Quietude

2

| Quietude - Chapter 2 - Interest

Two days had passed now since Kyojuro's first time at the [L/n] forge.

Upon returning to the Demon Slayers' headquarters, he had shown to be more energetic and spirited than usual; the shift in his mood hadn't gone unnoticed by his peers.

Despite being unable to tag along in expeditions given his sword was in the swordsmith's care, he still wished his companions' safe travels—with twice as much vigor and enthusiasm, as matter of course.

The Flame Pillar was in a considerably brighter mood and left a trail of tangible happiness wherever he passed.

Giyuu watched on as Kyojuro walked by, sending him a wave so dynamic he had to pray the man's arm wouldn't fall off. But Kyojuro was beaming, and Giyuu couldn't bring himself to leave him hanging.

Reciprocating the gesture meekly, the Water Pillar had to shut his eyes not to get blinded by the smile Rengoku flashed back at him. He breathed a sigh of relief once the lively Demon Slayer went on his way.

"...Rengoku's even fuller of energy since he returned from that patrol. He's so...bright." Literally. Giyuu grumbled as he rubbed the soreness out of his eyes.

He failed to understand what could have had sparked such light in the Flame-breathing Pillar—more so than usual, he meant. What was it about a simple patrol that could have made him so...so radiant?

"It's not like you could ever relate." While Giyuu mulled over the predicament, Shinobu peeked her head over his shoulder, marking her comment with a snicker. Giyuu released an irksome sigh, briskly walking off with an inaudible mutter of "Insect witch..."

Meanwhile, Kyojuro resumed his little stroll, still caught up on his little cloud of euphoria.

As he passed the area nearing the Butterfly Estate, he spotted the couple of Mitsuri and Obanai not far away. He stopped in his tracks to greet them with a resounding "Hello!" and a wave.

The pair's heads snapped in direction of the Flame Pillar, and they greeted him in return. Iguro responded with a curt nod while Kanroji waved back with almost the same enthusiasm, a wide smile etched across her bedazzling features. She excused herself from Iguro's side and rushed to meet up with Kyojuro.

"Rengoku-san, Rengoku-san!" exclaimed the girl before sucking in a sharp inhale.

"Rengoku-san, I couldn't help but notice the change in your mood ever since you returned from that patrol in the mountains, and I've been wondering!" she spoke in a single breath, clutching her hands to her chest.

Kyojuro blinked owlishly at the girl's volubility, nodding slowly at her words. He quickly recollected himself and replied with an assured, "Ask away."

There was a sparkle in Mitsuri's green eyes when she spoke. "Rengoku-san, have you perhaps met someone?"

To which Kyojuro notably brightened and immediately answered with a booming "Yes!"

"Eeeek!" Mitsuri jumped in place, clapping her hands excitedly as her face practically glowed with the stretch of her smile.

"Rengoku-san, Rengoku-san!" Mitsuri's cheeks flushed in delight. She'd finally be able to prove her worth as bearer of the title of Love Pillar...! She was now set on becoming the best counselor there ever was. "Rengoku-san, you look so happy just thinking about them! Was it...love at first sight?!"

"Haha! How cute of you to ask!" the golden-eyed swordsman laughed. "But I don't think so." Mitsuri visibly deflated. "I didn't even get the chance to see his face." The girl jolted in surprise.