𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 - 𝗞𝘆𝗼𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗸𝘂 𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

~Chapter 33~

You slowly walked across the dark empty streets, with Giyu in front of you taking the lead.

Several days have passed since your date with Kyojuro, and things are going very well between the two of you. He was a very loving boyfriend. Every time you looked at him, you saw how much passion he had for you. Senjuro was delighted that you started visiting his place more often. Even if you tried to tell him it was unnecessary, he would always whip up your favorite meals. This was the first time your life had gone uphill, and you were incredibly grateful. You prayed nothing could ever ruin what you had.

You glanced at Giyu. He almost seemed quiet... well, more quiet than usual. You smiled, deciding to open up a conversation with him.

"Hey, Giyu! You said the demon we're facing is a powerful one, right?" You asked, walking up to him so now that you were side to side with him. Giyu nodded, keeping his gaze fixed in front of him. You nodded.

"That's great! I can assure you that I've improved a lot more. We're going to kick that demon's ass in no time!" You smirked confidently as Giyu nodded again, without saying anything. You figured keeping your mouth shut as well would be helpful. You both continued walking in dead silence for a few moments until Giyu decided to break the silence.

"I heard you and Kyojuro-San got together. Congratulations." He said blankly. You figured that Tengen-sama and Shinazugawa-San have told a few others. You nodded and chuckled nervously.

"Oh! Uhm, thanks I guess, haha" you said, rubbing the back of your head. Your eyes widened, looking back up to Giyu once again, "By the way! Giyu, I was wondering... do you like someone?" You asked as Giyu tensed up. He simply shrugged, not knowing how to exactly answer your question.

"Not... exactly..." he mumbled, looking down, "Even if I did. I don't think that there's any chance of them liking me back." Giyu said emotionlessly. You slightly tilted your head in confusion. Was that a yes or a no?

"Why do you think that, Giyu? I think you're pretty cool if I had to be honest myself. I mean, look at you! You're a swordsman! You fight man-eating monsters! You're even a pillar, Giyu! If anything, all the girls should be head over heels for you." You said. Giyu stayed silent. 'You're even a pillar, Giyu!' Yes, she was right. He was a pillar, but... did he deserve that title? Did he deserve all the credit he takes? Did he deserve the life he has been given to begin with? He continued walking silently, an emotionless expression plastered on his face, his lips slightly pursed. You look at his face. "You know, Giyu," you looked up at the stars in the sky, "If you want to talk, I'm always here. Isn't that what friends are for?" Giyu looked down.

"I don't deserve to live." He simply said, continuing to walk as your eyes widened. What did he mean?! Why is he saying that about himself?! You almost felt a weight pressing onto your chest. Giyu's statement... reminded you of the person you used to be when you were younger. You thought you didn't deserve to live too. You believed that you were a mistake, a brown stain on a white shirt that should be wiped out. You thought your life was worthless, that you were worthless. You believed that a person like you did not deserve a chance to live. You felt like a failure, and your parents didn't help, especially after the death of your grandma. "I just... I don't deserve to be a swordsman, nor do I deserve to be a pillar. It was all a mistake. Just one big mistake. I am that mistake." Giyu continued, "If I wasn't born, nee-chan would still be here. Maybe she would've gotten married by now. If I wasn't born, he wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself for me. I'm useless." You looked down. You had no idea of the guilt Giyu has been carrying on his back, but you knew it was painful. Very painful. It was like feeling your flesh getting ripped off your bones.

You frowned, balling your fists as you turned to Giyu angrily. If there was anything you hated, it was the fact that you just heard one of your friends saying how the world would've been a better place if he never existed. You slapped Giyu on the side of the face, leaving Giyu taken aback as he placed a hand on where you slapped him. "Listen here, young man! Your sister and whoever that he is did what they had to do to keep you safe, Giyu! They granted you a longer life, and I'm sure they wouldn't want you wasting your life away by wanting to end that life they sacrificed themselves for." You said angrily, "I swear if I hear you saying such things about yourself again, it's going to be over for us! I won't be your friend anymore!" Giyu's eyes widened, feeling his heart clench. She even acts like him... Giyu swallowed the lump that formed in his throat, nodding slowly as he looked down, but you weren't satisfied with his response. You grabbed the sides of his face, making him look into your eyes. "Say you promise you won't say such a thing about yourself!"