OC x Rengoku Kyojuro [REMAKE]- "Thankful for you "

Chapter 3.

        Mourning has never been easy. I've never had to deal with it since I've never met anyone besides my close family. But I had lost my sister, the only friend I've had. I was all alone. I couldn't even explain this phenomenon. My whole world had turned grey. It
was so desaturated and sad. All I could see was her face. And how different she looked. At night I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep or I'd have the same nightmare. My mother let me go to her funeral, it was only me and my parents. That day I couldn't bring myself to leave her grave. After all, it was partially my fault for her death. But after all, I did have something left from her. A nasty scar. I don't blame her at all. I blame those demon slayers for turning her into this. It's unfair. She deserved a happy life with her fiancé. She deserved to have a family and to be happy. She made me feel happy all these years, so why can't the world repay her? It's not fair.

My mother and father were stronger than me, they tried to refrain themselves from seeing the grave of their dead daughter. They never forgot her, they put a memorial in front of our house, near the flowers she grew together with me. I'd visit her grave every day for the following months on my mother's accord. Every day I was more and more hesitant to come to her and remind myself of the pain I had to endure. Even if it was hard, I'd tell her everything that happened daily, hoping she would be listening.
"I'm training harder and harder to be better. Just for you, big sister."
I promised I'd punish the people who did this to you.  I'll avenge you. But, one day, as I was mourning I sensed a familiar person. I turn to only lock eyes with the flaming boy from my childhood. He was reaching out to my hair. He stopped and put his hand back awkwardly.

"Do you need something?"
My face was still covered with bandages, so I assumed he had no clue who I was.
"Your hair reminded me of someone!"
He speaks up, his voice echoing through the silent graveyard. I analyze him from head to toe. He hasn't changed a bit. Before replying to him, I slowly realize he's a Demon Slayer. But again, he's been nice to me in my childhood. He couldn't have changed.
"Right. You might not recognize me because of the bandages. It is exactly who you're thinking of."
"Ah! You've grown quite a lot. Chō, I believe was your name."
Kyojuro's smile widened and his face lit up.
"Your hair is still really beautiful."
He continued. He hasn't changed one bit. He's still as friendly as he was that one day. I appreciated the fact that he didn't bring up my bandages. I could feel my cheeks beginning to warm up. The scenery warms up as well, his whole demeanor made my world more colorful. He really is the sun.
"Thank you."
I smile. A genuine smile.
"I must go. But, until fate brings us back together, goodbye."
He bows and turns around, leaving the graveyard. Even if he was a Demon Slayer, he was nice. He seemed like a good person. Why would such a kind and warm person join such a corrupt corporation? It took me a while to notice that I was holding onto my kimono. I wasn't as tensed up as I used to be. It was like just his presence warmed my heart up. I sit back down near my sister's grave.

"Oh sister, is this what you and father call love? It sounds like what you both described. It's completely foolish though! It can't be it..."
I sigh, pondering.
"You know. It's definitely not love. It's probably just a way to escape the sad truth. Besides, he's an evil Demon Slayer. I can't fall in love with a man that's part of the corporation that killed you. That would be cruel."
I sigh. I feel my heart sink. It felt too far-fetched to say such things, but my mother said them and she's always right. She's wise. And I'm only 16. I can't be independent yet, I have to listen to her and her orders.
"I'll see you tomorrow, I have to train."

I get up and bow. I leave her grave and go back to my monotone life. But, this time, it felt different. It wasn't as sad as it used to be. I was starting to see color again. My world was slowly coming back together.
"I'm back, mother."
I say as I enter our estate and bow. 
"Welcome back. Your training dummies are ready. Please train until your father will call you for dinner."
My mother bluntly points outside. She's affected, so she's not in her element. Endlessly training. It felt so repetitive and tedious. Doing this 4 times a day. Skipping meals because of my determination and anger. I hated this. I gripped my sword and went out to train. Before leaving my mother stops me.
"You're doing great."
"Thank you."

I don't bother to turn around. She's said this countless of times without even meaning it. I've heard her call me useless and talentless enough times in my childhood while she was teaching me her stupid Breathing Technique. I'm sick and tired of this lifestyle. I go in front of the training dummy and stare it down. I grip my sword and get ready to launch myself at it until my face softens. I stop. I remind myself of Kyojuro. The flaming boy from my childhood. The now young adult that compliments me at the graveyard. I don't think he'd approve of my violent approach. I tear up. Whenever he told me I was going great he meant it. He'd watch me train in secret while hiding in the bushes. Seeing him gush over my fighting and attacks made me feel like I was appreciated. I've never seen Kyojuro in battle, I'd love to one day. But besides Kyojuro, would my sister be approving of this? My violent approach on everything due to this unexplained anger? Stupid.

I remember my mom's words. Sometimes this violence needs to be let out. I close my eyes and grit my teeth. Steam came out of my mouth as I mouthed the Breathing Technique. Next thing you know, I wake up on the grass, it was spongy and uncomfortable. Before I got up I was greeted by Kyokuro himself. Before I could react he hushed me.
"Hey, hey. Your parents are asleep."
"What are you even doing here?"
"I wanted to watch you train. And I've come to talk to you."
"Are you insane? What if my mother catches you?! She's gonna instantly know you're a filthy Demon Slayer!"
"Oh don't say that!"

He protests with whispers and quiet words. I get up and drag him out of the garden.
"Alright, what did you want to talk about?"
"I've noticed that the grave you were sitting by today was your sisters. And you seem injured. Do you mind if you explain it to me?"
He curiously asks. I look away, contemplating.
"Fine."
I sit on a nearby log and pat the remaining space next to me. Kyojuro sits down and starts listening closely.
"My sister got turned into a demon by the corporation you're in. And she attacked us. I hesitated and I got slashed across the face. And, as a consequence I had to kill her."
I bluntly let out all the story.
"I'm so sorry for your loss! Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No. No one knows about me either way, neither about my sister's death. They just think she and her fiancé ran away."
"That's cruel."

Kyojuro scratches the back of his neck.
"Before I leave, I wanted to give you this."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pink ribbon. I tilt my head and look at him.
"I thought it would look good with your hair." He smiles and ties a part of my hair with the ribbon. I blush and look away as he gets up.
"T-Thank you!"
I quickly get up as well and bow in front of him.
"Thank you so much for your kindness. May we meet again!"
I look back up at him and keep a straight posture.
"Goodnight, Chō!"
He says before speeding off into town. I inhale and exhale heavily as I caress the ribbon he tied to my hair. I rush back inside and quietly make my way into my room. I'll cherish this ribbon from now on.
"Thank you."