67
(Longest chapter I've written so far! Hope y'all enjoy it :D)
Just as the door clicked shut behind Obanai…
It swung open again almost dramatically this time and there he was.
Kyojuro Rengoku.
Bright-eyed, loud-voiced, and practically glowing even with bandages wrapped around his torso.
"Y/N!" His voice boomed, somehow both warm and intense at the same time. "I came as soon as I heard you were awake!"
You blinked.
"...Y'all need to start knocking."
He laughed—full-hearted and unapologetic—as he strode in with the confidence of someone who absolutely did not care for hospital protocols. He stopped at your bedside, eyes scanning over your wounds with visible concern.
"You fought bravely. I heard everything. You were incredible."
You gave him a tired look. "I also almost died. That part kinda sucked."
"Haha! Yes! But you did not!" he said, like that was the best punchline in the world.
You squinted. "Are you always this loud, or is it just around me?"
Rengoku beamed. "It is always! But I must admit…" His voice softened just a bit. "...I was worried about you."
You paused. That caught you off guard. Not the volume. Not the dramatics. But that.
"...Damn. You too?"
He pulled a neatly-wrapped paper box from his haori and held it out to you.
"I brought you sakuramochi from the Capital! I remember you liked it."
You stared at the box for a second. Then looked back up at him. "...Okay. That’s actually really sweet."
"I am glad!" he said with another bright grin
The room had gone quiet again. Not awkward—just still. The kind of stillness that wrapped around you like a blanket, heavy but comforting.
Your fingers curled a little more tightly around his. He didn’t flinch. Didn’t tease. Just held on like he meant it.
Kyojuro’s gaze lingered on you, soft and steady, a slow-burning flame rather than his usual wildfire. “You’ve always been strong,” he murmured. “But tonight… I realized how much I didn’t want to lose you.”
You blinked. “…You saying that like I’m not the chaotic one who tripped over a rock mid-battle and swore at a demon.”
He chuckled low in his throat. “Even so. You are radiant.”
“…You trying to get kissed or something?” you mumbled, your heart racing and your face suddenly hot.
He leaned forward, golden eyes flickering. “Should I be?”
You stared.
And then, wordlessly, you reached up—fingers brushing lightly across his cheek, careful of the healing cut—and leaned in.
His hand cupped the side of your face, thumb grazing your cheekbone.
Just as your lips were about to touch—
The door creaked open slightly.
A shadow crossed the floor, and a familiar, deep voice froze the moment in its tracks.
“…Y/N?”
You and Kyojuro froze, still leaning close. Your breath caught in your throat. Kyojuro’s golden eyes narrowed slightly as they shifted toward the door.
Giyuu Tomioka stood there, unmoving, the crack of light from the hallway cutting across his dark haori. His hand rested on the sliding door, his expression unreadable except for the slight widening of his eyes. Shock. Hesitation. Something deeper beneath, flickering and quick.
Kyojuro pulled back immediately, but not without a shift in his smile. It curled sharper, more dangerous, the way a lion’s might when interrupted at its kill.
"Tomioka," he said, voice still bright, but the edge was unmistakable. “What are you doing here?”
You sat up straighter, face flushed—not from embarrassment, but the sheer awkwardness radiating off every wall. You didn’t even get to breathe before blurting out,
“GIYUUUU!!”
Not loud, but definitely distressed. You gave him a wide-eyed look like, Really? You had to show up now?
Giyuu’s gaze darted from you to Kyojuro, then quickly back to you. Something flickered across his face—subtle, but there. His jaw tightened ever so slightly. His shoulders stiffened. But his voice came out even.
“I… I came to visit Y/N.”
Kyojuro stood tall, casting a glance back at you that lingered longer than it should have, as if trying to read your expression. But whatever he saw made him turn away with a gentle sigh.
“Very well,” he said softly, before walking toward the door. “Take care of her.”
He passed Giyuu without looking at him again.
Once the door closed, silence took over.
You exhaled sharply and dropped your head back against the pillow. “Seriously. Worst timing ever.”
Giyuu didn’t move at first. He just stood there, expression blank, as if he wasn’t sure what to do now that he was alone with you.
You glanced at him. “Are you just gonna stand there?”
“…No.”
He finally walked toward the bed, not too close, but close enough to look at you clearly.
“I missed you,” he said softly.
The words hung in the air like something forbidden—something he wasn’t even sure why he said. His voice was low and flat like always, but there was tension beneath it. Something unspoken.
You tilted your head slightly, studying him. His eyes didn’t meet yours for long. They shifted away quickly, as if the honesty made him uncomfortable.
“...Oh.” You blinked. “Well, I’m not dead, so that’s a start.”
He glanced at you from the corner of his eye. “You almost were.”
You smirked, playful again. “Is that… worry I hear?”
He didn’t answer. Didn’t deny it either.
You sat up a little more, resting your arms around your legs. “I didn’t kiss Kyojuro, by the way.”
His head turned.
You continued, “He leaned in. I let him. But I didn’t feel anything.”
Another pause.
Giyuu looked at you now, quietly.
You added with a shrug, “He’s warm. He’s kind.”
That made him shift. Just slightly.
“…I don’t know what to do with that,” he said honestly.
You smiled softly. “You don’t have to.”
"I was thinking..." he mumbled, eyes glued to his shoes, "...maybe you'd wanna hang out again? Like last time. I really liked it."
You blinked, heart doing that annoying skip thing.
𝘏𝘌 𝘓𝘖𝘖𝘒𝘚 𝘚𝘖 𝘊𝘜𝘛𝘌—
His ears were red. Why was that kind of adorable?
"I WOULD LOVE TO!!" you blurted, basically bouncing.
"I really enjoyed it too!! Especially the food—chef’s kiss!" you added, dramatically smacking your fingers like a food critic on caffeine.
He gave a soft, barely-there smile, but you caught it.
“Glad to know,” he muttered, voice quiet but not that quiet.
You both stood there for a second. The kind of silence that felt like it was trying to say something but was too shy to get the words out.
Before either of you could say anything more, the door slammed open like it owed someone money.
“Y/NNNNNN!!” Zenitsu wailed dramatically, tears already welling up in his eyes. “I’M GOING ON A MISSION THEY FORCED ME TO GO TO—AGAINST MY WILL, MIND YOU!!”
You blinked. “...It’s literally your job—”
“I WANTED TO HUG YOU BEFORE I LEFT,” he continued, full drama mode, ignoring your logic entirely.
Before you could brace yourself, he launched at you like a golden missile of chaos, wrapping his arms around you and clinging like a human koala. Your feet almost left the ground.
“ZENITSU—WHAT—BRO—”
Behind him, Giyuu was visibly tense, jaw tight as he narrowed his eyes.
“Get off her.”
The words came out low and clipped, like he was barely holding himself back.
Zenitsu froze mid-cling. Slowly, he peeked over your shoulder and saw the deadpan wrath of one very emotionally constipated Water Hashira staring him down.
“U-uh... I-I was just being friendly!! Like a goodbye hug!!!”
He let go a little too fast and straightened his haori like nothing happened. “Y/N-chan smells nice anyway!!”
You gave him a look. “Zenitsu. Go do your job.”
“YES MA’AM!!” He squeaked before dramatically sprinting out the door like he was escaping death.
Silence fell again. You turned to Giyuu. His expression hadn't changed much, but there was something off in the air. His gaze lingered on the door Zenitsu had bolted through. Then it dropped back to you.
"...Do you let everyone hug you like that?"
"Depends" You replied casually.
After Giyuu left, a strange silence filled the room. You sat there for a moment, staring at the door, your chest still heavy with everything left unsaid. Aoi peeked in shortly after, holding a tray with fresh bandages and tea.
"Y/N, do you want me to let anyone else in? You’ve had a lot of visitors today—"
You cut her off gently, voice softer than usual. "No more, Aoi. Not tonight. I just... I need to rest."
She blinked, then gave a small nod. “Alright. I’ll let the others know.”
Just as she turned to leave, you hesitated. "...Except Tanjiro. If he comes, you can let him in."
Aoi gave you a knowing look, almost like she understood why. “Okay. Just him.”
About twenty minutes passed, quiet and still, before you heard a familiar knock. A second later, Tanjiro slid the door open with his usual soft smile. His haori swayed a little behind him as he stepped inside.
“Hey,” he greeted gently, his voice calm like it always was around you. “Aoi said I could come in.”
You gave a tired smile, patting the space beside you. “You’re lucky I like you.”
He laughed as he sat down on your bed, careful not to bump into the healing bruises on your side. As he settled in, he gave you a sheepish look, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.
You raised a brow, already knowing where this was going. “Still waiting for your sword?”
Tanjiro blinked, surprised. “Oh! How do you know?”
You smirked. “The birds told me.”
He stared at you for a second before he got it, then laughed, covering his face slightly with his hand. “Right. Of course they did.”
You leaned back against your pillows, letting your head tilt toward him as your grin widened. “I guess that swordsmith isn’t giving it to you anytime soon, huh? I mean, you did break it... again.”
You chuckled at your own words, watching Tanjiro slump slightly in defeat.
“I didn’t mean to!” he said, flustered. “It was during a life or death situation!”
“Uh huh,” you nodded mockingly. “That poor man is probably sharpening a boulder to throw at you right now.”
Tanjiro groaned into his hands. “Why does everyone say that?!”
You giggled, a sound that made him smile despite the teasing. There was something so comforting about having him there—his presence always felt warm, like sunlight through the trees.
He looked at you after a moment of quiet. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
You met his eyes and smiled softly, “Yeah. Me too.”
“So… how’ve you been?” Tanjiro asked, tilting his head a little as he looked at you.
You beamed. “I’ve been good, cutie! And you? How’s Nezuko doing?”
“We’re both doing great!” he smiled, eyes crinkling with that warmth only Tanjiro could pull off.
You stared at him for a second, suddenly pouting. “You know… I realized something tragic.”
“Huh? What is it?” he blinked.
“I haven’t spent a single real moment with you lately!”
“E-Eh? What do you mean?” he blinked, cheeks going pink as he smiled sheepishly.
“I mean, you and I haven’t hung out properly in ages! Unless we’re almost dying on missions together, it’s like—poof, no Tanjiro time.”
He laughed a little and looked down, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve. “Actually… you’re right. You were always busy with the others and stuff, and… well, I thought maybe you didn’t really want to hang out with… me.”
He mumbled that last part, but you caught it instantly. Without hesitation, you reached out and smacked the back of his head—lightly, of course.
“Excuse me?! How dare you think that??” you gasped dramatically. “Of course I wanna hang out with you! That’s exactly why we’re spending more time together while I’m healing!”
Tanjiro rubbed the back of his head, laughing nervously. “Sorry! I just didn’t wanna bother you…”
“Tanjiro,” you said, turning your whole body to face him despite the soreness. “You are never a bother. In fact, you’re one of the only people I actually like being around.”
He blinked again, blush deepening. “Really?”
“Duh,” you said, booping his nose. “You’re sweet, you smell like forest and sunshine, and you give really good hugs. That’s a rare combo.”
“Y-Y/N…” he muttered, clearly flustered beyond help.
You giggled, pleased with yourself. “Alright, Forest Boy. From now on, every day you’re not on a mission, you’re coming here and we’re hanging out. That’s an order.”
“Y-Yes, ma’am,” he nodded quickly, still red in the face.
“And bring snacks next time,” you added, smirking. “I’m craving dango.”
He laughed again, the tension melting. “You got it.”
Just then, Nezuko peeked in through the door, her box open and her head tilted adorably.
“Nezuko!” you waved her over with a grin. “Perfect timing! Come here, sweetheart.”
Tanjiro watched as Nezuko crawled up beside you and snuggled into your side, clearly content.
He looked at the sight in front of him, eyes softening. His little sister was curled up beside you, cuddled close like a sleepy kitten, and you were practically glowing.
“Awww, you’re so cute, Nezuko!!” you fangirled, gently squishing her cheeks. “You’re like a lil’ mochi angel!”
Nezuko let out a soft, happy hum, her pink eyes fluttering closed as she nuzzled closer into your side.
Tanjiro laughed quietly, heart warm. “She really likes you…”
You turned your head to him, eyes wide and playful. “Likes me? Tanjiro, your sister is obsessed with me. I’ve officially stolen her.”
Tanjiro rubbed the back of his neck, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. “I guess I’ve been replaced…”
You smirked. “Don’t be sad, sunshine. You can win me back.”
“Oh?” he blinked, surprised.
“Yeah,” you nodded, dramatically serious. “Bring me snacks. Dango. Something sweet. And maybe I’ll reconsider.”
Tanjiro grinned. “I’ll bring the best dango I can find. That’s a promise.”
Nezuko sleepily reached up and patted your face, as if agreeing. You giggled and kissed the top of her head.
“You’re so spoiled, Nezuko-chan… I’m gonna turn you into a cuddle monster.”
Tanjiro leaned in a bit, his smile softening. “I’m glad she has you.”
You paused. “That sounded kinda romantic, Tanjiro.”
He flushed. “I-I didn’t mean it like that! I mean—I did—but not in a weird way! I just—!”
You laughed, your chest aching a bit from the motion but not enough to stop. “Relax, Forest Boy. I knew what you meant.”
He sighed in relief, still red. “Good…”
You smiled softly, looking between the two Kamado siblings. “You two are the best thing that’s happened to me here.”
Tanjiro looked down, his expression tender and warm. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to us too.”
And with that, the room fell into a quiet calm. Nezuko nestled closer, Tanjiro stayed at your side, and for once, your body wasn’t the only thing healing ,your heart was too.
Nezuko started drifting off to sleep, her tiny fingers still curled around the fabric of your sleeve. You let out a soft yawn, eyes growing heavy.
“Mhm…” you mumbled, barely able to keep them open.
Tanjiro quietly stood, gently trying to lift Nezuko to carry her back to her room—but she clung to you like a sleepy little magnet, refusing to budge.
“I don’t mind,” you whispered, half-asleep. “Let her stay…”
Tanjiro hesitated.
“You can sleep next to me too if you want,” you added drowsily, your voice slow and sweet.
His eyes widened. “N-No!! It’s alright, Y/N! I can—I can just—”
“I insist,” you said, cutting him off before your eyes fluttered closed completely.
Tanjiro stood frozen for a moment, cheeks glowing red. He looked at you—peaceful, soft, your chest rising and falling gently as Nezuko curled into you—and he sighed quietly.
“…Okay,” he said under his breath.
Carefully, he laid down next to you—not too close, but not too far either. Just enough space to be respectful… but still feel near.
He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, heart racing.
“I can’t believe I’m sleeping next to Y/N…” he whispered, smiling to himself.
You let out a quiet breath, still asleep, and unconsciously shifted slightly closer to him. Just a little.
Tanjiro’s breath caught in his throat. His face turned a deeper shade of red.
He slowly turned his head to look at you, then whispered with a soft smile, “Goodnight, Y/N…”
Nezuko let out a tiny snore, and Tanjiro chuckled quietly.
The room was warm, peaceful, and for the first time in a long time…
𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦:
"Where am I?!" you gasped, eyes darting around the glowing, endless field of golden light. The sky above shimmered like water, everything felt weightless—almost too perfect to be real.
“Relax, dear. It’s just me—you’re dreaming,” a familiar voice said smoothly behind you.
You whipped around, sighing in relief. “OH! You could’ve started with that, you dramatic man!”
Yoriichi gave a soft chuckle, lifting a hand to his face. “Yes, yes. My apologies. I forget how easily startled you are.”
You narrowed your eyes. “Says the man who randomly drags me into ethereal dream dimensions at 3 a.m.”
He tilted his head slightly, amused. “You remember what I promised, don’t you?”
Your eyes widened in horror. “Oh hell no… I don’t wanna train! I’m already hurt and sore! I’m LITERALLY unconscious right now!”
Yoriichi gave you a look. Blank. Calm. Unbothered. “This is a dream. You can control the pain. That excuse is invalid.”
You groaned loudly. “Bro.”
His expression didn’t change, but the air shifted just slightly as his gaze grew a little darker.
“Also,” he said casually, stepping closer, “You think I didn’t notice that almost kiss with Kyojuro?”
You froze.
“And how Giyuu asked you out again?” he added.
You blinked. “Wait—”
“And,” he continued, voice soft but sharp, “how Tanjiro, my successor, is currently asleep beside you in bed?”
You held up both hands defensively. “Uhhhh okay, first of all, you still haven’t told me the whole story, so technically it’s not cheating. It’s like… morally gray area flirting.”
His stare deepened.
You fidgeted. “Also… Kyojuro’s face was really close and he smells like cinnamon and honor, what was I supposed to do???”
“I’m aware of how he smells,” Yoriichi muttered, eyes narrowed. “You didn’t pull away.”
“You didn’t give me context!” you argued, pointing at him. “You’re over here being cryptic and ethereal like a poetic fever dream while I’m being emotionally attacked by attractive men in real life!”
He looked heavenward for a long moment, as if praying for patience, then sighed. “You are mine. Whether you remember or not.”
You blinked. “…Okay but like—define ‘mine’ in modern terms, because this is getting confusing.”
“I’ll explain that another day,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair as his gaze lingered on you. “You wouldn’t understand it fully yet, anyway.”
You raised a brow. “Wow. Mysterious and withholding. Classic Yoriichi.”
He ignored your sass entirely and kept going. “You know what… I’ll just train you tomorrow instead.”
Your face lit up instantly. “YOU’RE THE BESTTTT!!”
Before he could react, you leaned forward and pressed a quick, playful kiss to his cheek.
His eyes widened, the tips of his ears instantly turning red. “W-Whatever…”
You grinned up at him, watching him try (and fail) to remain composed.
“Awwww, are you blushing? Don’t tell me mighty Yoriichi is shy.”
He looked away, clearly flustered. “…You should be waking up soon.”
You leaned back with a satisfied smile. “Good. But I’m expecting snacks next time I’m here.”
He gave you one long, unreadable look his usual quiet, intense expression but that faint pink on his cheeks betrayed him.
“…Noted.But this is still a dream”
Time skip
The morning sun poured gently through the thin curtains, casting warm golden light across the room.
Tanjiro stirred first, blinking sleepily as he sat up. For a moment, he was confused by the weight on his arm—until he saw you, curled beside him, peaceful and still fast asleep. And under the thick blanket pulled up to your shoulder, a small lump: Nezuko.
His eyes widened. “Oh—!”
He quickly reached to check the blanket. Nezuko was still tucked in tightly, hidden from the sun. Relief washed over him.
“She’s okay…” he whispered to himself, adjusting the cover just a little to make sure no sunlight peeked in.
You groaned softly beside him, stretching a little. “Mmm… why does my bed feel warmer than usual?”
Tanjiro sat back fast, blushing. “S-Sorry!! I didn’t mean to stay—well, you told me to stay, but I didn’t mean to, y’know—!”
You opened one eye and gave him a sleepy smirk. “Forest Boy, chill. I’m not mad. You didn’t even try to cuddle me in my sleep. I’m kind of disappointed, honestly.”
Tanjiro’s face turned bright red.
“I didn’t know I could cuddle you!!” he chuckled nervously,
You laughed softly, your voice still thick with sleep. “Tanjiro… I literally told you to sleep next to me. That’s basically an open invitation for cuddles.”
“I—I didn’t want to cross a line!” he defended, waving his hands. “You were hurt, and I didn’t want to make things weird!”
You rolled over slightly to face him, resting your head on your arm as your eyes gleamed with mischief. “Tanjiro. You could never make things weird. You’re like… the human version of a cozy campfire. Warm, soft, and comforting.”
His jaw opened slightly, like he didn’t know what to do with that compliment. “Campfire…?”
“Yeah,” you said with a sleepy grin. “And campfires are made for cuddling next to. Simple math.”
Tanjiro opened his mouth to argue—then paused.
“…Wait, that actually kinda makes sense…”
You giggled, then winced slightly as your body reminded you that yes, you were still healing.
Tanjiro immediately leaned in, concern replacing his flustered state. “Are you okay? Did something hurt?”
“I’m fine,” you reassured him softly, reaching out to gently pat his arm. “Just a little sore. I’ll live.”
There was a pause. Quiet. Soft. Comfortable.
Nezuko shifted under the blanket between you both, letting out a small, sleepy sound, her hand brushing against your side.
You smiled and glanced back at Tanjiro.
He laid back down beside you, turning slightly so he could see your face. You were already half-asleep again, features relaxed and peaceful. He smiled to himself, letting his eyes close slowly.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: ZingTruyen.Xyz