

"Fine. You five can keep staying together..." She conceded, and all of you cheered in unison.

"God, (Y/N)'s power is no joke!" Uzui mused to himself, a mischievous grin forming. "Imagine all the things we can do with that!"

"Stop it, Lord Tengen." Makio scolded him with a gentle smack to the back of his head.

"Thank you, Shinobu!" You smiled at her and took her hands, giving them a gentle squeeze. "I promise we will try not to cause any trouble."

"It's no problem, (Y/N)." She replied with a smile, relieved to see you looking so content. 'The problem is not you—it's them, but let's ignore it for now.'

You sighed, feeling a sense of relief that Shinobu didn't insist on kicking you out of the room. The mere thought of being alone made your skin crawl, though you pondered why you were so insistent on not being alone. You were used to it already.

As you ruminated, you felt something rest atop your head, and it was Dodo perched there. This caught you by surprise, but you didn't question it. Perhaps Dodo sensed your anxiety and was attempting to provide comfort. If that was the case, it made you happy enough to forget why you had been feeling stressed in the first place, and you picked up Dodo, hugging his tiny figure.

"..." Uzui couldn't help but notice your change in behavior a few moments ago.

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...

...

...

'Fuck. I can't fall asleep, AGAIN!!!' You cursed to yourself. Once again, insomnia had reared its ugly head. You thought things were getting better since you managed to sleep well just yesterday, but tonight was a different story. Glancing to your sides, you could see that Hinatsuru and Suma were both sleeping soundly, clutching your arms to their chests.

You sighed, feeling increasingly uncomfortable due to your lack of sleep. Carefully, you extracted your arm from Suma's grasp, but she didn't stir at all—she was a deep sleeper.

When you gently removed your arm from Hinatsuru's grasp and began to rise from the bed, her hand, still half-asleep, caught the fabric of your clothes, preventing your escape.

"(Y/N)...? Where are you going?" Hinatsuru sleepily mumbled, scratching her neck as she yawned.

You tried to think of a reasonable explanation. "Me? I'm... uh... I'm going to the bathroom. I need to pee." You whispered.

"Oh." She responded with a hint of understanding before flashing you her typical gentle smile that never failed to make your heart skip a beat. "Okay. Come back soon." She released your clothes and settled back into sleep.

With a sense of relief, you tiptoed out of the room, doing your best not to wake anyone else.

Once you were out in the corridor, you wandered aimlessly through the Butterfly Mansion. You didn't have a specific destination in mind—in fact, you weren't even sure why you had left your room. You just felt down and lost with no clear idea of what to do next.

Unexpectedly, you stumbled upon one of the many rooms in the mansion, and it piqued your curiosity. You gently pushed the door open and entered. The sight inside filled you with melancholy. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke lay in their respective beds, still comatose. You sighed and quietly closed the door behind you.

'Dammit.' You thought, feeling a sense of helplessness. It was late, and you didn't want to disturb anyone else.

...

"Why the long face?"

"...!" You were taken by surprise as a new voice whispered right into your ear. Turning to your side, you saw Uzui. He was the one who had spoken to you. "What are you doing here?" You asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I heard you sneaking out to 'pee,' but I know that's not the case." He replied with a sly grin.

"Wow, what a creep." You teased.

"Haha, so funny." Uzui replied, giving your cheek a playful tug. But you remained unresponsive. "Hey. What's wrong? You're acting lame."

"I wish I could know." You grumbled, crossing your arms. "I just feel like shit."

"Oh, shit... wanna talk about it?" Uzui offered, his tone softening with concern. You didn't respond, making him trying to come up with a solution. "If you want to rant, why not do it with Dodo? He's a crow. He can't judge you."

"...Dodo is sleeping. I don't wanna bother him..." You whined, rolling your eyes.

Uzui furrowed his brow, clearly concerned about your well-being. "Well, maybe I can help with that." He mused, his mind already racing for a solution.

"How?" You tilted your head.

He let out a hearty laugh as he extended his hand toward you. "Come on, (Y/N), trust me." He said with a mischievous smirk.

You couldn't help but ask. "Trust you with what?"

Uzui's smirk only grew wider. "Just trust me." He urged, his hand still outstretched. "I don't bite."

"..." You hesitated for a moment, unsure of what he had in mind, but the genuine concern in his eyes reassured you. With a sigh, you placed your hand in his, waiting to see what he had in store.

"Thank you, doll face." He said, leading you through the quiet hallways of the mansion. You two walked in silence, and you couldn't help but wonder what Uzui was planning.

"Why is it taking so long? My legs hurt."

"Stop bitching. We're almost there."

Finally, you arrived at a room you had never seen before. Uzui shot you a sly grin before swinging the door open. To your surprise, it revealed a balcony. The sight was breathtaking. Butterflies were flying around. Though it was dark, the lights from a nearby city illuminated the small place, casting a warm, gentle glow over the surroundings.

"...!" You gasped at the beautiful view, taking in the twinkling city lights and the tranquil atmosphere. "Wow, this is incredible." You murmured, captivated by the serene scene.

Uzui chuckled, clearly pleased with your reaction. "I knew you'd like it." He said, patting your shoulder. "Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to clear your mind. I found this place by accident while exploring."

"A change of scenery, huh..." You murmured, your eyes tracing the sight below with a sense of tranquility. Uzui took a step closer, positioning himself by your side, and the two of you fell into a comfortable silence, sharing a simple yet peaceful moment.

You allowed your gaze to wander over the darkened landscape, admiring the distant trees and the lights of the city. Your eyes eventually settled on the man besides you. You couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind.

Out of nowhere, he broke the silence. "So?"

You turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "So what?"

"Aren't you going to talk?" He inquired, not meeting your gaze as he spoke.

You hesitated, not wanting to intrude on his peace. "Oh. I'm not sure. I don't want to bother you."

Uzui's reaction made it clear that he found your concern amusing. "Bother me?" He chuckled as if you had said something absurd. "You're not a bother."

Your lips curled into a warm smile. "That's a nice thing to say. Thank you."

...

"I'm still waiting."

"..."

"Girl—" Uzui wouldn't let it go, though. He nudged you gently and insisted. "Come on, (Y/N). What's been bothering you?"

"...ughhh..." You sighed uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his curiosity and concern. His persistence was tough to resist, and you found yourself giving in. "Alright." You began, your voice hesitant. "It's just... I've been having trouble sleeping lately. I thought it was getting better, but tonight it hit me again, and I didn't want to keep anyone awake, so... I left the room."

Uzui's concern was unwavering as he probed further. "Is there something in particular that's been keeping you up at night?"

You hesitated, debating whether to share your burdens with him. You finally decided to open up, though you kept your words vague. "It's... nothing, really. I just had a dream about my dead mother, and it's been bothering me. I can't quite figure out what it means."

Uzui nodded sympathetically. "Dreams can be pretty strange sometimes. But I think it's more than just that, isn't it?"

You glanced away, struggling to put your feelings into words. "There are other things on my mind too, but I can't really pinpoint what's causing me this restlessness." With other things, you meant your plan to save everyone and to make things better on this world.

Uzui pressed further, genuinely concerned. "Is it something related to Rengoku? Like maybe that conversation we had in the kitchen earlier?"

You shrugged your shoulders helplessly. "I don't even know, Uzui. I wish I could give you a clear answer, but I'm just... lost."

...

Uzui fell into a contemplative silence, seeming to mull over your response. You shifted uncomfortably, feeling a bit exposed as you grappled with your thoughts and emotions.

Suddenly, he nonchalantly called your name, breaking your reverie. You turned to him in surprise, taken aback by the change in his tone.

"(Y/N)," He said, his voice sincere and warm. "You know what? You're cool."

...

?

Your brows furrowed, and an involuntary "Huh?" Slipped from your lips.

He chuckled and continued. "I mean it. You're not just cool, you're kind, pretty, and awesome. What really stands out about you is that you're always thinking of others. You go to great lengths to make sure they're okay, but you often forget to do the same for yourself."

"..." You were utterly surprised by his compliments, your heart swelling with appreciation but also with a hint of embarrassment.

He smiled at you, his eyes filled with genuine admiration. "That's just something I've noticed about you every time we've interacted. You've got a big heart, and it's nice that you care for others but you should never forget to take care of yourself as well."

"..." You were completely dumbfounded, not knowing how to respond to Uzui's heartfelt observations. Has he really been observing you that closely? It was both flattering and slightly self-conscious. You questioned if you were just terrible at hiding your problems or if he had an uncanny ability to perceive them. You couldn't say for sure. However, before you could formulate a response, he continued.

"Also," He began, his eyes filled with sincerity. "There's something about you that makes me feel like I can say anything, and you'd understand." Uzui's smile was a mix of bashfulness, as he wasn't accustomed to expressing his emotions so openly, and deep gratitude. In that moment, you found it hard to look away from how radiant he appeared. "Though, sometimes I get the sense that you're holding back. Is that the right way to put it? Ah, I got it... It seems like you have so much to say that you end up saying nothing at all. That must be quite shit, isn't it?"

"..."

"I worry about you just as much as you worry about everybody else."

You didn't respond verbally—you just bit your lip and considered his words. He was eerily perceptive, seeing past your facade and into the depths of your concerns. It was true that you often hesitated to open up about your feelings, and you weren't entirely sure why.

Perhaps it was because you weren't accustomed to expressing your inner turmoil, or maybe you feared burdening others with your problems (not to mention the fact that they were fictional characters while you were a real person).

You often wondered if you were being intrusive or if you were truly helping when you knew so much about everyone but couldn't always provide the solutions. The weight of not knowing how to save them, especially when you felt like you could lose them at any moment, was overwhelming.

It reminded you of the time you lost your mother, and you were scared of reliving that kind of loss.

Was your dream about your mother a reflection of that fear? It seemed to hold some cryptic message you couldn't decipher. Maybe you were afraid of not being able to save those you cared about, and it kept you up at night. You worried that you might fail, just as you had failed to save your mom.

The burden you had placed on yourself to protect those around you was the only thing that kept you going, even if you didn't fully understand why. You questioned why you cared so much when the past was unchangeable. Did you work tirelessly because your presence had the power to make things better, and you believed you could create a happier future?

Were you pushing yourself to the limit because, in your own reality, there was no one waiting for you at home?

That thought lingered in the back of your mind, along with the constant question of what would happen to you once this extraordinary journey came to an end. The world you had fallen into, with all its beloved characters, had become your new reality, and the conclusion was drawing nearer every day.

What would become of you when that day arrived?

...

As you stood on that balcony, gazing into the city lights, your thoughts raced. The questions kept swirling in your mind, threatening to drown out your peace of mind.

Would you return to your reality? Would you stay here, in this world that had become more real to you with every passing day? What was going to happen in the end?

Perhaps that uncertainty had affected your response to Rengoku and Daki's confessions. You didn't know how everything would conclude, and that made it difficult for you to give them a definitive answer. But it wasn't just the fear of the unknown that weighed on your heart.

Despite all the moments and closeness you had shared with the characters, you still felt like an outsider, like someone who didn't truly belong. You couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness when it came to any attraction or positive feelings directed toward you. It didn't matter how many cherished memories you created;

you felt like a foreign entity in this world.

You found it hard to focus on anything else but your mission—the mission you had undertaken upon arriving in this world—the mission to change the fate of Kimetsu no Yaiba. The goal was to save them all, to ensure that no one had to suffer or die. You were determined to achieve a happy ending, but it left little room for personal desires or relationships.

So, why...?

Why did you yearn for more? Why did you seek to create more memories and experiences when you already had countless cherished ones? It felt almost wrong and selfish coming from you. You believed that, compared to the characters you had grown to love, you didn't matter at all. Your presence was to serve a greater purpose.

What you couldn't seem to grasp, though, was that your perspective was entirely different from how the characters saw you. To them, you meant far more than you realized. (But that's a topic for another moment.)

...

"...You're right, Uzui." You suddenly responded, catching him off guard. Up until that point, you had been silent, your thoughts weighed heavily on your mind as you watched him play with the butterflies around.

"About what exactly?" Uzui inquired, his curiosity piqued, leaving the butterflies alone and putting all his attention on you.

"I do often forget to take care of myself." Your voice took on a different tone, monotone with a hint of melancholy. "I don't do it on purpose though. I've always been like this."

"..." Uzui remained silent, allowing this rare moment of you opening up to continue.

"It's dumb." You continued, talking more to yourself than to him. "Everything is dumb. It's so dumb to think about it. I don't even know what's specifically dumb, but everything just feels so... dumb. It's either funny or makes me realize I shouldn't worry so much, yet I still do."

...

And then, you shared something deeper. "... I miss my mom." You murmured, your hands covering your face. "I miss her... so much."

"But she's gone. Forever." You went on, your voice filled with sorrow. "That's something I'll never be able to change. No matter how many charac—people I save, no matter how many good things I do, she'll be gone forever. I think I like saving or helping others because I couldn't help her. That's so dumb. Years have passed, and I still feel the same. Everything is so stressing. I don't know what the future holds, and that terrifies me. It's scary to think that I might not succeed in what I want to do."

...

Silence continued to envelop you, a sense of unease gripping you. You were tempted to lay bare all your feelings, yet you couldn't bring yourself to do it. Had it always been this challenging to express yourself?

Uzui tilted his head slowly, his gaze unwavering and calm, washing away some of your stress with its gentle steadiness.

"The things we did and the things that happened are already done. They belong to the past, and we can't change that." Uzui spoke in a deep, contemplative tone. Perhaps he empathized with your situation due to his own life experiences. "It's sad, of course, and I won't deny that, but..."

"But?" You inquired, curious about what he was about to say.

He smiled, and his gentle smile felt like a balm to your worried soul. It was the kind of smile that could bring tears to your eyes if you looked at it for too long. "But no matter what, the things you did and the people you love will always exist in some variance of time... those memories, moments, and experiences—those are things you will never be able to lose."

"..."

"I find that very soothing," He continued. "Don't you think so?"

You felt your eyes getting teary. Why was Uzui so good at comforting you? "...I hate you."

"Wow, why the sudden hate?" He asked, teasing you a bit.

"You made me open up about myself and made me emotional." You groaned. "Not everyone can do it... I think."

"That's what happens when you hang out with someone obviously much more mature." He smirked to himself. "You're always hanging around those boys. They are not real flashy men like me, you know?"

"Pff—" You chuckled at his statement. Why was he even comparing himself with Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu? You had a subtle smile but still felt a bit down.

...

Seeing your state, Uzui shook his head, giving you the most gentle smile and the most gentle voice you've ever witnessed. "(Y/N), it's okay. You don't need to push yourself all the time. I don't know your full story, and I won't pry, of course. But I do know that you need to rely on others once in a while. However, I can see you... and I doubt anything can drag you down anyway."

"..." Your cheeks grew warm at his final compliment, causing you to bashfully avert your eyes. It was only when you heard Uzui sigh that you met his eyes again. You noticed him slowly opening his arms until they were fully extended, facing you completely, relaxed, and inviting you in.

You couldn't help but notice how his own cheeks had taken on a faint blush, even in the dimly lit place. Why were his cheeks reddening?

"I might not be able to provide a perfect solution because I don't know what's going on in your head, and I don't want to assume anything. But... hugs can help, right?"

Uzui knew he couldn't solve all your problems with a few well-chosen words, but he hoped that by offering you his support, he could help you feel at ease in his presence and see him as someone you could comfortably confide in, should you choose to. There would be no pressure from him.

You were silent and averted your gaze away for a moment. You seemed to be contemplating something, eyebrows knitted together slightly in conflict. "I—I don't know if I should..."

"Oh, come on!" He muttered. "You're always hugging others. Isn't it time someone hugs YOU?"

"..." Your bright expression fell as you gazed at him. Then, you turned to him and smiled softly before suddenly accepting his embrace. Even if you threw yourself at him, he was so strong and tall that he didn't even budge or waver. You were hesitant to wrap your arms around him fully at first, but he quickly encircled his arms around you, and you found the confidence to properly hug him.

No one said anything. Uzui hoped that his gesture, even though it was a small one, could bring you some comfort.

"... Thank you," you mumbled shyly, your voice quivering, speaking quietly and vulnerably, unlike anything you had ever shown before. Uzui hugged you tighter. "I really appreciate it."

"Yeah, yeah," He laughed. "Hugs are good, I know. Do you feel better now?"

"Of course!" You beamed.

"Then we can stay like this for a few more minutes." Though you couldn't see him, Uzui's cheeks were unusually pink and bright. He felt you nod and he smiled in relief. Even if he wasn't able to help you with your problems, maybe the best thing he could do was be there for you at the right time and provide support.

"He, hahaha!" You laughed.

"Hey, what are you laughing about?" He asked, curious of what could have gotten such a reaction out of you.

You raised your head to look at you—he did the opposite, lowering his head at you to make eye contact. Your cheeks were a bit flustered. "I didn't expect to be hugging the magnificent Lord Uzui in the middle of the night!"

"Better savor this moment. Never know if it'll happen again."

"Hahaha! That's so cliché!"

...

Uzui's eyes lingered on you. You looked precious, and your laugh sounded so magical. He lazily looked at your face, and without even noticing, voiced his thoughts out loud. "Is this the reason why Rengoku rants so much about wanting to kiss you...?"

"Eh?" You said, shocked. "What did you say?"

"Oh shit," Uzui cursed, feeling embarrassed. "I said nothing."

"Kiss? Me?! That's ridiculous!"

"So you did hear me!" He yelled at you softly.

"Nobody would ever be able to kiss me! Hahaha! That's so... stupid..." You stopped talking as you remembered how you literally kissed with Daki a few days ago and how Rengoku has tried kissing you multiple times in the past.

But the thing that surprised you the most wasn't that.

"And what makes you think I wouldn't be able to?" Uzui said with a straight face, looking right into your eyes. You wondered if you had heard him wrong. That's what you thought, but your face couldn't help but go red involuntarily.

Uzui must've realized this as he finally and abruptly let you go from the hug—his face completely flushed.

"Okay! This w-was such a fluffy moment, but I'll get going!!" He laughed awkwardly. You were shocked. Was the UZUI TENGEN really acting embarrassed?!

"Uh well, I'll stay outside for a few more minutes." You said, not feeling quite ready to go back to sleep.

"...alright then. Don't stress so much," He smiled and patted your head before slowly walking away. "Don't stay out for too long... me and wives... miss you. Good night." With that, he was gone from your sight, leaving you all alone on the balcony.

"...he's so cute." You murmured to yourself, amused by seeing this side of him. You looked outside once more, closing your eyes a little to relax. You opened them once again and prepared yourself to leave.

That was until,

"Meow!"

You quickly turned around, and oh my god, you couldn't believe your own eyes. "CHACHAMARU?!"

"Meow!" The mix-colored cat only got closer to you.

"BABYY! AWWW! YOU'RE WAITING FOR TANJIRO TO WAKE UP, RIGHT?!" As soon as you said that, the cat nodded, rubbing themselves on your leg.

"Oh god, oh god! Chachamaru! I'm your biggest fan! You're the best character of Kimetsu no Yaiba! I'm your number one admirer!" You squealed, petting them.

"Meow!" They purred, liking the attention and pets you gave them.

"Awww! I love you so much!" You grabbed them by the belly and held them in your arms, hugging their figure. "Who's the cutest cat~? Who's the cutest cat~?" You were so busy singing to Chachamaru that you didn't notice how the surroundings around you started to change, especially yourself. You failed to see how everything was vanishing.

And in a matter of seconds, you and Chachamaru had both disappeared from the balcony.

———————————————————————

"...eh?"

*SHATTER*

"...!" The impact of a crystal object falling and breaking was the only sound, aside from Tamayo's gasp, that echoed across the room.

"...meowww." Chachamaru meowed once again before jumping away from your arms and walked back to their owner.

"..."

"..."

The broken object lay in pieces on the floor, glittering like shards of confusion and surprise—not before a sense of unease crept into the room.

The two women—You and Tamayo—were too stunned to speak.