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"Ugh... "
You slowly opened your eyes. The last thing you remembered was Muzan dragging you here. Your head spun, but before you could gather your thoughts, you felt someone poking your cheek.
Blinking fully awake, you turned and froze.
"HEY NO-STOP DON'T TOUCH ME!! " you yelled, smacking the hand away.
Douma pulled his hand back with a pout. "Awh!! That hurt, gorgeous!! "
He leaned in again, his eyes sparkling with amusement, but before his hand could reach you again, Akaza grabbed his wrist. "Don't touch her, " he growled lowly, his tone sharp enough to cut through the air.
Douma only grinned wider, ignoring him, his eyes still fixed on you. "So? What's so special about you that Muzan brought you here? "
Your throat went dry. Slowly, you got to your feet, taking small steps backward. "Uhm!-" you started, but another voice cut through.
"Stop... scaring her away. "
You turned your head quickly. Kokushibo stood there, his many eyes gleaming in the dim light, but none of them looked at Akaza or Douma. They were all locked on you.
"You look familiar... " he muttered under his breath. His brows furrowed as if some old memory flickered across his mind. "It can't be... Y/-? "
Your eyes widened slightly, but before he could finish, Douma clapped his hands together loudly, interrupting.
"So?? You must be a demon slayer right? Would you like to join my cu-"
His words were cut short by Akaza, who smacked him so hard his head flew clean off his shoulders.
"Shut your mouth, " Akaza snapped.
Douma's body stumbled a step, then his head quickly regenerated back in place. He pouted again, rubbing his neck. "No fun, Akaza!! I was trying to get to know this beauty!! "
Akaza scoffed, finally turning his head to look straight at you. His eyes narrowed. "Wait... Aren't you... that girl who took the punch? Y-you're alive..? "
A small smirk tugged at your lips. "Hah!! Alive and healthy! Well not exactly healthy but you get me you know?? "
Douma gasped dramatically, clapping his hands like a child. "AAA!! Akaza hit a girl??? " He turned to Akaza with an over-the-top grin. "Damn Akaza congrats for finally-"
He didn’t get to finish. Akaza’s fist smashed into his face again, cracking it apart.
"SHUT UP! " Akaza roared.
The room shook faintly with the weight of his anger.
"Enough. "
Kokushibo’s said,his tone was calm, but it carried a power that silenced them both instantly. Akaza pulled back, fists clenched, Douma just giggled softly, unfazed.
You flinched and shook your head.
"So are we just gonna sit here or-?"
You were cut off by Muzan’s voice echoing through the hall. His presence was heavy, suffocating, and immediately the other Upper Moons fell silent.
"You’re awake" he said, his crimson eyes locked onto you as he stepped closer, his tone calm but laced with danger. "Good."
Douma perked up, grinning. "Ooooh, she’s been awake for a while! And she’s quite lively too"
"Shut your mouth," Muzan snapped without even looking at him, his attention never leaving you.
Your throat went dry, but you forced a smirk. "So… what now? Am I supposed to be honored you dragged me here?"
That earned a low chuckle from Muzan, though there was no warmth in it. "Honored? No. You should be terrified."
Akaza’s jaw tightened, his gaze flicking between you and Muzan, almost as if he was waiting for an excuse to step in. Kokushibo, however, simply observed in silence, though his eyes lingered on you longer than before.
"Why did you bring me here? I didn’t do anything! Except when I trolled you-!"
You were again cut off, Muzan’s voice sharp as a blade.
"You know too much. Who exactly are you? And how did you know my name? And how do you know Yori-"
You threw your hand up, interrupting him this time, a smug grin tugging at your lips.
"Calm down, lil guy-!oh wait, never mind, it’s old guy!" you teased, watching the flicker of annoyance pass through his expression. "First of all, I don’t know you or anyone in here...except that blonde-haired fem boy!! Whom I just met!! And that pink-haired one!!" You jabbed your finger in Douma’s direction, who immediately gasped and clutched his chest dramatically.
"Fem boy...whats that?! Gorgeous, I’ll just take it as a compliment! " Douma giggled, ignoring the death glare Akaza sent his way.
You rolled your eyes and continued. "So, just let me go and I won’t tell anyone…? Deal?"
"No. If you don’t answer, then I’ll just get rid of you" Muzan said coldly, his crimson eyes narrowing into slits. The weight of his gaze pressed down on you like a vice, and for the first time, your confidence wavered.
Your throat went dry. "Uhhm-!"
But before you could stammer something out, Kokushibo’s deep voice broke through the silence.
"Muzan-sama," he said firmly, though his tone was respectful. "How about… we let her rest tonight? It is late for humans, and fatigue will only cloud her mind. If she has time to think, she may decide to answer willingly..rather than risk her life in defiance."
The other Upper Moons glanced between them. Akaza looked conflicted, fists clenched but silent. Douma, of course, smiled like this was all some kind of show.
Muzan didn’t immediately respond. His gaze lingered on you...
Finally, he exhaled through his nose. "Very well," he said in a low, dangerous voice. "One night. But by tomorrow, I expect answers."
He leaned closer, his grip on your chin forcing you to meet his eyes. "If you lie...or waste my time...there won’t be a second chance."
Then, with a flick of his hand, he released you, and the suffocating pressure in the air lightened just a little.
"Take her away to one of you's place for tonight.." Muzan ordered.
"I’ll gladly take her!!" Douma chimed, clasping his hands together with a grin that was far too wide.
Akaza immediately stepped forward, his voice sharp. "I will!!" He glared at Douma, his jaw tight. "You’ll probably eat her…" he scoffed, crossing his arms.
While the two bickered, their voices rising like children fighting over a toy, you quietly slipped past them, your steps light. By the time they turned to check, you were already walking beside Kokushibo. His tall figure moved silently, his six eyes never once looking at them only fixed ahead, as though their chaos didn’t exist.
"HEY!! NOT FAIR!!! " Douma shouted, stomping his foot like a spoiled brat.
Akaza growled. "Tch. Figures…"
But Kokushibo remained calm, his voice deep and steady as he spoke without turning his head. "She is under my watch tonight. Do not interfere."
"Mhm, why do you live in this house?? It's so old!! " you said, trailing behind Kokushibo as he walked through the dim hallway. The floorboards creaked under your weight and the faint smell of dust and incense filled the air.
"This is a human I killed's house" he said calmly, his voice steady as ever. You froze for a second, gulping hard.
"A-alright…?" you muttered, your fingers gripping the hem of your shirt nervously.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he stopped in front of a shoji door and pushed it open smoothly. The soft paper slid aside, revealing a small, simple room with a futon laid out neatly on the floor. The moonlight filtering through the window made the room glow faintly.
"Where you'll be sleeping tonight… Douma will probably take you to his mansion tomorrow since Muzan is too busy to deal with you" he said, not looking at you, his six eyes scanning the room instead.
You scoffed, flopping onto the futon and crossing your arms. "Ugh… How can you stand him?? He's such a b-!"
"Enough" he cut you off sharply, and you froze mid-sentence, glaring at him but deciding not to argue.
He finally turned slightly, his gaze locking onto you. "So? Who even are you?? What's your name?? Where are you from?? And why do you look so familiar?? "
Your eyes widened and you sat up a little straighter, holding your hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright… calm down with the questions!! And I'm not telling you my name!! Since your 'master' can hear our-!uhm… must be the wind that said that!! " you laughed nervously, trying to keep your voice light.
Kokushibo’s eyes widened slightly, his rare expression of surprise noticeable even with his calm demeanor. "How do you know he can do that?? What are you?? "
You leaned back on the futon, trying to play it cool, even though your heart was racing. "Pfft… I’m just… a regular human, I guess!! Nothing too special, really. I just… notice things, okay??" You shrugged, giving him a small, cheeky smile.
He studied you for a long moment, silent and still, the way he always did. You felt the tension in the room grow heavier, but instead of getting scared, you tilted your head and added, "And uh… you’re kinda… intense?? But also… quiet in a cool way?? Like, you don’t need to shout to be scary… you just… are."
Kokushibo blinked slowly at that, the smallest hint of a blush dusting his cheeks, though it was subtle and easy to miss. He looked away, back toward the window, silent for a moment.
You noticed the shift and grinned a little, your voice softening. "I mean… not that you’re scary in a bad way!! Just like you’re scary but cool!! I don’t know how to explain it, really…"
Kokushibo finally spoke, his voice quieter now, but still strong. "You… notice a lot. And you… speak freely… even in front of… him." He glanced toward the ceiling briefly, then back at you. "That… is unusual.Also… don't worry, he won't listen. He's too busy searching for a certain something…" He said calmly, his dark eyes fixed on the floor as if nothing could rattle him.
"O-oh… okay!!" you said, a little flustered but trying to stay cheerful. "My name is Y/n L/n!! I'm a demon slayer-!well, not exactly, since I didn’t try for the exam, but I still… you get it??" You waved your hands awkwardly, smiling nervously.
"Y/n… you remind me of someone…" he said, his voice low and eyes softening as he looked at you.
You tilted your head, curious, blinking up at him. "Who?"
He hesitated, just for a moment, then shook his head slightly. "None of your business. I'm going to search for food. Go to sleep."
You blinked, a little disappointed but hiding it behind your usual grin. "Pfft… alright!! I guess I’ll try… but seriously!! You’re not giving me any hints??"
He gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh, turning away. "No hints. Just sleep. It will do you good."
You laughed quietly, settling onto the futon "Pfft… fine fine!! But just so you know… I’ll probably remember that later!!"
Kokushibo’s eyes lingered on you for a moment, the soft moonlight catching the sharp lines of his face, before he quietly left the room to hunt.
𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕜𝕚𝕡...
You woke up to the sound of someone shaking your shoulder lightly. You groaned, blinking against the dim light of the room.
"Wake… up," a calm but firm voice said.
You squinted and saw Kokushibo standing over you, his dark eyes almost unreadable in the soft morning light. "I need you to close the windows and doors," he added, gesturing toward the shoji doors that were slightly open, letting the weak morning sun peek in.
"Pfft- why? Couldn’t you do it yourself?" you mumbled, sitting up slowly and rubbing your eyes.
"Are you dumb?" he said, his voice low but sharp. "I’ll burn if sunlight touches me."
You blinked at him, then smirked. "Ohhh, I see… so I’m your human shield now? Cool cool!! "
Kokushibo’s expression didn’t change. "It is not a joke. Move before the sun rises higher."
You sighed, swinging your legs over the futon. "Fine fine… no need to glare at me like that!! "
You got up, stretching exaggeratedly to annoy him. "Ugh… mornings are the worst… especially when someone drags me out of bed to do chores!! "
"Chores?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. "Closing doors and windows is not a chore."
"Pfft… it feels like one though!!" You muttered, walking over to the nearest window. You gently pushed it closed, listening to the soft click. "There… see? Done one!! "
Kokushibo watched silently, his eyes narrowing just a fraction. "Slow. Do not damage the frame. Be careful."
You rolled your eyes playfully. "Yeah yeah… I know!! Don’t treat me like a baby!! "
He didn’t answer, just stood there, arms crossed. You could feel his eyes on you, calm but almost… intense. You couldn’t help but notice the way the sunlight hit his hair, the dark streaks almost glowing in contrast.
"Pfft… seriously… do you ever relax? Or is being serious just your thing all day every day?" you asked, closing the next window.
Kokushibo’s lips twitched slightly, like he was trying not to smirk. "Being serious is necessary. You should understand that by now."
You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Yeah yeah… sure… I get it. But c’mon, even you gotta enjoy life sometimes!! "
He tilted his head again, watching you. "And what would you suggest as enjoyment?"
You paused, thinking for a moment. "Hmm… hmm… maybe eating pancakes… really big, buttery pancakes… or… uh… napping in the sun… not for you though, obviously…"
He raised an eyebrow, and you immediately realized how dumb that sounded. "Okay okay… scratch that. Forget I said anything!! "
He said nothing, just nodded slightly and turned to check the doors you hadn’t closed yet. You followed him, muttering under your breath.
"Pfft… he’s so stiff. I wonder if he even knows how to smile properly…"
Kokushibo glanced at you, his dark eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "You talk too much "
You grinned. "Oh? And you talk too little!! "
He didn’t answer, just motioned toward the last door. You walked over and pushed it closed, listening for the click. "There!! Mission accomplished!! "
He didn’t say anything, just stood quietly for a moment. Then he finally spoke. "You wake up early easily...not common for humans."
You shrugged, stretching again. "Eh…easily heh? I guess I like mornings plus you're the one who woke me up!!and it’s fun to annoy you first thing in the morning!! "
His eyes flickered to you. "Annoying is subjective."
You laughed. "Mhm… sure sure… subjective. That’s one way to put it!!"
He finally moved, walking toward the hallway. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Follow."
You tilted your head. "Wait wait waitare you inviting me to eat with you? That’s new."
He didn’t answer, just gestured toward the dining area. You followed, walking behind him slowly. "Pfft okay I’ll bite...but you better not be giving me one of those scary serious stares while I eat!! and where's your plate? "
"Mhm. I don't eat this kind of breakfast" Kokushibo said calmly, folding his hands in front of him.
"Aaaa right… you eat humans," you said, rolling your eyes and sitting down on the cushion across from him. "Not that I’m judging just..!wow okay then."
You picked up the small bowl of rice and fish he set in front of you, peeking at it suspiciously. "Mhm… okay let’s see if this is human-proof," you muttered, giving him a sideways glance.
He didn’t respond, just watched silently, arms folded. You took a cautious bite of the rice, chewing slowly. "Mhm okay not bad. The rice is fluffy and the fish actually tastes good," you said, nodding appreciatively.
He tilted his head slightly. "Good. It should be nourishing."
You scooped another bite with your chopsticks. "Pfft wow you actually cook really well. I didn’t expect that!!"
"It is simple. Nothing more," he said calmly, though his dark eyes flickered briefly toward you, as if noting your expression.
You smiled, chewing another bite. "Mhm simple can still be good. Honestly, I’m impressed usually serious people like you can’t even make breakfast without burning the house down."
He said nothing, just watched you, his posture still perfect and unmoving. You giggled softly. "Pfft okay I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I kinda like eating with you it’s weirdly relaxing."
He finally inclined his head slightly, the closest thing to acknowledgment you’d gotten so far. "Relaxation is a human luxury. You enjoy it for yourself."
"Mhm… yeah, I guess I can," you said with a small shrug, taking another bite of rice. "But seriously… your food is really good. I’d actually eat this every day if I could."
You nodded slowly, setting your empty bowl aside. "Mhm yeah I figured that not exactly my favorite thing to do first thing in the morning though."
He didn’t react, just folded his arms, watching you carefully. "It is necessary. You will behave."
You rolled your eyes, trying to act casual even though your stomach twisted a little. "Mhm of course wouldn’t want to upset the big boss or anything." You paused, glancing at him. "Do you, like...,ever get nervous around him?"
He glanced at you briefly, his expression unreadable. "I do not show it. It is..unwise."
You nodded slowly, picking at the edge of the table. "Yeah..makes sense that guy gives me the creeps too." You shivered slightly, but then laughed. "Mhm anyway thanks for the breakfast seriously. I’m actually kinda full like in a good way."
Kokushibo’s dark eyes met yours again, calm and steady. "Eat properly. You will need energy for the day."
You grinned, feeling oddly comfortable around him despite the tension. "Mhm don’t worry I got this I’m full of energy well, mostly… pfft."
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